AN children's book author has urged people to try something new after going from a non-reader to celebrated writer. 

Sam Scott, 58, of Wickham Bishop has released her sixth book in six years.

“I never grew up being completely into reading,” Sam admits.

“Even at school, I wasn’t into English literature or anything. It’s quite strange.

(Image: Public)

"But I’ve always been someone who sets goals for myself. Life is too short to let it breeze by. And I just love making myself learn new things.”

At 40, she challenged herself to write her first book and run her first London marathon—both deemed “completely bonkers” by her family.

"I did run my first marathon and also write my first book in my fortieth year. That was almost 18 years back," she said. 

That first book was a romance novel, born of her love for trying new things, and her father was a primary character in it.

With his death, Sam found herself "entirely broken" and it wasn’t until years later, during an eight-week recovery from ankle surgery, that her passion for writing truly ignited.

Her eldest son, Philip Scott, 30, a geologist, suggested an idea for a children’s book, and Sam said “it was like a monster had been unleashed”. 

Her debut, Sophie's Manor and the Batting Manor Mystery, came out in June 2021.

It featured Sophie Spirit, a deaf girl with a rare medical condition, solving mysteries—a character inspired by Sam’s belief in teaching children to celebrate differences.

Her second and third Sophie books followed in 2022 and 2023, completing the trilogy.

(Image: Public)

Alongside these, Sam also released Saving Shirin Gala, about four children overcoming adversities, and ventured into young adult horror with The House of a Hundred Doors.

Her latest book, Murder is Not a Game, combines mystery with a board-game element. 

She said: "I haven't had the chance to take this around as much, but whoever has read it has widely appreciated and loved it."

She is looking to take this around schools and children's wards in Maldon from January.

Sam’s family inspires much of her work.

Philip is partially blind and deaf, and her younger son, Daniel, 26, a doctor, manages four autoimmune diseases.

“I want children to know that people go through severe adversities, and it’s normal,” she said.

Beyond writing, Sam visits around 50 schools yearly, reading to children and inspiring budding writers.

As an ambassador for the charity Clowns in the Sky, she reads to children with brain cancer in hospitals, an experience she finds “incredibly rewarding.” 

She also gives regular talks at the Women's Institute groups and goes to the U3I in Maldon, to share about her journey.

(Image: Public)“I never stop trying to learn, to master my craft, I will continue to try and be the best author I can be,” she said.

Her books are available on Amazon and at Maldon Books on Maldon High Street.