Introducing… Saskia Lyons
Today’s 2025 author is Saskia Lyons!
Saskia lives in Bath where she completed the Creative Writing BA and Writing for Young People MA at Bath Spa University. With a background as a make-up artist for film, Saskia has also worked as a character performer at Disneyland Paris. Working in the arts led to her passion for creating character-driven stories of adventures and sisterhood. Away from writing, you’ll find Saskia working as a toyseller for a magical and independent toyshop in Bath.
What is your writing routine?
Getting out of the house first thing is really important for me to get those creative juices flowing! When I get home I make a big cup of coffee and get cracking. I’m far more productive if I write early in the day. On busy days I try my best to write before I do anything else. Though sometimes this is not always how it goes!
Who is your favourite author and how have they inspired you?
This is a tricky question because there are so many. David Almond is one of my favourite children’s authors. I love his approach to the creative process. He is not a huge planner, like me, and it’s really inspiring to see how he works. The On Writing page on his website always inspires me. I recommend anyone to have a look!
Another favourite author is Erin Morgenstern. I love the intricate plots she creates, the characters, the magic, the weirdness of it all. Reading one of her books is like going down the rabbit hole with Alice. You never know quite where you’ll end up but the journey is epic.
What was the inspiration for your manuscript?
It started with a historical writing prompt on the MA, where we had to write from the perspective of a historical figure. I chose Emmeline Pankhurst, and originally wrote her as a young adult. But then I wondered what influences in early childhood might have shaped her beliefs, leading her to begin the women’s suffrage movement. Then I wondered how fun it might be to gallivant around Victorian Manchester solving a mystery with her… and wanted to find out.
Who is your favourite character in your book?
Scuttlewick! It’s fun to write a villain.
What inspires you first: character or plot?
Character definitely.
Describe your perfect day.
Early rise and a walk on a beach somewhere (I live nowhere near one, but we can dream), then it’ll start to rain and I’ll be forced to spend the rest of the day inside reading a romance novel with a view of the waves.