Sade Fadipe
Embarking on MA in Creative Writing & Publishing (Online cohort) to graduating, and a year after, I can certainly say life’s been a whirlwind of storytelling, literary advocacy, and surprisingly, grant writing (which I now consider a creative art in itself!) and setting up a Community Interest Company. The journey’s been full of learning, growth, experimentation, bravery and opportunities. The course no doubt, impacted my career positively.
From Teaching to Writing
Before Bournemouth, I’d had nearly three decades in education, having earned a degree in English Linguistics and a PGCE in Primary Education. Teaching continues to give me insight into the power of stories while my passion for inclusive storytelling led me to children’s literature, crafting stories that celebrate not just my dual heritage but reflect experiences to which all children can relate. At some point in 2020, I realised my super power was collaboration, which I continue to employ in getting stuff done.
Image credit: FilmbySarah – Image credit: Hamford Primary School, Clacton-on-Sea – Image credit: Jo Nancarrow @Essexcdp
Bringing Stories to Life
Since graduating, one unexpected twist in my journey has been grant writing. Applying for funding bids to support my literary projects has become another form of creative storytelling—one where I pitch ideas, craft compelling narratives, and convince funders that these stories matter. I’ve also been busy sharing my books and finding new ways to connect with young readers. My self-published chapter book, adapted into a playscript also found itself a grand stage. Titled: Snowy Joy and the Toysavers – An Enchanting Tale of Refuge. This story, like much of my work, amplifies the voices of child migrants and encourages empathy.
Image credits: Jo Nancarrow @Essexcdp
Championing Diverse Voices
Having founded the Children & Authors’ Literary Fanfare Events (CALFE) in 2021, as an initiative that brings culturally diverse children’s literature to a wider audience, in October 2023, CALFE received Arts Council England funding, allowing me to pilot it at Chelmsford Museum in Essex was the very first organisation to embrace to my vision in 2023, followed by Manchester Museum, in 2024. I have since I hosted CALF-Events in Manchester, Colchester and Chelmsford, and looking for more welcoming doors this year… May be Bournemouth? Early this month, the CALF-EVENTs initiative was approved of as a registered community interest company. My mission is to promote literature that reflects cultures and narratives that empower all children, and to find means of nurturing aspiring authors and artists.
What’s Next?
Still writing, still advocating for inclusive literature, and still passionate about sharing stories that inspire, educate, and foster empathy. My books, like A Fun ABC and A Visit to Grandad, continue to find new readers, and I’m excited for what’s to come. a new book releasing in autumn—a sequel to A Fun ABC, titled A Bouncy 123, published by Cassava Republic Press is due out in Sept 2025—so watch this space! I continue to work on Zoro (if you know, you know!) my Animal Series of four picture books which I may pitch to a mainstream publishing outfit. As director to CALF-Events CIC, obviously I want its reach to expand, connecting authors, artists and young readers through inclusive storytelling, and increasing partnerships with museums across the United Kingdom. Chelmsford Museum in Essex was the very first organisation to embrace to my vision.
The journey since Bournemouth University has been incredible, but I know this is just the beginning. My main personal gains were: the self-confidence and freedom to experiment in any genre I so desired, rather than subject myself. Academically, it is the knowledge base: those non-traditional, yet highly relevant and contemporary skills, required for the modern era of publishing. The future is bright, and I can’t wait to see where the next chapter takes me!
Image: Studying at Bournemouth, during a period of much needed inspiration, I once visited the literary canon, Virginia Wolfe. Image credit: Sade Fadipe
Website:http://www.sadefadipe.com/