Christina Banach, Author
I think I can safely say that I'm one of the world's most infrequent bloggers, especially when I'm in the throes of writing a new book, as I have been these past months. Today, however, I've been prompted to resuscitate my blog to write a quick post. Here's why:
If you've been on Twitter lately you may have heard of the UKYA Extravaganza in Birmingham on the 28th of this month.
Organised by authors Kerry Drewery and Emma Pass, and hosted by Watersones High Street, it promises to be an amazing afternoon of literary fun. There will be 35 authors there (of which I'm one!), giving readings and talking about their books with readers, bloggers and everyone who loves UK young adult fiction. I can't wait to meet and mingle with so many incredible authors and UKYA fans. There's a lot of buzz around UKYA at the moment so I guess it was no surprise to learn that tickets for the event sold out very quickly. For those who are lucky enough to have grabbed one, I look forward to seeing you on the day.
For updates on the event follow @UKYAX, plus you can check out the Goodreads list of Extravaganza authors /books here:
The panel to the right gives you the dates of the UKYA Extravaganza blog tour that's ongoing, in the run up to the event itself. My slot is on February 23rd with the wonderful Laura, AKA
SisterSpooky, but, as you can see, there is a plethora of YA-related chat with which to while away the hours.
UKYA rocks! I'm so glad to play my small part in it.
Welcome to my website!
Hi! I'm Christina Banach, author of Minty. Thanks for dropping by my website. Please take a look around. Here you'll find news and information about me and my books. If you have any questions do get in touch through my contact page. Thank you for visiting and happy reading!
AUTHOR IN RESIDENCE
I was the 2017-2018 Scottish Book Trust Author in Residence at Knightsridge Primary School, Livingston. Many thanks to the SBT for for affording me the opportunity to share my love of writing and reading with such an inspiring school.
REVIEW FROM THE BOOK TRUST
"This is a thought provoking debut novel about love, loss and the importance of family…A compelling and ultimately
heart-warming story."
Please click on the link below to read the whole critique:
http://www.booktrust.org.uk/books/view/34314
REVIEW FROM THE SCOTTISH BOOK TRUST
"Through Minty's eyes we see how family and friends are affected by bereavement. It deals with loss, love,
friendship and over all, hope, resilience and strength of character. It's a haunting, eerie and beautiful read that will resonate with you for days after you read it. "
TEEN'S BOOK OF THE MONTH
I'm very grateful to the Scottish Book Trust for featuring Minty as their Teen's Book of the Month.
http://www.scottishbooktrust.com/blog/2014/parents/11/teens-book-of-the-month-minty
OTHER REVIEWS
Below are extracts of some other reviews (to read more please check out my News and Reviews page):
"What an amazing story! I could not put this book down!"
"This is one of those gems that works for young adults and also the not so young...I read it in a single sitting - something I do not ordinarily do - except for a brief pause to compose myself before the final chapter, such was the intensity of emotion the book engenders. You must read this book..."
"Christina's stunning style of writing succeeded in bringing tears of joy and sadness to my eyes. For a first book being this good, it makes me wonder
what is yet to come."
EDINBURGH INTERNATIONAL BOOK FESTIVAL
I was thrilled to be part of the Edinburgh International Book Festival 2015 SCBWI panel event - How To Survive Being Published. It was a real privilege to have been invited. Thank you!
Plot & Structure Event
Thank you to everyone who came to my plot and structure workshop in Edinburgh. I hope you had as much fun as I did. Thanks to Sheila Averbuch for this great write up of the day.
I've created a mood board for MINTY over on Pinterest. Click here to take a look:
www.pinterest.com/cbanachauthor
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Susanna Bavin (Thursday, 12 February 2015 13:09)
Sounds like an exciting and worthwhile event, Christina. 35 authors getting together to give YA books a boost is a great thing to be part of. No wonder the tickets have sold out. I'm sure you will have a brilliant time.
PS Lovely to have a new blog from you!!
Marcia Strykowski (Thursday, 12 February 2015 22:31)
Congratulations, Christina! This sounds like an amazingly fun event and a great opportunity.