Sarah Al-Serhaid

Tell us a little bit about yourself, your hobbies and interests.

I am a scientist who daydreams stories as experiments and assays run their course. My hobbies are usually things I can dig deep into like baking. I often have a certain type of food that I work on until it is the absolute best. Red velvet cupcakes are an example of this and this little treat made its way into my book.

When and why did you start writing books?

I have been writing up little stories since I was a wee little lac, even as a toddler, I would tell stories to postpone going to bed. In grade school, I would translate fairytales from English. In high school, composition exams were like a short challenge for different stories I could make up. In college, my sister and I played around with a book idea pushing the boundaries of science fiction. Writing stories has always been a part of me.

What made you decide to tackle writing as a career?

In 2022, a story I decided to publish a story I had been working on for years. I'm glad I committed to outlining the plot and get this story into the hands of readers to share the characters that have been real to me for so long.

Which one of your books or characters is your favourite?

In Etched in Stone, I think Mr. Porter is the uncle everyone should have.

Which one of your books was the hardest to write and stretched you the most as a writer?

I have a few story ideas in line to come after the Etch in Stone trilogy completes. I think the story about a young man and his father who has Alzheimer's is going to be a difficult one tackle.

Who is your favourite author and book?

And then there were none by Agatha Christie is a book I always rave about. I also like Holly Black's work in the elfhame series.

What book are you reading right now?

The queen of nothing by Holly Black.

Where do you get your inspiration for your books?

Either a strange dream is the odd catalyst for some of my stories, or the answer to an unusual what-if scenario begins a cascade of events that lead to a story.

What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?

I like learning about new things, even something I care little about. I will listen to a good Ted talk or podcast to get a mini lesson in.

Do you have any new books in the works?

Yes, the sequels to Etched in Stone are currently in the pipeline.