Interview With Sarah Surgey

woman in green dress sat in large chair in front of Bath Festivals banner

Sarah Surgey is a local children’s author who specialises in writing books that inspire growth and understanding.

Sarah’s book are available in 16 different languages and are used in collaboration with agencies including UNICEF.

What are your top 5 writing essentials?

Space. This is a luxury in such busy times but I really need space to clear my mind and focus.

Reading books. The more I read, the more I write. My creativity grows when I expand my mind through others imaginations.

Pen & pencil. I always write down my ideas on paper first as I feel a slight barrier when I type up what’s in my mind onto a screen.

Friends. Bouncing ideas off of writer friends is the best inspiration!

Notes on my phone. I capture ideas as I go about my day.

Where do you get your inspiration from?

Reading books as a child or being read to, leaves the greatest impact on our adult world. I still relate back to the stories I was told and the places that they took me.

**Can you tell us a little about your latest book ‘Jumping Hurdles’?**

Jumping Hurdles is a book about a little girl who has just been diagnosed with Dyspraxia. It’s a big word for a small girl and all she really understands is that she struggles with her coordination. Sports day is coming and this new diagnosis brings a whole new load of worries about the day. Will she still be able to compete? But, as the day goes on, Bea learns that her Dyspraxia doesn’t stop her from taking part and having fun, she just learns to approach things differently! This is a story for children to look in through a new window and learn about Dyspraxia but also it’s a mirror for those who see themselves in it.

Who’s your favourite book character and why?

Poirot. He is an incredibly interesting character whose mind is unlike others. I have grown up reading and watching Poirot, and each timeframe in my life has allowed me to see him, and the stories around him, in many different lights.