Passionate author and illustrator Sarah King is setting the bar with her inclusive writing skills and illustrated books. Sarah, a course tutor at Pembrokeshire College, works closely with those who have additional learning needs which has been the driving force behind her literacy adventures. 

Sarah’s first picture book, 'Daisy’s Dreadful Do,' was published in 2017 and from there she has written three full middle grade (age 6 to 12) children's novels over a four-year period. 

Sarah explained the reasoning behind these enchanted novels:“My writing wish is to enchant, amuse, heal and comfort children by writing inclusive, immersive and humorous content for them to read, watch or listen to.” 

During the challenging time of the pandemic Sarah contracted long-term covid, but she used her writing techniques to her advantage. 

2022 was an action-packed year for Sarah who took part in the Wolves and Apples Writing for Children Conference. Sarah took much inspiration from Michael Rosen, Elle McNicholl and many other talented writers. 

Following this, Sarah attended the Myth, Fantasy and Folktale weeklong residential course at Ty Newydd, Literature Wales’s writing centre. This was facilitated by international best-selling author Marcus Sedgwick, and Catherine Johnson. 

In pursuit of her passion for writing Sarah’s book 'Saffi's Super Senses,' was shortlisted for the 2022 FireflyPress best new children’s fiction from Wales competition. 

“I honestly could not believe I was short-listed for this competition,” said Sarah. My writing journey started at home as a fun little project for myself and my family. I and my parents always used to make up and write fun little stories and it became a bit of fun that I then used to do with my children.” 

During the past year Sarah’s work has been published in The Toy, a new literary magazine for children, on The Dirigible balloon and in Soul and Spirit magazine. 

Sarah’s writing journey doesn’t end there; she recently completed a commission for The Book-Trust, and illustrated and created multimedia content for Big Welsh Rhyme Time 2023 which reached an impressive 25,000 children throughout 550 schools and settings in Wales. 

Sarah has joined The Golden Egg Academy as the next part of her writing journey, where she will be working with award winning editor Imogen Cooper to complete her latest children's novel. 

Sarah added: “In this exciting new project, I will be celebrating the sensational community, kindness and superpowers of the children who attend a primary school LRC through magic and humour. My advice to other writers and anyone following a skyward dream would be, don't let others define who you are, be true to yourself and strive to choose your own path. Dig down deep for the determination and spirit you'll need, the most beautiful places are never easy or quick to reach."

To find more information about Sarah’s work, please visit her Instagram account @pembrokeshirepoet .