SD Sykes, also known as Sarah, is a British author who has made a significant impact in the genre of historical fiction and mystery novels. She was born and raised in Somerset, London before moving to Manchester and finally settling in Kent. Growing up in such a historic area, Sykes developed an appreciation for history, nature, Gothic literature, and her large and mildly eccentric family. As a child, she loved to tell stories and by the age of six, she had already written her first book which she insisted her parents type and bind. However, her writing dried up in her twenties, although she always believed she would return to it someday.
Sykes attended Manchester University and went on to work in TV and radio as a scriptwriter. Her involvement in scriptwriting opened up many opportunities for her, and she began to write drama for the BBC. She also received funding from the Arts Council to develop screenplays. Sykes' passion for medieval history is evident in her work, and her books in the Somershill Manor series are set in 14th Century England.
Sykes was inspired to finish her first novel, Plague Land, after attending a novel writing course at literary agents, Curtis Brown. She has since become a successful author, with her work receiving critical acclaim. Despite her success, Sykes remains grounded and continues to draw inspiration from her surroundings and her passion for history. Her love for storytelling, which began in childhood, has now blossomed into a successful writing career, and she continues to captivate audiences with her historical fiction and mystery novels.