December 2024
Wrong Tracks on recommended lists
Thank you to School Reading List for including Wrong Tracks in their pick of the best children’s books coming out in spring 2025. Wrong Tracks, which is published on January 9th, is included in the 9-12 section. The books ‘have been chosen with classroom teaching, school libraries, home learning, reading for pleasure and reading for wisdom in mind.’
Wrong Tracks has also been recommended by the Norfolk Children’s Book Centre in their list for children’s fiction they are excited for in 2025.
Free classroom resources
Teach Primary (TeachWire) have a host of ace classroom resources available to download for FREE which look at the use of Powerful Verbs by using Wrong Tracks as a WAGOLL (What A Good One Looks Like) example. The resource pack includes an extract, planning sheets, teacher notes and display materials.
November 2024
Eyam Village video
Discover the fascinating of Eyam (pronounced Eem) the plague village in Derbyshire in my new Time Tunnellers YouTube video. Many lives were lost when the Bubonic Plague struck in 1665 and 1666, but a great deal more saved due to the strict quarantine the villagers imposed on themselves.
There is another writing challenge at the end, too.
As well as the video, there is a downloadable resource (quiz) available at timetunnellers.com
Publicity for Wrong Tracks
About the Town magazine, in Skelmersdale, have kindly featured a lovely article about my new book, Wrong Tracks in their 2024/25 Winter edition. Print copies are available in The Concourse and Asda or a digital version can be viewed here.
I was also thrilled that one of my book’s early reviewers, railway expert Anthony Dawson, has shared some lovely praise for Wrong Tracks with me on his facebook profile. Anthony kindly helped me with my research, so I was rather nervous what he would think!
He wrote: “This is a wonderful, dramatic re-telling of the Rainhill Trials and opening day of the Liverpool & Manchester for children and teens. Romps along at a fair old pace, which certainly engaged this adult reader! Fantastic set of characters set out to solve a whodunnit. It explains technical concepts in a really fun way. Although I may be biased in having helped Susan Brownrigg with her research, and I'm sure she's blushing reading this: I really enjoyed this book. Not one for the learned enthusiasts, but it's not meant to be. It brings history alive in a fun and engaging way. I love it.”
Signed copies are available for pre-order from Ebb & Flo bookshop.
Wrong Tracks is published January 9th, 2025 and is available from bookshops and online sellers.
Please support your local independent bookshop.
October 2024
Rainhill Trials video for Time Tunnellers
It is my turn on the Time Tunnellers again, and this time I am focusing on the 1829 steam locomotive contest called the Rainhill Trials. The competition was held to determine the best new engine which would win £500 and be used on the first inter urban railway - the Liverpool & Manchester which opened to great fanfare in 1830.
The Rainhill Trials took place at Rainhill, St Helens over several days. Huge crowds turned out to watch the competitors take turns in a series of ‘trials.’
I also created a Rainhill Trials themed wordsearch for schools and home educators to use which can be downloaded here.
Writing workshop at Castle Park Arts Centre
I really enjoyed delivering my Sparking Stories at Castle Park Arts Centre in Frodsham. Participants shared their childhood passions and the memories they prompted and then wrote a short story inspired by the discussion. Later they looked at historical newspapers and used the news articles and advertisements to think of more writing prompts before starting a second short story.
The session was free and for people aged 50+ thanks to funding from CWVA geared towards encouraging older generations to engage with arts.
The stories created were brilliant and I loved talking about our different childhood experiences.
Photo by Dennis Kelly You can follow him on Instagram @denispkelly
September 2024
Cover reveal for Wrong Tracks
I am delighted to reveal the cover for my next book Wrong Tracks! The cover is illustrated by the fabulous Jenny Czerwonka who also designed the covers for Kintana and the Captain’s Curse and my three Gracie Fairshaw books. The book will be published on January 9th by UCLan Publishing.
Signed pre-orders are now available from Ebb & Flo Bookshop by CLICKING HERE
Blurb:
Who is sabotaging the Rainhill Trials?
It is 1829. Everyone is talking about the exciting new rail ways and young Edward Entwistle cannot believe his good fortune: a chance encounter sees him offered a job at the Stephensons’ Steam Locomotive Manufactory.
The Stephensons are preparing for an important competition – The Rainhill Trials. A race of innovation and daring which will award the winner a contract to run the new Liverpool & Manchester Rail Way. Edward must protect the father and son inventors’ latest creation – their precious Premium Engine – but strange and dangerous accidents keep stalling construction.
Edward and his new loco-mad friend Prudence soon realise someone is trying to scupper the Stephensons’ chances. It is up to the friends to spot sabotage and chase down spies in a thrilling race against the clock.
Inspired by the true events of the Rainhill Trials.
Free writing workshop for adults aged 50+ at Castle Park Arts Centre, Frodsham
I am very excited to be delivering this FREE writing workshop for adults at Castle Park Arts Centre in Frodsham next month. The funding is specifically targeted at providing classes for people aged 50+ so do share with anyone you think may be interested.
Title: Sparking Stories
Date/Time: 12th October 10 to 1pm
This workshop will provide an introduction to writing historical fiction for children.
Participants will be given an opportunity to create their own story idea using historical newspapers as a prompt.
Find plot ideas from real events and explore how this can help you develop your characters and setting.
Susan will give examples of how she used the same technique to create her debut children’s book Gracie Fairshaw and the Mysterious Guest.
August 2024
Review for Mysterious Guest
Huge thanks again to book blogger Veronica Price for her lovely review of Gracie Fairshaw and the Mysterious Guest - the first book in my 1930’s Blackpool set mystery series. It was such a nice surprise to discover my book featured on V’s views from the bookshelves.
She writes: “Gracie Fairshaw and the Mysterious Guest is a shining example of a middle grade mystery which will encourage readers aged 9 years and above to read for enjoyment. It demonstrates all the elements of the cosy crime genre, is written with great warmth and charm, and packs a thrill ride of a plot into 200 pages. This is a perfect length to give young readers the satisfaction of completing a whole book, boosting their self-confidence as readers.”
You can read the rest of Veronica’s review at https://vsviewfromthebookshelves.home.blog/
July 2024
History of voting
July 4th is a general election in the UK, so as that coincides with my turn on the Time Tunnellers blog and YouTube channel I decided to focus on the history of voting. Close to where I live, there is a monument which commemorates the 1832 Reform Act. Known locally as The Parbold Bottle, the Reform Pillar, marks when the right to vote was extended - although not to women.
The Reform Act was likely very influenced by the Peterloo Massacre which happened in Manchester on 16th August 1819.
To find out more about that terrible day CLICK HERE
June 2024
Author in residence
I am excited to have been invited to be author in residence at Norbreck Primary School, at the invitation of National Literacy Trust’s Blackpool Hub. I am working with three Year 6 student classes, who will be writing their own short stories which will then be printed in an anthology. My workshops have focused on: 1. Beginnings, using maps to create characters and plot ideas and smell cubes, talking tins to make our descriptions more sensory. 2. Muddled Middles, creating plot twists by spinning the wheel of fortune and throwing our characters off their path. My final workshop, in July, will focus on endings and editing.
Visit to St Patrick’s Primary
I was very happy to be invited to speak to pupils at St Patrick’s Primary, Walton-le-Dale about my latest book, Gracie Fairshaw and the Missing Reel.
My assembly presentation was hands-on with pupils exploring a zoetrope, real cinema film as well as volunteers dressing up as characters and having a go with a loudspeaker and clapperboard.
The students also asked lots of great questions about being an author, writing and my book. They also had the opportunity to buy signed copies of all my books.
Visit to Locomotion, Shildon
I was giddy with excitement to finally have the chance to take a trip on the Rocket replica at Locomotion, the fantastic railway museum at Shildon. I have been to Shildon a few times now, but the replica has been out of action.
I was delighted when volunteers and staff, on my telling them about my forthcoming book Wrong Tracks which features Rocket, offered me the chance to step onto the footplate to see her firebox up close and get a photo or two!
Wrong Tracks is coming along nicely, typesetting is now complete, I have done a proofread and have had s sneak preview of the final cover design , illustrated by Jenny Czerwonka - I can’t wait to share it with you all!
May 2024
Bookmark auction
I am delighted to be supporting the Bookmark Project 2024.
The Bookmark Project founded in 2017 is a charity auction run by 1st Burley-in-Wharfedale Brownies from West Yorkshire in the UK.
The Bookmark Project raises money for Katiyo Primary School in Zimbabwe- by auctioning online bookmarks doodled by authors, illustrators and celebrities.
Bidding ends on May 20th. If you would like to bid on the bookmark I designed and illustrated it is lot no 269.
The online auction is at https://jumblebee.co.uk/bookmarkproject2024
Wonderland event
Have you got your ticket for the Northern Cultural Education Awards 2024 taking place at The Edge, Wigan, this Friday? (24th May)
The event, organised by Curious Minds, will bring together teachers, cultural organisations, artists and influencers from across the North, to recognise and celebrate those working in the most creative and innovative ways.
Before and after the ceremony there will be an opportunity to visit Wonderland, where arts and cultural organisation based in the North, including me! will showcase their work to young people and creative educators.
To book a ticket for the award ceremony and Wonderland visit https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/791073170147 #NCEA2024
April 2024
Bookshop signings
Thank you to Bounce Marketing for arranging I do a trio of book signing visits at three of my favourite local independent bookshops last month. I loved calling into the newly expanded Pritchards, in Crosby, the wonderfully cosy Broadhursts in Southport and the treasure trove Tell Tale Books in Padgate, Warrington. It was lovely chatting to Angie and Mitch, Gill and Monica and Les and I treated myself to some new books. There are signed copies of my books now available in all three shops.
SCBWI article on working with UCLan MA Publishing students
I have written an article for the Society of Children's Books Writers and Illustrators British Isles Words & Pictures online magazine about how UCLan Publishing teams up it's authors with MA Publishing students.
FCBG blog
I was delighted to be asked to write an article for the Federation of Children's Book Groups blog giving an insight into my Gracie Fairshaw mystery series and how my northern working class background influences my writing.
What’s Your Story, Chorley 2024
It has been a real honour to support What's Your Story, Chorley book festival again this year. As well as my 12 school visits - I attended the prize giving for the writing competition winners at Chorley Central Library with two more special guests Sir Lindsay Hoyle MP, Speaker of the House, and Cllr Tommy Gray, Mayor of Chorley and volunteer organiser Mandy Howarth.
I was also excited to deliver a writing for newspapers workshop for The Parish of St Lawrence CE, Chorley, Year 4s who looked at old copies of the Blackpool Gazette to come up with story ideas.
Then on What's Your Story, Chorley Day I visited Ebb and Flo Bookshop for their Mini Booky Extravaganza with a host of amazing illustrators, poets and authors - Kerri Cunningham (Murphy's Sketches), Genevieve Aspinall, (pictured with me) Liz Flanagan, Jen Carney and Dom Conlon for a day of book pitching and other fun.
I also delivered a storyboarding workshop later that day, at Central Library. I was so impressed by the work created which you can see below!
March 2024
Publication day celebration
To celebrate the launch of Gracie Fairshaw and the Missing Reel which was published on World Book Day, I teamed up with National Literacy Trust, Blackpool for a special author visit to Gateway Academy in Blackpool. I delivered a talk to Year 5 and 6 in the hall, then answered questions about being an author. After break, I did a writing workshop with Year 6, who used storyboarding techniques to create short stories.
Third review for Gracie Fairshaw and the Missing Reel
Mrs Sydney's Famous World Smallest Library blog has posted a lovely review of Gracie Fairshaw and the Missing Reel, describing it as "a gentle mystery perfect for fans of Robin Stevens’s Murder Most Unladylike books." She also says: "The third in the series, this is my first encounter with Gracie and I’m hoping it won’t be the last. This works perfectly well as a standalone read and is a story that confident readers in Year 4 upwards will really enjoy."
Second review for Gracie Fairshaw and the Missing Reel
Thank you to Pam Norfolk for her generous review on her book blog Book-marked. Pam writes: "Susan Brownrigg ... fills her stories with such rich authentic detail and beautifully drawn characters that you can almost taste the fish and chips, smell the sea salt in the air and hear the trams rolling down the promenade... One of the best children’s mystery series currently on the shelves." You can read the full review HERE
Time Tunnellers - the history of cinema
This month on the Time Tunnellers YouTube channel I am looking at the History of Cinema and how it inspired Gracie Fairshaw and the Missing Reel. Learn about film strips, zoetropes, clapperboys and northern starlets - plus there's another writing challenge!
You can view the video below or by CLICKING HERE
The accompanying blog is AVAILABLE BY CLICKING HERE
World Book Day 2024 video
To celebrate World Book Day - the Time Tunnellers have recorded a special video looking at the history of children's books. I am covering the 1920s to the 1930s. I hope you enjoy watching!
Signed copies of Missing Reel available now
You can now buy signed copies of Gracie Fairshaw and the Missing Reel via the fantastic Ebb and Flo bookshop.
To order your copy CLICK ON THIS LINK you can also ask for the book to be personalised and I will add the name as well as signing it.
Books will be sent out after publication day - Thursday March 7th 2024.
I will also be visiting Pritchards Bookshop in Crosby and Broadhursts bookshop in Southport in late March to sign copies of my book too - more details to follow nearer the time.
What's Your Story, Chorley festival appearance
I will be taking part in What's Your Story, Chorley festival on Saturday 23rd March. I will be doing a writing workshop using movie storyboards. The children's events take place at Chorley Library between 11am and 4pm and authors participating include Jen Carney and Liz Flanagan. My friend, poet Dom Conlon will be appearing at Chorley Theatre.
You can also do a trail, looking for beautiful book benches which have been hand painted by schools, nurseries and community groups.
What's Your Story, Chorley? is organised by a group of dedicated volunteers and Chorley Council.
February 2024
First review for Gracie Fairshaw and the Missing Reel
Thank you to Veronica Price for her lovely review on her book blog V's Views from the Bookshelves.
She says: "Gracie Fairshaw and the Missing Reel is a wonderful example of historical cosy crime, written for a middle grade audience. Author, Susan Brownrigg, has clearly researched Blackpool and the film industry of the 1930s in meticulous detail and seamlessly integrates her knowledge of the period into a story that feels totally grounded in its place and time."
You can read the rest of her review HERE
Visit to Holland Moor Primary
I had a lovely time at Holland Moor Primary School, Skelmersdale to talk to pupils about my journey to publication.
The pupils watched my powerpoint presentation and then asked me a series of questions about being an author.
My visit was part of a prize for student Faye who won the About the Town Young Writers Competition.
Faye also won a signed set of my books including a special preview copy of Gracie Fairshaw and the Missing Reel which is not yet available to buy.
Congratulations to Faye on her prize winning story!
I am pictured here with some of the pupils who purchased books on the day which I also signed and personalised for them.
January 2024
What's Your Story, Chorley schools author tour
I am thrilled to be supporting the organisers of the fabulous What's Your Story, Chorley, by promoting their schools writing competition and book festival this year, with a 12 school author tour. I have visited Adlington Primary, St Paul's Adlington, St James, Chorley, St Bede's Primary, Clayton Green, Manor Road Primary, Clayton-le-Woods, Eccleston Primary, Coppull Parish, Coppull Primary, Buckshaw Primary, Parklands High, St Peter's CE, Abbey Village.
As well as telling them all about WYSC, I talked about my Gracie Fairshaw series and the inspiration behind my detective books.
Schools were also sent a workshop video from me to help them prepare their Read All About It themed entries.
Thanks to volunteers Mandy, Linda and Sylvia for supporting my author visits and Chorley Council for financial support.