YA Writing Workshop Success

In partnership with the British Council and the Cheltenham Festival, the Black British Book Festival (BBBF) hosted a series of engaging YA (Young Adult) writing workshops for aspiring authors in Botswana. Held between July and August 2024, these workshops provided participants with an opportunity to learn directly from award-winning YA author Danielle Jawando.  

Nurturing Creativity and Storytelling

The workshops were carefully designed to ignite interest in YA storytelling while building essential skills in character development, plot structuring, and dialogue writing. Attendees, from various age groups and backgrounds, embraced interactive exercises that brought their creative ideas to life. 

Danielle Jawando, celebrated for her impactful novels, brought her expertise to the virtual workshops with warmth and enthusiasm. Reflecting on the experience, she expressed her gratitude for being part of this meaningful initiative:  

“It was so amazing to work in partnership with Gaborone Book Festival (GBF) and with aspiring authors who aren’t based in the U.K. The workshops reminded me of the importance of making books, writing, and events accessible to Black readers and writers everywhere.”

Highlights from the Workshops

The workshops included:  

• Session 1: Understanding YA literature – its history, evolution, and unique characteristics.  
• Session 2: Diving deeper into character creation and story dynamics through practical exercises.  
• Session 3: Insights into publishing and feedback, helping participants take the next steps in their creative journey.

An Uplifting Experience

Participants left the workshops inspired and equipped to pursue their writing ambitions. This initiative demonstrated the value of collaboration and the importance of investing in emerging talent.  

Gratitude and Looking Ahead

BBBF expresses heartfelt thanks to Danielle Jawando for her incredible facilitation and to the British Council and Cheltenham Festival for supporting this meaningful project. These workshops stand as a testament to the power of storytelling to connect, inspire, and empower.  

Stay tuned for more exciting updates from BBBF as we continue to create platforms that elevate voices and stories from the Black literary community.