UKYA

YALC – The Maddest Weekend Ever – A Reflection

So I’ve just got back from a mad weekend in London for London Film and Comic Con because the first ever Young Adult Literature Convention was hosted there. This is going to be my round up, but instead of boring you with the details about the long queues (seriously, I queued three times on Saturday!) and the IMG_3263nonexistent air-conditioning, I’m instead going to reflect on all the amazing things I’ve learned this weekend.

I admit that I was incredibly nervous about going. I was even contemplating not going at one point, but I’m glad I did in the end. The biggest thing I’ve learned this weekend is that I have the most amazing friends in the world. From meeting people I’ve known since I first started blogging (Rebecca, that’s you!), and people I’ve only just met, it was so, so amazing to meet every single one of you.

I think I finally understand what the word ‘community’ means because we – the YA community – are so, so strong and tight. I used to worry about my age and how young I am compared to everyone else but this weekend I realised that it really doesn’t matter. You can be any gender, any age, any ANYTHING, and you will be welcomed. 

I feel incredibly blessed that I know all of you. I’ve been feeling so out of touch with the blogging world lately, so much so that sometimes I even feel like quitting, but I realised that I blog because I love it and I love the people and I would not be the same person without my blog.

IMG_3275Two years ago, I would never have had the confidence to go to something like YALC and actually talk to people. I feel as if I spoke to so many people this weekend and I am so, so proud of myself.

This weekend has also taught me the importance of supporting each and every person in our community. Whether sharing a blog post on Twitter or writing a comment on a blog post, we need to stay together to stay alive and stay true to the community we are.

I really have made friends for life in each and every one of you. I love you all – we’re all one big family!

Because I met so many of you this weekend, I didn’t want to exclude any of you so I hope you don’t feel offended if I haven’t mentioned you – I tried to include everyone as a whole rather than mention specific people and leave hordes out. 

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10 Comments

  • Reply
    Chrissi Reads
    Twitter:
    13 July, 2014 at 10:09 pm

    Lovely post Lucy! Sorry that we didn’t get to meet!
    Chrissi Reads recently posted…The Truth About AliceMy Profile

  • Reply
    Samina
    13 July, 2014 at 10:28 pm

    I’m so happy for you Lucy. I am jealous at the same time. I hope I was there too and could have met all the people I chat on twitter. I don’t know many but I hoped to make freinds.

    I’m glad you enjoyed the experince. Next year I’ll surely go and I hope I get to meet you too.

  • Reply
    The Whispering Of The Pages
    14 July, 2014 at 12:38 am

    I agree with all of this, especially the age thing. I feel YA is one of the few communities where age doesn’t matter.

    So glad you did come!

  • Reply
    jayd @ books food and other things
    14 July, 2014 at 11:33 am

    Wonderful post Lucy! I was so happy to meet you, I’m so glad you had a good time!
    jayd @ books food and other things recently posted…Review: Hollow City by Ransom RiggsMy Profile

  • Reply
    Jesse Owen
    14 July, 2014 at 1:23 pm

    Brilliant post for a brilliant event – I’m so glad you had fun! 🙂
    Jesse Owen recently posted…Summer’s Shadow Book Launch At Topping Books BathMy Profile

  • Reply
    Anya
    Twitter:
    14 July, 2014 at 3:06 pm

    So great to bump into you on Saturday, although I’m gutted I couldn’t make it on Sunday too. Our community is the best, huh? Accepting anyone, no matter age or gender or whatever, as long as they love to read. Go us!

  • Reply
    Rebecca-Books
    Twitter:
    14 July, 2014 at 5:09 pm

    It was a crazy day, but one of the highlights for me was finally meeting you, Lucy! It was really lovely to finally meet you and spend some time going round with you. If you find yourself in London or Bournemouth soon, let me know and we can meet up!
    Also, I love this post (like all of yours really). The book blogging community has definitely become stronger since YALC. I never would have dreamed of going to somewhere like YALC when I started book blogging four years ago, it’s amazing! 🙂

  • Reply
    Holly
    Twitter:
    14 July, 2014 at 6:30 pm

    Glad you enjoyed yourself and you’ve really made me realise what a wonderful community this is.
    I’ve been told that I can go to YALC next year! (Providing that they have a YALC next year) So hopefully if you chose to go I’ll be able to meet you! xx
    Holly recently posted…#Feels – Hollyquillsandivy Guest PostMy Profile

  • Reply
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  • Reply
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