Old Haberdashers turned published authors return to speak about their novel

Old Haberdashers (OHs), Phoebe Sleeman and Alexandra Hart (OH 2020), returned to our Junior School to talk about their novel, ‘Alight’.

The two met in the Senior School and began writing their novel together at the age of 12. The novel is set in a fantasy world, where the protagonist, Emile, believes there is nothing special about her, until she uncovers a magical world. The pair wrote their novel over seven years, with the book being published when they were 19 years old.

On their visit to Habs, Phoebe and Alexandra spoke to girls in Years 4 to 6 about the process of writing a book, inspiring them to follow their passions and persevere through challenges in order to achieve their goals. It was a thoroughly engaging talk which the Junior girls really enjoyed.

We are proud of the accomplishments Phoebe and Alexandra have gone onto achieve. Since completing their studies at Habs, Phoebe and Alexandra went onto study History and History with English, respectively, at Durham University.

Their ambition and curiosity has since led them into incredible ventures – Phoebe has gone onto publish in We Are Tearfund magazine and Alexandra went onto found Tutor for Ukraine, a volunteering initiative providing free English lessons to Ukrainian refugees. Alexandra is now reading a Master’s in Creative Writing at Keble College, Oxford.