The Annual Event is a month long celebration of all things UKYA, highlighting books by British and Irish authors (resident and national) and asking their views on topic affecting the community. All views are the author’s own.
About the Authors:
Abiola Bello is a Nigerian-British, prize-winning, bestselling children’s/YA author who was born and raised in London. Abiola is an advocate for diversity in books for young people. She is the author of multiple bestselling books from younger fiction to YA and her books have been featured in The Guardian Children’s & Teens, The Bookseller One To Watch, Amazon Editor’s Choice, Waterstones Book of the Month to name a few
Deirdre Sullivan is an award winning YA author. Her most recent novel is Wise Creatures (Hot Key 2023)
Katy Birchall is the author of several young adult and teen novels and has co-written books with Alesha Dixon, Lucy Edwards, and Lydia and Lucy Connell. She has written a retelling of Jane Austen’s Emma for the Awesomely Austen series and the Netflix spin-off novel Sex Education: The Road Trip. She is also the author of several romantic comedies for adults . She writes romantic fiction for young adults under the name Ivy Bailey, romantic-comedy under the name Katrina Logan, and romantic sports fiction for adults under Katherine Reilly. She has also written the non-fiction book How to be a Princess: Real-life Fairy Tales for Modern Heroines. Katy lives in London with her husband, daughter and rescue dog.
About their books:
Title: THE LOVE DARE
Author: Abiola Bello
Pitch: Can a dare made at Notting Hill Carnival turn into true love? He’s All That meets How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days in this trope-filled sizzling summer romance, perfect for fans of Joya Goffney and Lynn Painter.
Find on Goodreads. Find on Bookshop.org (affiliate link).
Title: WISE CREATURES
Author: Deirdre Sullivan
Pitch: When her cousin Nina is haunted, Daisy wants to help. But her past casts lingering shadows and waking old ghosts could be a terrible mistake.
Find on Goodreads.
Title: HOT YOUNG ROYALS
Author: Katy Birchall
Pitch: After the death of her mother, Ruby is thrust into the glittering world of London’s upper-class. At Clairmont Hall, the corridors are ruled by the Elites – a group made up not only of London’s richest but actual royalty. Princess Caroline is rumoured to be dating the dazzling duke, Xavier. Ruby realizes infiltrating the Elites might be the key to finding out who her father is. As secrets begin to unravel, Ruby agrees to fake date Xavier in the bid for Clairmont Queen, but she’s not sure her feelings are strictly pretend. And Ruby swears he’s been sending a few glances her way…
Find on Goodreads. Find on Bookshop.org (affiliate link).
In your opinion, how has social media helped foster the UKYA community?
Abiola Bello: It’s connected the authors to bloggers and readers and showcased homegrown talent, especially those from an underrepresented background.
Deirdre Sullivan: I think it allows connection and conversation between readers, it’s certainly allowed me more insight into the people who love my books and as a writer I’m sometimes really surprised by the insight and engagement they have. It’s a privilege to be read, and close and interested readers mean the world.
Katy Birchall: Social media brings together a community of passionate YA readers from all over the world who find joy and connection by sharing books that have shaped them and characters that mean something to them. Through social media, authors and readers can engage in discussions and debates thrown up by issues addressed in these books, but most importantly, YA fans have the chance to express their passion on these platforms, share their joy in reading, and ultimately feel less alone. It’s a wonderful community, I feel lucky to be a part of it.
In which ways do you think we can responsibly use social media to introduce YA titles to teenagers? How can we go beyond social media to reach them, given conversations in several countries around re-thinking current legislation on such platforms for minors?
Abiola Bello: I think more author interview whether it’s a blog or a recording so the author is directly speaking to the teenagers. Not all school can afford an author visit so this is something that should happen more
Deirdre Sullivan: It’s a really thorny one, as there are so many benefits and then the dangers too. Difficult to come up with a solution but I think approaching it with kindness, care and respect is key, as well as empowering kids to develop their critical thinking faculties, which books can be so good for. In this time of chaos and discord, connection and care is more important than ever, and books can open worlds.
Katy Birchall: I think it’s all about creating content around YA titles that is engaging and fun, celebrating inclusivity and diversity and encouraging discussion in which everyone feels safe to be themselves, to feel seen and heard. That’s what a lot of YA authors are trying to achieve in telling these stories and weaving in certain themes and character experiences – so that someone out there will read the book, recognise that feeling and be reassured that they’re not the only one. It’s important that when those readers go on to social media, they feel just as connected and safe in YA literary discussion. Book festivals and author events through schools, libraries and bookshops are a great way to bring YA fans together, whilst also supporting booksellers and authors.
How do you think the YA market is going to change thanks to emerging technologies like AI?
Abiola Bello: Oh gosh hopefully not too much as AI can never really capture any authentic voice but YA authors shouldn’t be discouraged and should continue to write their stories
Deirdre Sullivan: Yes, but I don’t think for the better, like many writers my work has been used without my consent to train AI, and I have deep reservations about the lack of respect for each other, and indeed the environment.
Katy Birchall: At the heart of the YA market is people – talented authors and avid readers who share a passion for storytelling creativity and human experience – so I’m hoping that emerging technologies won’t threaten that crucial heartbeat of the book world. If technologies like AI are responsibly leveraged by the publishing industry to attract a new audience, or alert readers to books based on personal preferences and help marketing strategies, then we can hope that the way emerging technologies will change the YA market is to help it grow.
What steps would you like publishing needs to take in response to the rise of AI?
Abiola Bello: It’s such a big conversation because Meta stole our work but takes no responsibility. That is beyond so much of our control because Meta is massive but if we all come together against AI I do think that would make an impact
Deirdre Sullivan: More care with intellectual property, more respect for the artists who design the covers. Trying to ensure that writers and artists are valued, respected and adequately paid, and that AI is used thoughtfully and sparingly. I know environmental impact is really important to Hot Key, my publisher for Wise Creatures, and I’d like to see more of that across the board.
Katy Birchall: Safeguards must be put in place. It’s essential that the work of authors is protected in terms of copyright and publishers need to have clear AI guidelines.
Thank you all! For more interviews, check here and don’t forget to check instagram (here) for book recommendations from these authors and more!
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