RACHEL CHIVERS KHOO

CLASS OF 2009

Author

After many happy years at Belfast High School, I moved to Oxford University in 2009 to study English Literature. In my final year, I chose a specialist paper in Children’s Literature and rediscovered my love of children’s books. It was then that I decided to set out on the career goal of becoming a children’s author.

After taking an MA in Creative Writing at Queen’s University Belfast, I moved to London where I worked in the charity sector before getting my first job in publishing. I began as a marketing assistant at Penguin Random House and then moved to Hachette. I had the pleasure of working on marketing campaigns for many of my favourite authors, including Malorie Blackman and Philip Pullman (both of whom I first discovered in the library at Belfast High).

After many failed manuscripts (mainly written during my commute and lunch hours), I was eventually offered a publishing deal by Walker Books. My debut book, The Wishkeeper’s Apprentice, was published in 2023 and has been longlisted for the UKLA Book Award and Spark! Book Awards. My second book, The Magician Next Door, will be published in March 2024.

I have recently moved back to Oxford and am currently writing my third book. Life as an author is quite a juggle at the moment, as I have two young sons at home. I do have to set the alarm at 5am sometimes to get everything done, but I love my job and a strong coffee always helps. Being a children’s author also involves lots of events and school visits throughout the year, which I thoroughly enjoy. Hopefully I’ll get back to Northern Ireland soon and can visit Belfast High.

My message to current and prospective students would be to enjoy your education as much as you can. Learning isn’t just about passing exams, it’s about enriching your life and broadening your horizons. I was fortunate at Belfast High to have teachers who encouraged us to follow our dreams and I’m so grateful for that. I also learned the importance of perseverance (an essential for authors) and now I have a career I love. So, find your passions and pursue them – who knows where they will take you?