Robin Stevens is stopping school events

Children's author Robin Stevens has announced that she is to stop visiting schools “for the forseeable future”, citing tiredness and an overloaded work schedule.

Writing on her website, the Murder Most Unladylike author said she had “to admit defeat”.

“It’s been six months since I made the decision to leave my job at a children’s publisher and become a full-time author… I’ve had time to visit more schools, and go to more literary festivals, and write more emails and hold more public events… But about two months ago I began to notice something," Stevens said. "I was very tired, all of the time.”

Stevens explained the “lightbulb moment” came when she saw her editorial schedule for the next year. Currently working on her fifth book, she said: “I have to admit defeat - I can’t write these books and do as many events as I’ve been doing. I am not actually magic. And that’s why, with heavy heart, I’ve decided to close to school visits for the forseeable future.”

She added: “I want to make sure I can be available to my wonderful fans and get my books delivered on time, and I think that this is the best way forward. I hope you’ll understand!”

However, Stevens clarified that she will honouring all existing commitments this autumn and will still be appearing at public events at bookshops and festivals she's already booked in for.

Stevens’ children’s detective series Murder Most Unladylike (Penguin Random House Children's) has been optioned for television and film by independent production company Pilot Media.