Lydia Sanders, the author of the Hysterical Herstories series of books, recently visited the LiNCHigher team to talk about her writing journey, her inspirations, and her love for the city of Lincoln. Born in London, Lydia moved to Lincolnshire when her father, an RAF member, was stationed in the county. She attended St. Mary’s, now part of Lincoln Minster School, and later William Farr for sixth form. Lydia’s deep affection for Lincoln’s rich history, stunning architecture, and vibrant character continues to inspire her work.

Lydia Sanders author of the Hysterical Herstories series, shared her journey to success with the LiNCHigher team.

Lydia’s deep affection for Lincoln’s rich history, stunning architecture, and vibrant character continues to inspire her work.

What are your proudest achievements?

I’m incredibly proud of my books, especially as a woman navigating societal expectations. One of the most rewarding experiences of my role is visiting schools and speaking to children. I love talking about Boudicca - students, whether girls or boys, light up when they learn about her. Many haven’t heard of her or don’t know her full story, and I find joy in sharing my passion for history and reading with them.

What motivates your writing?

Feminism is a big driving force behind my work. When people hear the word “feminism,” they often think of anger, but for me, it’s about equality and representation. In school, I was always curious about where the women were in history. Women make up 51% of the UK population, yet their stories were often overlooked in our curriculum.

I’m also committed to increasing diversity in my books. I want all children to see themselves in history and find characters they can relate to.

What role does education play in your life?

Education has always been personal for me. My grandfather, a retired history teacher, sparked my love for history. We’d visit historical sites, and he made learning feel like an adventure. That experience shaped my belief that education isn’t confined to the classroom. It’s not just about school, it’s about staying curious. Read everything, from books to road signs. You never know where it’ll take you.

I believe education empowers us to shape our futures, and stories - whether from history or personal experiences - can ignite that spark.

Did you always know what you wanted to do?

Growing up, I actually wanted to be the Prime Minister, due to the fact that I love leadership and public speaking! But as I got older, I realised that wasn’t the path for me. I’ve always enjoyed writing and storytelling, and with 14 cousins, most of them younger - I often made-up stories whilst babysitting. After graduating in 2020 during lockdown, I found myself with time, so I decided to dive into writing children’s books, something I’d always dreamed of.

Feminism is a big driving force behind Lydia's work

Lydia has visited over 100 schools, talking to students about the Hysterical Herstories books.

Lydia plans to publish more books in the future.

How did you go from writing books to publishing your books?

Typically, writers get an agent, but I wanted to handle everything myself. That’s how Hysterical Herstories came to be. I enjoy the independence of choosing what goes into my books and deciding which schools or events to attend. I’m also a relentless emailer - when I want something, I go after it! I reached out to radio stations, magazines, and schools to spread the word. The worst anyone can say is “no,” but many said “yes.” Seeing children read my books is a constant reminder that hard work and perseverance pay off.

Did you go to university?

Yes, I studied Modern Foreign Languages at Durham University, focusing on Spanish, French, and a bit of Russian. While it’s not directly related to writing children’s books, learning about different cultures and histories shaped my perspective. I loved university - it was an opportunity to continue learning, meet new people, and explore beyond the typical 9 to 5. I’ve since completed two master’s degrees, which shows my passion for lifelong learning.

What’s next for Hysterical Herstories?

I plan to publish more books, introducing children to historical women they might not know about. For example, I’ve written about Catharine Littlefield Green, who played a key role in the invention of the cotton gin, and Beatrice Shilling, a British engineer essential in developing the plug and socket. My goal is for people to enjoy these books not because they’re “about women,” but because they’re great stories. The future looks bright, and I’m excited to keep sharing these incredible stories.

Lydia has spoken about her work at a range of events, including the TED x Lincoln event.

Lydia is incredibly proud of her books.

What advice do you have for young people?

Read as much as you can, whether it’s cookbooks or road signs. And be brave—when you ask for something, the worst response you’ll get is “no.” Keep trying, take up space, and seize every opportunity because life is short. Even if you’re unsure of what you want to do, education opens so many doors.

What opportunities have come from your books?

Many opportunities came simply because I asked. I have spoken at a TEDx talk in Lincoln, visited over 100 schools, and even had my books featured on the This Morning’s Christmas gift guide. Each of these opportunities occurred because I took the initiative and reached out. You’d be surprised how willing people are to help if you just ask.

Hysterical Herstories celebrates women in history, encouraging young readers to explore untold stories and embrace the power of learning. Discover more about Lydia and watch her full interview on our YouTube channel HERE.