I have always loved creating stories, but I never felt confident at English during school. I studied Mathematics at university and got a city job in finance. A few years later my mum was diagnosed with terminal cancer.
I decided life was too short not to do what you loved, so I did a Masters in English Literature with Creative Writing and wrote my first novel. Five years later, when I had a child of my own, I fell back in love with children’s books. I took Amy’s Writing Magazine course and developed my skills to write rhyming picture books.
On my last assignment, I submitted I am NOT a Prince and Amy loved it. It was perfect timing as literary agent Alice Williams had shown interest in my stories. I sent it to Alice, and she offered to represent me. Three weeks later, Hachette acquired the book, and I was paired with debut illustrator Beatrix Hatcher. It was a dream come true!
My debut picture book is an inclusive twisted fairy tale that challenges gender stereotypes and encourages children to be proud to be themselves.
On a misty lagoon in a fairy tale land, young frogs wait patiently to be turned into magical princes. When Hopp sets out on a journey to find their true self, everyone assumes the little frog is destined to be a prince . . . how could such a strong, brave, and kind frog be anything else?
But all it takes is one understanding new friend to help Hopp undergo a magical transformation that causes a positive change to ripple all across the lagoon!
You can buy the book at links below, or get a signed hardback version from indie bookshop Stories by the Sea.
For free worksheets and to find out more about my books and schools visits, you can visit my website, www.rachaeldavis.co.uk. You can also get in touch with me via Twitter: @RachDavisAuthor