reveals: “I’m now editing a sequel to Gracie set in Blackpool Tower’s Children’s Ballet at Christmas 1935, and writing a third Gracie mystery inspired by the filming of Sing as We Go in the resort.”
Susan says that the coronavirus and lockdown restrictions have also acted as a reminder to many of the joys of the British seaside, saying: “Sometimes we take the places around us for granted, Blackpool’s motto is progress and the town has always tried to keep up with trends and changing tastes. Surprisingly, a lot of 1930s Blackpool has survived.
“While a lot of Britain’s seaside resorts have lost their heritage treasures, but Blackpool still has its Tower, three piers, wooden rollercoasters, vintage trams and the stunning Winter Gardens. The Illuminations began in 1879 and are still going strong. I definitely want to show Blackpool off! “During lockdown we have started to appreciate what we have much more. I’ve had many readers tell me they’ve been craving a trip to Blackpool after reading my book.”
Away from writing, Susan is a Learning Manager at Norton Priory Museum and says: “I loved working with children, and it was fantastic seeing how much they enjoyed learning about the past. It helped concrete my passion for writing historical adventures.”
Susan adds: “I have always loved reading and writing. My favourite time in school was when our teacher
Autumn-Winter 2020
read to class or asked us to write a short story. When I read Anne of Green Gables and Little Women I knew I wanted to be an author like Anne and Jo! I knew my dream would be hard to achieve so decided to become a journalist in the meantime. It’s a good job I didn’t know back then how hard it would be.” Susan kept writing, but despite recognition in awards, she struggled to get published. She was longlisted for the Writers & Artists Yearbook writing competition in 2007, chosen as one of the SCBWI (Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators) British Isles Undiscovered Voices in 2015 and was awarded the Margaret Carey scholarship for fiction. However, Susan’s fifth children’s book, Gracie, proved to be the
turning point as a deal was struck with Uclan Publishing. The independent publisher is part of the University of Central Lancashire, in Preston, and just 15 miles away from the Blackpool Tower.
Susan says that when she discovered Uclan Publishing: “I was really excited. I had a tingly feeling that I’d found the perfect home for my book – and I was right! It has been a rollercoaster journey to publication, with lots of ups and downs, but it has all been worth it.” PEN&INC.
l Gracie Fairshaw and the Mysterious Guest (9781912979349) by Susan Brownrigg is out now and available from
www.uclanpublishing.com
PEN&INC. 23
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