Panel
5.15 PM – 6.15 PM
Pack your bags and buckle up for a panel full of epic journeys, unexpected detours, and emotional discoveries. Hosted by author Kate Mallinder, this road trip-themed discussion features authors Jacqueline Silvester, J.L. Simmonds, and K.L. Walther, whose stories take readers on unforgettable rides. From sun-soaked highways to cross-country adventures, they’ll explore how road trips create the perfect backdrop for romance, friendship, self-discovery and a few twists along the way. Ideal for fans of heartfelt YA with a strong sense of place, movement, and transformation.
About J. L. Simmonds
J. L. Simmonds grew up by the seaside but now lives in Bristol. She studied English Literature and worked in marketing and communications for ten years before returning to Bath Spa for her MA in Writing for Young People. She writes joyful LGBTQ+ YA, bad poetry and text messages with too many emojis. Run Away with Me is her debut novel.
About Jacqueline Silvester
Jacqueline Silvester is a London-based author and consultant. Her unconventional and nomadic childhood has shaped a lot of her stories, and she has lived all over the world, born in a refugee camp in Sweden, after her pregnant mother ran away from the Soviet Union. She lived in Los Angeles for several years, drawing inspiration for The Last Wish List from her own US adventures. Perfect for fans of John Green and Jenny Han. She co-writes paranormal romance series The Blood Web Chronicles under the pen name Caedis Knight.
About K.L. Walther
K.L. Walther was born and raised in the rolling hills of Bucks County, Pennsylvania surrounded by family, dogs, and books. Her childhood was spent traveling the northeastern seaboard to play ice hockey. She attended a boarding school in New Jersey and went on to earn a B.A. in English from the University of Virginia. She is happiest on the beach with a book, cheering for the New York Rangers, or enjoying a rom-com while digging into a big bowl of popcorn and M&Ms. She is the author of If We Were Us, The Summer of Broken Rules, What Happens After Midnight. Visit her online at klwalther.com.
About Kate Mallinder
Kate lives with her family near Ashby-de-la-Zouch in Leicestershire. She grew up in Solihull and lived for a while in West Yorkshire. She is fascinated by what makes people tick and writing is her way of exploring that. Even after writing Summer of No Regrets, Sasha, Hetal, Nell and Cam still had more to say, so she followed them on a road trip. Summer Under the Stars is her third novel.
