The author of a bestselling children’s series is coming to Salisbury, and the Journal had the opportunity to speak to her all about her latest book.

A.F Steadman, author of the Skandar series, is coming to Salisbury on Tuesday, October 15 for a book signing of her latest book: Skandar and the Skeleton Curse.

The book is the fourth of a five part series, and has been eagerly awaited by fans since the previous book, Skandar and the Chaos Trials, came out in April.

Steadman said: “The last book ended in a very explosive way, very dramatic. This book is the most dramatic I have written, from the first chapter it’s edge of your seat - and page turning.”

READ MORE: A.F. Steadman coming to Waterstones for book signing

The book wasn’t planned to be released until next year, but Steadman revealed to fans at the Hay Festival that it would be published sooner than anticipated.

She added: “I was ahead with the writing, and we thought that for children waiting for the next one, it would be a nice surprise for them.”

Described as ‘the most anticipated book since Harry Potter’ by Waterstones, the newest novel follows Skandar and his friends as they begin their fourth year at the Eyrie, following the ‘explosive’ ending in book three.

'This book is the most dramatic I have written''This book is the most dramatic I have written' (Image: EWM pr)However, the series was not an overnight success, it comes after years of work and determination.

“I’m a massive pessimist”, Steadman said, “I assumed no one would like it - I had a book that I wrote before Skandar that no publishers wanted to buy.

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“I always say to people wanting to be authors that it looks like it’s overnight but that’s never really the case, it just has to be the right story at the right time. It’s been a whirlwind – but a very good one.”

In Salisbury, the book signing will take place at 4.30pm, and queues are expected to be long.

She added: “I always turn up and think if just one person comes, that will be lovely, so to see people queuing an hour or two hours before to get to the front of the queue, it’s just so lovely. I think the average queues are about three hours now.

“I always say ‘I’m really sorry’ and they’re like ‘no, it’s all exciting!’. Lots of people make friends with other Skandar fans – it’s a lovely atmosphere. I’ve had lots of requests to come to Salisbury, I think it’s going to be a fun signing!”

For more information on the event, click here.