S. G. Fessel

I love reading and writing fiction and hope to help readers enjoy using their imaginations. Through stories, we can gain a new understanding of the world while also having fun. If you read my novel Switchling, you might also guess that I am interested in history (having studied it at Emmanuel College, Cambridge and London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine).  

Switchling is my first novel. Inspiration struck when lying in bed one night, halfway between sleep and wakefulness. I heard a noise from outside and an image sprang to mind of figures in flowing robes carrying staffs. They were dragging an object across a windowsill from the downstairs flat and were taking it away. From there I started to wonder who these mysterious people might be and what they were stealing. They became the Honourable Society of Beam Reapers and the story developed around them. Switchling is the Winner of ‘Best New Fiction’ in the Pacific Book Awards and is First-Placed Winner in the International Firebird Book Awards. I also enjoy writing picture books, like The Cake Pirate. Two talented artists are working hard to illustrate my books while you read this page! 

Originally from London, England, I now live in San Francisco, California, with my family and two friendly cats. My favorite authors include Jonathan Stroud, Natalie Babbitt, Joan Aiken, Philip Pullman, Quentin Blake, Annie Barrows, Lauren Child and Douglas Adams. Who are yours?

You can write to me on the contact page.

Photo by Christian Burke