Alexandra Sheppard - Interview (March 2026)
Q: What was your best school visit, and why?
I know it sounds cliche but it's a real struggle to pick just one - I've been to dozens of schools and, for the most part, I've had fantastic experiences at every one. I will say that the best school visits are those where the students have been prepared for the event, the teachers are engaged and I really feel like I've made an impact. One student handed me a note after my school visit to say how inspired she was to write (I think she was too shy to say in person). Needless to say, that has stuck with me.
Q: Some of your work blends ancient mythology with modern London life. What first sparked your fascination with mythology?
Disney's Hercules had a major impact on me, for sure. And then as I got older, the Percy Jackson series too. When I got the idea for my debut novel 'Oh My Gods', it was because I really wanted a book that blended my love of mythology with contemporary teen fiction. It didn't exist, so I wrote it.
Q: If you were in charge of a school library which book would you insist on buying, and why?
'Look Both Ways' by Jason Reynolds. It's a truly accessible, innovative and brilliant piece of writing that actually reflects childrens' lives back to them.
Q: Apart from writing and reading books, what are your hobbies?
Since having a baby, I don't really feel like I have many hobbies - but I am hoping to change that! I'm pretty active on social media (you can find me on Instagram and TikTok), and I genuinely love the process of content creation. As I work from home, the internet is my window into the rest of the world. I have a YouTube channel about motherhood and spirituality that I'm hoping to revive when I get more time - one day! And I'm also toying with the idea of starting a carpentry course. I feel like I need another (AI proof) string to my bow.
Q: You’re based in North London. What parts of London do you like the most, and why?
Islington forever! I wouldn't choose to live anywhere else. It's endlessly interesting, diverse in every way imaginable and I feel like everything I could need is here.
Q: What is a recent book you’ve read that you would recommend?
It's not for kids but I thoroughly enjoyed the Her Majesty's Royal Coven series by Juno Dawson. It was so much fun.
Q: What are you working on at the moment?
I'm working on my next MG novel for Faber, and I really want to write an adult novel inspired by my first year of having a baby.