What are you currently reading?
I’m just finishing up Ask the Passengers by A.S. King, and am about to start Illuminae by Amie Kaufman and Jay Kristoff, which I’m pretty excited to read – I’ve heard nothing but amazing things about it.
What are your recent OzYA favourites?
The last OzYA title that I read was Inbetwen Days by Vikki Wakefield, which I just adored – really complex, raw, beautiful characters. And it also had me humming The Cure whenever I looked at the cover, which was an added bonus!
What 5 OzYA titles are currently in your TBR pile?
- Laurinda by Alice Pung
- Summer Skin by Kirsty Eagar
- Stolen by Lucy Christopher
- Illuminae by Amie Kaufman and Jay Kristoff
- A Single Stone by Meg McKinlay
What advice would you give to aspiring YA authors?
Read everything YA you can get your hands on. Keep on top of conversations that are happening in the YA world – there’s always writers festivals, conferences, library talks and other events happening, and they’re a great way of becoming involved in the community.
Can you tell us a little bit about your current writing project?
I’m finishing up my third YA novel, which is tentatively titled The Secret Science of Magic. It’s been a long haul, one of the most challenging things I have written (in a good way!) I can see the light at the end of the tunnel, almost, and I’m actually feeling quite sad to be reaching the end of the road with these characters.
Visit Melissa Keil's website for more information about her books and author events.
January YA New Releases
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| Lady Helen and the Dark Days Club by Alison Goodman (HarperCollins) |
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| The Reluctant Jillaroo by Kaz Delaney (Allen & Unwin) |
February YA New Releases
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| Bro by Helen Chebatte (Hardie Grant) |
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| First Person Shooter by Cameron Raynes (MidnightSun Publishing) |
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| My Sister Rosa by Justine Larbalestier (Allen & Unwin) |
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| The Stars at Oktober Bend by Glenda Millard (Allen & Unwin) |
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| Summer Skin by Kirsty Eager (Allen & Unwin) |
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| Yellow by Megan Jacobson (Penguin) |
