YA Authors IRL

Teen Bookfest by the Bay

Busloads of teens from south Texas filled the American Bank Center in Corpus Christi on Saturday February 18 for a memorable day celebrating literature for young adults. Against a stunning waterfront background the third annual Teen Bookfest by the Bay welcomed twenty nine authors who came to share their books, offer insights into the writing process and create memorable moments for young readers. A wide assortment of author panel discussions were offered that included these sessions: The Scarier the Better, Love in Peril, Mind Matters, Survivors, The Real Thing, Worlds Away, Love is Funny (or is it?), Worlds Away, and Gift or Curse. In addition to the panel presentations, teens also had the option to attend more intensive workshops which focused on illustration, manga, and writing. 
Numerous events throughout the day provided teens with opportunities for photos and interactions with guest authors. The day concluded with a book signing session.
Spectacular day!  Kudos to the Teen Bookfest by the Bay committee, event sponsors, and authors!  

Bookfest by the Bay Snaphots

Author secrets: giraffes, sloth, Kevin the dog, and 1950's furnishings.
Steven Parlato, Jeff Zentner, Beth Fehlbaum, Jennifer Mathieu

Teens are "my people."
Terri Farley, Kym Brunner, Brendan Kiely, Diana Lopez
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Writing fuel: oreos, Diet Coke, tacos, coffee, dark chocolate sea salt almonds.
Guadalupe Garcia McCall, Jacqueline E. Smith, Laura Stampler

"I got a signed book!"

"P.J. Hoover came to my school. She is great."

"I got books signed by two authors!"

"I can't wait to read this signed book."

Illustrators try creating illustrations for a well-known fairy tale.

Evan Turk demonstrates sketching techniques.

Great advice. Memorable lines. 

"Write about who and what fascinate you." Jeff Zentner

"Let your characters lead you where they want to go" Steven Parlato

​"Where are the books about us?" Latina students asked Diana Lopez

"Listen to the music inside you." Guadalupe Garcia McCall

​"It's a matter of practice & persistence." Jeff Zentner

"I've always processed my life through writing." ​ Beth Fehlbaum