Today, I’m flying to Melbourne, via a three hour stopover in Alice Springs, arriving just in time for the authors’ meet and greet for Reading Matters. I’m excited and honoured to be talking at what I’m told is one of the biggest, best and most enjoyable conferences for YA authors and readers.

I’ve been getting ready for this for the last couple of months; the Reading Matters Team sends out copies of books by your co-panellists so you can read them before the conference (I know – great idea, huh?). Which means I’ve read…

The Flywheel by Erin Gough

Jump by Sean Williams

Calypso Summer by Jared Thomas

The First Third by Will Kostakis

Dear Child by Abe Nouk

On A Small Island by Kyle Hughes-Odgers

Tell Me How a Crush Should Feel by Sara Farizan

Speak, Wintergirls and The Jagged Edge of Memory by Laurie Halse Anderson

The Interrogation of Ashala Wolf by Ambellin Kwaymullina

And yes, reading these books means that I will be meeting these authors! Can’t wait! I’m also thrilled be spending three days touring rural Victoria with Laurie Halse Anderson after the conference finishes!