About author Sue Lawson

Stories have always played an enormous role in the life of Australian young adult and junior fiction writer Sue Lawson. Pretty obvious, really – along with her favourite toy, she’s also holding a book in the photo with her grandfather, Rugerio Rizzo.

But there’s a lot more to Sue than just stories. Here’s a stack of random information about her. And if you’d like to know more, remember you can always contact Sue Lawson to ask questions.

I grew up …

on a farm in Western Victoria, the eldest of four children. I loved farm life – except for working with the cattle. Books and stories were a huge part of my life. My grandmother was an English teacher and my grandfather and father constantly told stories.

At school I …

loved writing and reading. Maths…not so much! I also loved art, but I wasn’t very good at it. Still am not, but I like to potter. Apart from reading and writing, my other major skills at school were talking and laughing! Loudly apparently.

When I was a child I wanted to be …

a writer, a teacher or a trainer with Collingwood Football Club. So far I’ve been a writer and teacher – now for Collingwood!

My favourite books as a child were …

A Wrinkle In Time by Madeleine L’Engle
Hill’s End by Ivan Southall
The Outsiders by S.E Hinton
Catcher In The Rye by JD Salinger
Displaced Person by Lee Harding
The Hobbit by JRR Tolkein.

My favourite quote is …

from Lord of the Rings. ‘All we have to do is decide what to do with the time that is given us.’ Gandalf to Frodo.

My first published work was …

junior fiction novel Dragon’s Tear. My best friend told me the main character, Cam, was very like me. It sold out before the book launch.

The best thing about being a writer is …

everything! I love the thrill of developing an idea into a story and creating new characters. The research for any project is totally absorbing and often sparks other book and story ideas.

My favourite books include …

Lord of the Rings (all three)
The Shepherd’s Hut (in fact anything by Tim Winton, including his shopping list)
Anything by Helen Garner, and yes I’d read her shopping list too
Six by Karen Tayleur
Anything by Scot Gardner, but maybe The Dead I Know is still my favourite
The Narrow Road to the Deep North by Richard Flannigan
Life After Life by Kate Atkinson
Words In Deep Blue by Cath Crowley
Lenny’s Book of Everything by Karen Foxlee

Ten Quick Things …

I love whales and dolphins and never miss a chance to go on a whale watching tour.
I also have a thing for birds – especially small birds like wrens.
I was ABC Radio’s first female breakfast announcer in 1989.
I love Australian music, especially bands like Midnight Oil and The Sunnyboys.
I worked part-time at the MCG for three years.
If I need to think, recharge or solve a problem with my work, I’ll head to the beach, no matter the weather.
I love comedy, especially Monty Python, Lano and Woodley and Shaun Micallef.
I’m a Collingwood tragic.
I can knit up a storm, but can barely sew.
Snakes terrify me!