Hi! I’m Caryl
I’m a full time children’s author and I also run creative literacy workshops and events for schools, libraries, literacy agencies and festivals.
I started writing for children when I was 32 years old, after my first daughter was born and, after a lot of work, my first book was published 10 years later, in 2009.
I was inspired to write children’s books after reading lots of fantastic picture books in our local library. One day I said to my husband, "I could do that." He said, "Go on then." And so my writing journey began!
“When I started writing I had no idea whether I was good enough. But I WANTED to be good enough so I worked really hard at it.”
I’m very fortunate to be working with some fantastic publishers and have published over 55 children’s books including baby books, picture books, young fiction and non-fiction stories. My goal is to write at least one hundred books in my lifetime.
When I am not thinking up rhymes, writing stories or creating characters, I run creative workshops in schools, libraries and for festivals. I also work with companies, charities, universities and other organisations on creative projects, editing and literacy training.
I live in Sheffield with my family, and love walking and running in the hills of the Peak District in my spare time.
“If you want to write for children, my advice is to set your bar high! It’s a competitive world so your book needs to be as good as the best published books on the market.”
I am hugely grateful to the wonderful illustrators I work with. My books would be nothing without them! And also to my fabulous agent, and all the parents, teachers and book enthusiasts who support me on social media.