
So, I was 10 years old and my mum told me that Jacqueline Wilson was going to be at my local civic hall and you could meet her and get her to sign your books. 10 year old me couldn't have been more excited; she had been my idol for years. At the time, I didn't know she was my idol but looking back, I did completely idolise her. I spent hours (and I'm not exaggerating) choosing 2 books for her to sign. I ended up choosing Midnight and Love Lessons. Bearing in mind, this was 13 years ago, I remember so vividly waiting in that line to meet her, clutching my books to my chest, wondering what to say to her.

Yes, I've met many famous people since, where I've cried, got emotional and been starstruck but nothing quite compares to meeting an author; especially meeting Jacqueline Wilson. I remember meeting Sara Barnard at YALC last year (author of Beautiful, Broken Things) and as I got to the front, she said, "Oh I know you, I've seen your YouTube videos" and I could have quite easily fallen apart right there. I'm not sure why but getting praise or recognition from an author is the greatest kind for me, because they have a bloody hard job, but one of the most rewarding.
I'm so thankful that YALC exists because authors aren't exactly the easiest people to meet but last year gave me a chance to experience that same feeling I felt when I was 10 years old, queuing to meet someone who has made a difference to my life somehow, no matter how small or significant. With most of the authors I met, I struggled to speak, how could I convey everything I felt reading their books in such a short space of time?
So to authors like Samantha Shannon, Melissa Salisbury, Kass Morgan, Sara Barnard, Sally Green, VE Schwab, Non Pratt, Natalie Flynn and so many other fantastic authors I've met...this one's for you, thank you.
In honour of yesterday, Happy World Book Day!
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What book has made a difference in your life?
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