Meet the Author: Melvin Burgess in Conversation with Lisa Blower

Keele University’s Creative Writing programme is delighted to host an evening with Melvin Burgess, one of the most influential voices in contemporary young adult fiction.

Since the publication of his debut novel The Cry of the Wolf in 1990, Burgess has captivated readers with bold, uncompromising stories. His ground-breaking 1996 novel Junk not only won the Guardian Children’s Fiction Award and the Carnegie Medal, but also helped define the YA genre for a new generation. Over the years, his work has continued to spark debate and win acclaim, including the LA YA Book of the Year Award for Doing It.

Burgess remains at the forefront of youth and crossover fiction, with recent titles including Three Bullets (2021), Count (2021), and his first adult novel Loki (2022). His writing is celebrated for its fearless exploration of contemporary issues, its sharp wit, and its ability to connect with readers across ages.

This special event will be led by Lisa Blower, award-winning author and Senior Lecturer in Creative Writing at Keele University. Together, they will discuss Burgess’s career, the evolution of YA fiction, and the power of storytelling.

FREE Entry

PARKING & HOW TO FIND US: Parking is free on campus after 5pm on a weekday and during the weekend. During a week day parking is limited on campus and restricted to P&D parking located outside the Student Union building during the daytime (until 5pm).  
Campus map here: https://www.keele.ac.uk/about/howtofindus/maps/keele-campus-map.pdf 
The Westminster Theatre is located in Building 54 on this map, the car park is C3 during the evening and at weekends and and P&D during weekdays.  

ACCESS: Chancellor's Building is accessible. There are a number of disabled parking bays in close proximity on C3 car park. There is ramped and flat access from the car park. Chancellor's Building is busy teaching building on campus during a weekday; if you prefer a quieter time to visit we suggest after 5pm on a weekday or going along on the weekend. 

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Book event