Sarah Steed comes from a family of readers and has more than 18 years' experience as a librarian, including time spent specialising in children's and young adult literature. It's no surprise that she is the perfect candidate to take on the role of Consultant Librarian here at Kids' Book Review. Sarah will be sharing her wonderful expertise with Kids' Book Review visitors through her reviews and a series of themed posts. We can't wait.You can find out more about Sarah at the Kids' Book Review About page.
Sarah answers Kids' Book Review's 12 Curly Questions:
1. Tell us something hardly anyone knows about you.
With hindsight, a book-related career is a great match for me, but I originally applied to study architecture at university.
2. What is your nickname?
I don't have one.
3. What is your greatest fear?
At the moment, answering these curly questions!
4. Describe your writing style in ten words.
I write slowly, ponder a bit, then write some more.
5. Tell us five positive words that describe you as a writer.
Aspiring. Considered. Curious. Spare. Perfectionist.
6. What book character would you be, and why?
One who knows exactly what to do, is adventurous, solves mysteries, saves the day, gets the guy, and lives happily ever after. Because I think that's mostly the opposite of me, and the best ending is always a happy one.
7. If you could time travel, what year would you go to and why?
Sometime in the 1800s because life was so different and impacted by many world-changing events and inventions. Plus it would indulge my curiosity about family history.
8. What would your ten-year-old self say to you now?
I truly have no idea. Probably not a lot, as I was really quiet.
9. Who is your greatest influence?
Writing-wise? A combination of those I've read, and those I've heard speak about writing, fused with people in my life and imagination.
10. What/who made you start writing?
Daydreaming.
11. What is your favourite word and why?
Gobsmacked. It's so expressive.
12. If you could only read one book for the rest of your life, what would it be?
There are many I could choose, but since I can only have one, it would probably be the classic Pride and Prejudice which has a bit of everything: humour, drama, social commentary, history, and a bit of romance.