Northern Highlights - Suzy Senior

NORTHERN HIGHLIGHTS

Suzy Senior



Where do you live, and how would you sum up the place in three words?  

North Sheffield, on the edge of the Peak District. Hilly, industrial, beautiful!

What is special to you about creating children’s books, and what is your favourite part of the process? 

I love picture books – especially the way the words and the pictures work together to make something amazing. One of the best bits, for me, is when I first see the illustrator’s roughs and see that wonderful transformation from manuscript to picture book begin!

Tell us about your upcoming/most recent book. 

The most recent is Octopants and the Missing Pirate Pants - the second Octopants book, illustrated by Claire Powell and published by Little Tiger Press. It’s a rhyming undersea adventure, this time with Claire’s gorgeous little Pufferfish in a starring role! In the next month, I’ve got another 3 picture books publishing too, with Scamp Publishing and Little Tiger Press - so exciting times.



Octopants and the Missing Pirate Pants, Little Tiger Press, 2022


If you could be transported to anywhere in the North/Scotland right now, where would it be? 

I love Glasgow, and haven’t been in years. But I’d really like to visit the Western Isles, so with transport and travel time being no object, that would be perfect!


What literary/kid lit events have you attended or run/been involved with recently (in the North/Scotland)?  

I’m busy with library events at the moment, which is lovely. It’s especially nice to see people in person again, and to be able to work with schools.

Pre-Covid, Claire Powell and I were at the Bradford Literature Festival for an Octopants workshop. That was great fun!


Name your favourite children’s book/art organisations in the North/Scotland. 

So many, doing amazing things. Grimm and Co in Rotherham are fabulous. And they have a beanstalk slide!


What advice would you give to aspiring writers/illustrators/publishers living in the North/Scotland? 

Make lots of contacts and don’t give up! It’s normal for things to take ages in publishing.


What would you like to see from children's publishing in the North/Scotland? 

On a personal level, I’m excited to see how Southport-based Scamp Publishing develops. I’m involved with writing and sales with them at the moment. We’ve mostly been working on children’s Bible stories so far, as that’s a bit part of the team’s background – but there are so many possibilities!


Who for you are the great Northern/Scottish children’s writers/illustrators? 

Argh, again so many – how to choose? Pamela Butchart, Paul Cookson, and Jeff Anderson have all been inspirational in our house. And a special mention to Mr Dobbs who has inspired many, many Stocksbridge children in their love of illustration and story!


What’s next on your TBR pile by a Northern/Scottish creative? 

One of the DCI Ryan books, by LJ Ross. Their jackets with the north-east landmarks are stunning.





 

Twitter: @Suzy_Senior
https://suzysenior.com

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