Local book lovers should be satiated this week with the Charleston Literary Festival taking place Nov. 3-12 and YALLFest back for another year on Nov. 10-11 to celebrate young adult fiction authors and readers.
At both, enthusiasts of any age can enjoy book signings and live panels by fan-favorite authors from around the country.
At YALLFest, they’re mostly free, and Blue Bicycle Books stands at the center of the festival — both literally and figuratively. The bookstore has a combined 30-plus years of business at its 420 King St. location. When longtime employee and author Jonathan Sanchez bought and promptly renamed the store in 2007, he sought to bring literacy and a love for books beyond the front door.
Sanchez, along with authors Kami Garcia and Margaret Stohl (known for their joint novel “Beautiful Creatures” and the series that followed), created YALLFest in 2011. It began as an effort to bring YA novels into the Charleston fray and has since grown into a nationally known hotspot for renowned YA authors and lovers alike.
Co-creators Margaret Stohl (from left) and Jonathan Sanchez pose with co-producer Melissa de la Cruz. David Strauss/Provided
“YALLFest is a chance to bring the extremely friendly community of YA authors together, who really love to meet and talk with fans,” Sanchez told The Post and Courier. “Plus, it’s a chance to give the local businesses some love, which I always enjoy.”
The festival has historically attracted out-of-towners, bringing together a diverse group to enjoy books, book out hotels and patronize local businesses.
While Blue Bicycle Books will be hosting a ton of this year’s events, there are a couple of other locations housing YALLFest activities. Venues including the Charleston Music Hall, the Charleston Museum and the American Theater are set to host author-led panels. Local retailers along King Street, including Record Stop, Mudhouse Coffee, Kudu, J. Stark and more will have book-signing opportunities with authors.
“This book festival is unique because it’s in the heart of the city. I love seeing the sidewalks packed with festivalgoers,” Sanchez said.
That’s not the only place that will be packed, though. Sanchez is thrilled that several ticketed events at the Charleston Music Hall, a venue capable of close to 1,000 occupants, have completely sold out.
YALLFest 2022 attendees peruse books for purchase in an outdoor retail tent. David Strauss/Provided
Author and YALLFest co-producer Melissa de la Cruz (“Blue Bloods” series, “The Isle of the Lost”) shares similar sentiments. She lives in Los Angeles but is all too familiar with the magnetic draw of Charleston.
“Even in the beginning it wasn’t hard to get fans excited about coming to Charleston, with its reputation for great food and great views,” de la Cruz told The Post and Courier. “The kids and teens here are some of the politest, friendliest and most enthusiastic fans I’ve met.”
She’s grateful for the wide-reaching, positive reception YALLFest has gained.
“YALLFest has sort of become the Coachella of YA festivals,” said de la Cruz.
YALLFest 2022 patrons line up for a book signing. David Strauss/Provided
As the buzz around this year’s YALLFest continues to grow, the excitement for this year’s keynote speakers, Zoraida Córdova and Leigh Bardugo, does, as well. Córdova (the “Brooklyn Brujas” series, “Deadline City” podcast) represents excellence in craft, as well as fierce advocacy for diversity in books. Bardugo (“Shadow and Bone,” “Six of Crows”), who returns to the festival after a couple of years away, is just as excited to speak as she is to reconnect with fellow authors and fans.
“The vibe at YALLfest is always joyful chaos,” Bardugo told The Post and Courier. “At YALLfest, we’re all fans first and just excited to be together.”
Also adding to the excitement, Soman Chainani (“The School for Good and Evil” series) promises his most ambitious YA Smackdown event yet. The YA Smackdown is the much-anticipated annual YALLFest closing show with entertainment for all to enjoy. Think part variety show and part awards ceremony, featuring over 40 authors. Oh, and six costume changes and a dance number introduction.
“The energy and enthusiasm is something to behold,” Chainani told The Post and Courier. “If you haven’t been, you’re sorely missing out.”
The YALLFest 2023 poster was created by artist Persona La Ave and highlights the small-town business connections that form the foundation of the festival. Persona La Ave/YALLFest/Provided
There will be more than 70 authors across a variety of YA genres in attendance this year. All panels and signings are free. Tickets for the YA Smackdown, kicking off at 6 p.m. Nov. 11 at the Charleston Music Hall, are $12. Some signings and events require an online RSVP to reserve your space. To purchase tickets to the Smackdown or RSVP for special events, visit yallfest.org/schedule.