They say there’s nothing new under the sun, but what about making something new from the old? Graham Akhurst and Scott Wilson are experts at this, having both adapted traditional First Nations stories in their contemporary narratives. Graham and Scott will join Youth Curator Sophie to talk about the importance of keeping ancient cultures alive and writing genre fiction that thrills and entertains.

A picture tells a thousand words, so how better to tell a story than using both? Graphic novelist Sarah Winifred Searle and comic-book writer Scott Wilson have a way with words and pictures and are telling their stories one panel at a time. Youth Curator Lila will ask them about the similarities and differences of super-hero comics and fantasy graphic novels, and how storytelling can be bright, beautiful, and FUN.

Rebellious characters are often the central protagonists of YA novels and writing them can be an act of rebellion too. Yuot A. Alaak, Graham Akhurst and Kate Emery will unpack their recent novels with Youth Curator Bella, talking about tackling serious topics for a young audience, how tough times can be a source of inspiration, and the power of words to change the world.

Prolific children’s and YA author Morris Gleitzman, graphic novelist Sarah Winifred Searle, and comics editor and publisher Wolfgang Bylsma chat with Youth Curator Bella about the high and lows of their careers, how creativity and a rebellious spirit have shaped their work and lives, and their advice for budding creatives dreaming of seeing their own stories and comics published.