December 2023
Visit to Golborne Community Primary
I really enjoyed my author visit to Golborne Community Primary yesterday and was super impressed by their new history timeline in the hall which highlights key events nationally and locally. I spoke about my journey to publication and answered questions about being an author and found out what the children are currently writing.
My visit was a reward for Zach, budding reporter, who contacted Wigan Libraries to ask if he could do an interview with me for the school newspaper.
Aunty Social Christmas Shopping Party
I had a lovely evening at the Aunty Social Christmas Shopping Party There are signed copies of my books now available in the Topping Street, Blackpool shop. It was great to meet other makers, do some gift buying and meet the fab team.
I was also thrilled to be shown original architectural drawings of The Regent Cinema which is just up the road! The cinema features in my new book, Gracie Fairshaw and the Missing reel out on March 7th.
November 2023
Wigan Libraries Children's Book Fair
I took part in the fabulous Wigan Libraries Christmas Fair on Saturday 25th November selling signed copies of my books. Over 40 local authors attended and there was free refreshments, face painting and children's crafts plus Father Christmas himself visited!
One of the young visitors was Zach, a budding reporter (pictured), who recently asked if he could interview me for his school newspaper.
As a reward I offered to visit his school and do a free assembly talk.
The Lancashire Witches
Your sister, brother, mother and grandmother have confessed to witchcraft - and you must give evidence against them! That's what happened to nine-year-old Jennet Device.Find out the story of the Lancashire Witches by watching my latest Time Tunnellers video for schools sees me travel to Pendle Hill and Lancaster Castle to find out all about the Lancashire Witches.
You can watch the video below or by clicking HERE.
You can also delve deeper into the history by reading my accompanying blog!
Auction for Children in Need
A reminder that I am supporting the Children in Read book auction this year with two lots that you can bid for. 1) A signed and dedicated copy of Kintana and 2) A signed and dedicated copy of Gracie 1 and Gracie 2. In aid of BBC Children in Need jumblebee.co.uk/auction/detail…+
Historical Know How: Part Four
The fourth part of the Time Tunnellers know how article that I helped write for SCBWI British Isles Words and Pictures online magazine is now live. This month's theme is Finding an Audience for your historical children's or Young Adult book. You can read the article here.
November 2023
Time Tunnellers Topic: Pirates
This month I am talking about three pirates who inspired my children's book Kintana and the Captain's Curse on the Time Tunnellers You Tube Channel - Blackbeard, William Kidd and Israel Hands. As always there is a fun writing challenge for pupils too!
You can watch the video below or by clicking HERE.
You can read the accompanying blog HERE
Historical Know How: Part 3
The third part of the Time Tunnellers know how article that I helped write for SCBWI British Isles Words and Pictures online magazine is now live.
This month's theme is story, history and the modern reader and offers more tips on writing stories and novels set in the past.
You can read the article here
September 2023
Workshops in Blackpool
It was a real pleasure to deliver two brand new new Winter Gardens themed writing workshop at Aunty Social on Topping Street, Blackpool. Families used storyboarding to create their own stories inspired by the fantastic Grade 2* listed building.
My workshops were funded by Blackpool HAZ to support artists. https://www.blackpoolhaz.co.uk/
Smithdown Lit Festival
I was made up to be invited to take part in the amazing Smithdown Lit Festival again this year - with a return visit to the wonderful St Clare's Primary School.
I spoke to the Year 5 and 6 pupils about my Kintana and the Captain's Cure book - a pirate adventure set in Madagascar. We looked at pirate props and investigated the different types of wildlife that lived there and that inspired my story. The pupils also asked lots of fabulous questions about being an author and my favourite books and animals.
You can find out more about Smithdown Lit Fest here.
Visit to Woodland Primary, Skelmersdale
I had a lovely visit to Woodland Primary in Skelmersdale to talk to the school about my journey to publication.
The children were really enthusiastic during the assembly and asked brilliant questions about being an author.
The visit was arranged in cooperation with Skelmersdale and Upholland Rotary Club.
If you are interested in arranging a school visit click on the author visits tab above.
Children's Books North Directory
Did you know there is now a directory listing a whole host of authors, illustrators and publishing professionals who are based in the North of England and Scotland?
You can find out more about Children's Books North and download the directory HERE
The directory is especially useful for schools looking to book author and/or illustrator visits or for organisations looking to find the same for events.
You can find my details in the directory too.
Time Tunnellers topic: Frank Hornby
This month I enjoyed a visit to the Frank Hornby Heritage Centre in Maghull to film my latest Time Tunnellers YouTube video and to research the accompanying blog.
Frank Hornby was the inventor of lots of famous toys including Dinky Toys and Hornby trains!
You can watch the video HERE
You can read the blog here
As always there is a fun writing challenge for pupils at the end of the video and blog!
Thanks to Tony Robertson and the Frank Hornby Charitable Trust for permission to photograph and film
Children in Read auction
The Children in Read auction is a fabulous opportunity to discover new books and support the BBC Children in Need appeal.
There are loads of great lots so why not see what takes your fancy?
I am donating two lots - No 436 is a signed copy of Gracie Fairshaw and the Mysterious Guest and a signed copy of Gracie Fairshaw and the Trouble at the Tower. No 437 is a signed copy of Kintana and the Captain's Curse. I can personalise the books for the winner to by including a handwritten dedication.
IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO BID, CLICK HERE!
The auction closes on Friday 17th November, BBC Children In Need Day.
August 2023
New Gracie Fairshaw book out in March 2024
Have you met Gracie Fairshaw yet? She is the main character in my Blackpool mystery series and she is a brilliant detective!
She has already solved the case of the Mysterious Guest, unveiled the saboteur in Trouble at the Tower and now she is a young reporter!
In the third book - Gracie Fairshaw and the Missing Reel she has to work out who the thief is!
Lights, camera, action! A new movie being filmed in Blackpool is a real scoop for trainee reporter Gracie Fairshaw. When she's invited to interview the star, Sally Sunshine, Gracie uncovers a plot as exciting as the one being filmed. Someone has stolen a vital film reel - and then a vicious attack is attempted on Sally! In a world of body-doubles, stunts, costumes and makeup, not everything is what it seems. Gracie must go behind the scenes and work out which of the cast and crew can't be trusted, before the thrilling final act . . .
You can pre-order the book at Waterstones and Amazon or ask your independent book shop for a copy.
Gracie Fairshaw and the Missing Reel is published on Thursday March 7th, 2024 - World Book Day!
Writing competition for Skelmersdale children
I am thrilled to be judging a new writing competition for KS2 (Age 7-11) children who go to school in Skelmersdale - the town where I live.
About the Town Magazine are running the competition and you can read the rules HERE along with an interview they did with me about being a children's book author.
There is also some teaser details about my next book due out in March - Gracie Fairshaw and the Missing Reel and a sneak preview of the cover.
THE COMPETITION – Students are being asked to complete a 500 word short story on the topic of Skelmersdale. The deadline is 13th October 2023, and the winner will be announced on 27th October 2023.
THE PRIZE – The winning piece will be published in the Winter 2023 Edition of About the Town Magazine, and the winner will receive a signed set of Susan’s books, which will be presented at school during a FREE one hour school visit and talk from Susan Brownrigg herself.
2nd and 3rd place runners up will be published on the About the Town website, and all submissions will be displayed in the Concourse on 18th November at the community Kiosk.
All children who submit work can also collect a free selection box on the day for their participation. Full details and T&C’s can be found on our website www.aboutthetown.co.uk
July 2023
Gracie Fairshaw and the Mysterious Guest inspires pupils' writing work
Year 3/4 pupils at Crawshawbooth Primary School have been using Gracie Fairshaw and the Mysterious Guest as part of their project on Lancashire authors.
I was over the moon to see their beautiful wall display which shows how they analysed the text, discovered new words and then did some scaffolded writing looking at setting.
Their teacher kindly sent me photocopies of their amazing Blackpool scenes and I wrote back to say how much I had enjoyed their writing.
Northern Literary Festival 2023
It was an absolute pleasure to take part in this year's Northern Literary Festival organised by UCLan Publishing.
The festival takes place on the University of Central Lancashire (UCLan) Campus in Preston and there was a Young Adult strand and a Kids strand.
I took part in a panel event called Dare to be Different which was hosted by Jennifer Claessen author of The October Witches. Alongside me on the panel were Laura Noakes author of Cosima Unfortunate Steals a Star and Kimberly Whittam author of Quiet Storm.
We answered questions about our characters, our inspiration and our research methods.
It was also lovely to catch up with author friends and to make new ones.
Thanks to author Liz Flanagan for permission to share her photo (right) of the panel event.
Storyboarding creative writing workshop rescheduled
I am delighted to be delivering two creative writing workshops in Blackpool on Saturday 30th September for families. Inspired by the Winter Gardens, the workshop is at 11am and repeated at 1.30pm.
(This event has been rescheduled from July.)
Storyboarding is a method used by film directors to plan out their movies using visual images. In this interactive workshop will focus on breaking down your story idea into big scene moments.
Look at storyboard examples used by Alfred Hitchcock and animators before creating your own version. Art skills aren’t important – you can use stick characters if you are not confident at drawing!
Learn about the Winter Gardens and look at old postcards and other images that depict the entertainment complex through time. Then choose one of the venues as the setting for your story. This workshop is suitable for ages ages 5 – 16years. All children under 14yrs need to be accompanied by an adult. Accompanying adults will need a chaperone ticket – these are free for those attending but not taking part in the activity. The workshops take place at Aunty Social on Topping Street. Tickets (£2.50 each) and more info including access details are available at auntysocial.co.uk/whats-on/ Part of Handmade High Street, Blackpool Heritage Action Zone (HAZ)
Tickets can be booked at https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/creative-writing-workshops-for-young-people-families-with-susan-brownrigg-tickets-661052815767?aff=oddtdtcreator
June 2023
Society of Authors grant
I am thrilled to have been awarded a work-in-progress Foundation Grant from the The Society of Authors to enable me to finish writing my children's book about the Rainhill Trials and to carry out more exciting research!
I will be using the grant to travel on the Liverpool to Manchester railway route, study microfiche records at Liverpool's Central Library, visit Port Carlisle and research paddle steamers. I also plan to visit Chesterfield Museum, Rainhill, Beamish Living Museum and have a footplate experience on a steam train. The grant will also allow me to dedicate more time to writing and editing my book.
To find out more about the Society of Authors grant CLICK HERE
May 2023
Blue Plaque for Audrey Mosson
I am over the moon to announce that a heritage blue plaque for Audrey Mosson, 10th Railway Queen of Great Britain and the first female to switch on the Blackpool Illuminations has been unveiled at her former home in the resort.
As many of you will know, Audrey was the inspiration for the plot in my debut children's book Gracie Fairshaw and the Mysterious Guest - a seaside mystery set in 1930s Blackpool.
I nominated Audrey for a blue plaque to Blackpool Civic Trust and jointly sponsored the plaque with her family.
The blue plaque was unveiled on May 20th, 2023 by the Mayor of Blackpool, alongside myself and Joan Humble, Chairman of the Blackpool Civic Trust with three generations of Audrey’s family watching on - including four of her grown-up children.
The plaque looks beautiful on the wall of the former Mayfair Hotel, Lonsdale Road, where Audrey lived with her family.
I hope the blue plaque will inspire young women today and that Audrey’s memory will live on for many years to come.
Thanks to Paul Humble for sharing his photographs of the unveiling ceremony below.
Panel event this summer
I am delighted to be taking part in a panel event at Uclan Publishing's NYA Kids Literary Festival in Preston this summer.
I will be joining children's book authors Laura Noakes (Cosima Unfortunate Steals a Star) and Kimberly Whittam (Quiet Storm) for the Dare to be Different Panel on 22nd July 2023. The panel will be chaired by children's book author Jennifer Claessen (The October Witches)
Panel booking info to follow.
Book your admission tickets now - https://bit.ly/3o9gWJC
Assembly talk at Oakdene Primary, Rainhill
I had a brilliant time at Oakdene Primary School in Rainhill sharing my journey to publication with year 3 to 6.
The children cheered at my successes and sighed at my disappointments, and voted for me to keep trying at each stage!
Oakdene have a set of school values and this term they have been focusing on perseverance so my talk was very apt.
I especially enjoyed hearing their motivational song about determination which was really catchy!
I also answered the children's questions about being an author and signed copies of my books.
Thanks to Friends of the Rainhill Trials for inviting me to also congratulate the winner of their poster competition. I gave the winner a signed set of my books as a prize.
Author visit to SS Peter and Paul, Bolton
I had a lovely time at SS Peter and Paul, Bolton when I was invited to speak to Year 6 as part of Bolton Library's Class of 37 Mass Observation Project.
I will be visiting four different primary schools to talk about Blackpool and my 1930s detective series which is set in the resort.
Pupils learned about the history of the illuminations, looked at original postcards, as well as smelling seaside smells and listening to sound samples.
Volunteers also dressed up as characters from my book.
Pupils were each gifted a signed copy of Gracie Fairshaw and the Mysterious Guest thanks to funding secured by the library.
Bookmark charity auction
I have donated a bookmark to this year's #BookmarkProject. Bidding starts at 6pm on Monday 8th May and lasts for 15 days.
The Bookmark Project is the brainchild of Sharon Hattersley and 1st Burley Brownies and all money raised goes to the primary school they support in Zimbabwe - Katiyo Sacred Heart Primary School. They are currently raising money to build and equip nursery classrooms at the school.
Last year the auction raised £14,000 for the school!.
There are around 500 bookmarks being auctioned that have been created and donated by lots of brilliant children's books illustrators and authors - as well as celebrities.
My bookmark is lot number 328.
To bid visit jumblebee.co.uk/bookmarkproject2023
Update: The bookmark successfully sold - thank you to the bidders.
April 2023
The history of Glass
It is my turn on the Time Tunnellers blog and Youtube Vlog again this month. This time I am looking at the history of glass! I visited the World of Glass Museum in St Helens where I learned how glass developed over time.St Helens is world famous for its glass and was home to a number of glass manufacturing companies - some that made bottles and others that made window glass. I was especially interested to learn more about the history of Pilkingtons - who revolutionised glass making in this country as my grandfather worked for 'Pilks' as a glass carrier for many years.
You can read about the history of glass HERE
You can watch my video below or by clicking HERE
What's Your Story, Chorley? festival
I have had a brilliant time at What's Your Story, Chorley? the annual festival of words. I met lots of lovely children at the two events I delivered.
On Wednesday evening I ran my workshop Step Back in Time for Stories at Chorley Library where children used maps to prompt ideas for characters and plot.
Then on Saturday, families joined me at Chorley Library for Lights Delight where I explained how the illuminations were the inspiration for my Gracie Fairshaw and the Mysterious Guest book. Children looked at authentic Blackpool postcards, sniffed seaside smell cubes and tried on costumes. They then created their own Blackpool Illuminations design (below) using black card and colourful pastels.
Thank you to the volunteers, Library staff and Ebb & Flo booksellers for making me welcome.
After school creative writing club
I was flattered to be asked to run an after school creative writing club for St Wilfrid's Primary School, Standish, last term. The club ran on a Friday evening with 20 pupils from Year 2 to Year 6.
Starting with a Getting to Know You session where I spoke about my childhood, family and journey to publication then the pupils interviewed each other and wrote up what they learned about their interviewee.
In the following four weeks pupils created their main character and wrote a description about them, chose a setting for their story using maps, and created fabulous scenes using comic book art.
Pupils all received a goody bag at the end of the series of workshops.
I was very impressed by all the writing created during the sessions.
February/March 2023
UCLan Bookshop launch
I was delighted to be invited to attend the opening of the new Uclan Campus bookshop at Media Factory, Uclan, Preston. The bookshop is fabulous and filled with all the amazing books published by Uclan and will be open to students and staff.
A host of Uclan authors and illustrators were invited to the launch - with author Liz Flanagan (Wildsmith Series) cutting the ribbon. Author C.G Moore brought along his puppy dog too!
There were lovely cakes for guests and I enjoyed signing copies of my Gracie Fairshaw and Kintana books.
I enjoyed catching up with poet Dom Conlon, author Jake Hope and Gracie Fairshaw/Kintana illustrator Jenny Czerwonka as well as the students - who have nicknamed themselves Team Gracie - who are about to typeset my third Gracie Fairshaw mystery as part of their MA Publishing course.
Thanks to Uclan, Jenny Czerwonka and Team Gracie for use of their photographs.
World Book Day 2023
I had not one but two library visits lined up for World Book Day! In the morning I drove over to the lovely Formby Library to deliver a Path to Publication talk with Q&A to Year 6 children from Redgate Primary. Then it was over to Maghull Library in the Meadows Centre to speak to Year 4 children from St George's Primary School who wanted my autograph! Thanks to Sefton Libraries for arranging everything and the wonderful library staff who helped with technical issues and made me feel very welcome.
January 2023
Tyldesley Library visit
I am inviting young scallywags and their Captains (responsible adults) to join me for some pirate fun at Tyldesley Library on Saturday 4th February 2023 as part of National Storytelling Week! I will be reading from my Madagascan treasure hunt adventure KINTANA AND THE CAPTAIN'S CURSE and sharing interesting facts about the amazing island and its fabulous wildlife! Examine buccaneer props including flags, spyglass, and replica flintlock, smell some stinky pirate aromas and hold a huge replica elephant's bird egg! Then make a feathery paper parrot to take home! This event is suitable for ages 5-12.
I will be in pirate costume so why not dress up too! I will also have copies of my books available to buy including her Blackpool based Gracie Fairshaw mystery series books - Gracie Fairshaw and the Mysterious Guest and Gracie Fairshaw and the Trouble at the Tower at a special price of £5 each (RRP £6.99) My books are suitable for ages 7-12.
This free event takes place between 10.30 and 11.30am. Please ring the library on 01942 488497 to book your free place.
Writing Tips series
As part of the Time Tunnellers, I have contributed to a new feature for the SCBWI British Isles online magazine, Words & Pictures. Historical Know How: Part one is all about finding inspiration in the past. You can read our top tips by clicking on THIS LINK. SCBWI is the society of children's books writers and illustators.