Scribblers | The YA Collective

This event is a program curated by young people for young people, and is suitable for ages 13+.

The YA Collective presents panel discussions with YA storytellers curated by teens, for teens. Youth Curators – Bella, Brooke, Lila, Rafael and Sophie – have worked with award-winning YA author A.J. Betts to design a program that asks our stars the questions you really want the answers to. 

The YA Collective is FREE but bookings are essential. Sign up and go into the draw to WIN a book pack!

10:00am - 10:40pm
MYTHMAKING FOR THE MODERN ERA | GRAHAM AKHURST (NSW) INTERVIEWED BY SOPHIE
They say there’s nothing new under the sun, but what about taking an existing story and creating something new with it? Graham Akhurst is an expert at putting a modern twist on an old story. Graham will join Youth Curator Sophie to talk about bringing fantasy elements into a modern setting, writing scary stories, and finding inspiration in old sources.

11:00am - 11:40am 

PICTURING THE WORDS | SARAH WINIFRED SEARLE (WA) & SCOTT WILSON (WA) INTERVIEWED BY LILA 

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. 

12:20pm - 1:00pm 

CHANGING THE WORLD ONE REBEL AT A TIME | YUOT A. ALAAK (WA) & GRAHAM AKHURST (NSW) INTERVIEWED BY BELLA 

Rebellious characters are often the central protagonists of YA novels and writing them can be an act of rebellion too. Yuot A. Alaak and Graham Akhurst 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. 

1:20pm - 2:00pm 

LIVING THE (CREATIVE) DREAM | MORRIS GLEITZMAN (QLD) SARAH WINIFRED SEARLE (WA) & WOLFGANG BYLSMA (WA) INTERVIEWED BY SOPHIE 
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.

GRAHAM AKHURST (NSW)
Graham Akhurst is a Kokomini writer who grew up in Meanjin (Brisbane), and now lives on Gadigal Country in Sydney where he enjoys walking Centennial Park with a good audiobook. His debut book Borderland is a young adult novel that looks at issues of urban Indigenous youth identity. 

SARAH WINIFRED SEARLE (WA)

Sarah Winifred Searle originally hails from the USA and now lives in Perth with their beloved spouse and cat. They write and draw comics and prose, exploring themes of identity, health, relationships, and history across many genres. The Greatest Thing, their YA graphic novel, is a Lammy Award and CBCA Book of the Year finalist, and a Prime Minister’s Literary Award winner. Their latest book, The Sweetness Between Us, comes out in October 2024.

SCOTT WILSON (WA)
Scott Wilson is a proud Gooniyandi and Gadgerong man from the remote Kimberley community of Muludja. Ever since Scott was a kid, he’s always had a vivid imagination and passion for storytelling, drawing and comic books. Adam Heart (aka Dark Heart) of the Indigiverse is Scott’s Aboriginal superhero character, inspired by his ancestors and the Dreaming. 

YUOT A. ALAAK (WA)
Yuot A. Alaak is an Australian Sudanese writer whose memoir, Father of the Lost Boys, is about growing up in a warzone, and the bravery of his father. Yuot lives in Perth with his family where he works as a mining professional. When not writing or mining, Yuot loves to relax with family and friends over a barbecue.


WOLFGANG BYLSMA (WA)
Wolfgang Bylsma is the Editor-in Chief for Perth-based publishing house Gestalt Comics, and serves as chief executive for Comics On Country, a not-for-profit organisation established to support more First Nations voices in Australian comics. His publishing endeavours have helped change the nature of the comics industry in Australia and assisted in building reputations and careers for Australian talent in the international market.