Why I Write

I “always” knew I wanted to be a writer. I remember the exact moment: I was looking at a picture book and realized there were authors behind all the stories I loved so much, and I just knew that was who I was meant to be. (I think I was around 5.)

I’ve always been an avid reader, and I remember spending my childhood in the library stacks. I was especially drawn to books about myth and magic, and I wrote my first “novel” in the first grade, a dystopian fantasy about alien unicorns who arrived on Earth via meteor to save the world.

In my early teens, I developed a thing for mysteries. I binged Nancy Drew novels and started writing similar stories. I remember rushing home from school to beat my siblings to the family Apple IIe computer (yes, I’m that old!) so I could hash away at my stories.

So it’s no surprise that today, I love to mix my passion for mystery and fantasy. In addition to writing children’s picture books, I’m also working on a YA fantasy series with a bit of mystery and a mystery series for adults with a dash of fantasy.

I started writing children’s books because I believe every child deserves to feel seen, included, and loved exactly as they are. I wish there had been more diverse books when I was a kid. As a woman born into a larger body and the mom of a mixed-race kid with whom I share some neuro-spiciness, I know firsthand how important it is to see oneself represented in popular stories. Diverse books are also critical for all kids, as they foster empathy for people unlike ourselves. That’s why I write stories that help children find acceptance, belonging, and joy in being themselves—sometimes with humor and always with heart.

I live in the suburbs of Columbus, Ohio, with my amazing husband and our super kid, with whom I co-authored a children’s picture book that was released in May 2025.

Official Bio

Sarah Elizabeth Graves is the co-author, along with her 10-year-old son, of the award-winning children’s picture book Attack of the Monster Pickles! She has also published nonfiction articles and essays in outlets like USA Today, Healthline, and Business Insider. A career educator with nearly 30 years of experience, Sarah has taught every grade from kindergarten through college. Sarah holds a Ph.D. in mythological studies, and when she’s not busy writing stories about myth and magic, she teaches English and is the director of the writing center at Ohio Wesleyan University. She lives in the suburbs of Columbus, Ohio, with her husband and son, where you can find them binge-watching superhero movies, creating stories together, and regularly discussing “facts” about mythological creatures — because you never know when a dragon might show up on your doorstep. Learn more at sarahelizabethgraves.com.