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Articles by Sue Wickstead
Once Upon A Time
Over the years, I have shared my stories with many children, and my visits have always been met with excitement and curiosity. But an author visit is not just for ‘World Book Day’; it can be any day. “Meeting an author, illustrator, poet or storyteller in real life and hearing them convey their passion for their work can fundamentally alter a child or young person's relationship to books and ignite a life-long love of reading.
A Scary Ticket to Ride
My new book, ‘A Ticket to Ride’, was ready. Press enter or click to view image in full size Having received the completed files, it was time to sort everything out. July. I decided on a publication date for the 20th of October. (My little sister’s birthday — so I would remember that.) It would give me plenty of time to get the book ready, to look at ways to promote, as well as to plan author visits. Loading the files The files would need to be loaded onto both Ingram Spark and Amazon.
How important can a book review be?
The answer is, very. It’s always good to hear that your writing is enjoyed and appreciated. As a children’s author it is certainly important. I have read many of my books to children in schools and at story telling events. I have also had my books go on blog tours with readers. I love hearing what the adults will say but it is always more important when I hear what the children think. Who do I write for? The Children. Who writes the reviews? The adults Who buys the books?
Bus Running Day - East Grinstead 2025
Have you ever been to a 'Bus Running Day'? What is a bus running day? 'A "bus running day" is an event where preserved or classic buses operate on their historic routes, often with free or discounted fares, offering a nostalgic journey for enthusiasts and the public.
News from October
Sue Wickstead · Follow 6 min read · -- Don’t you just love it when your writing gets lost! No. Me neither. But that’s what happened to my November Newsletter. Found it! So here it is. Enjoy the ramblings of a Nanny and children’s writer November is racing along. It will soon be time for a cetain someone’s 5th Birthday? Then… Christmas. Meanwhile Maggie’s Blog tour came to an end, there were ots of comments and different people at each daily stop.
New Book - 'Maggie's Circus Bus'
The Bewbush Playbus was the start of my writing journey. Having written the photographic history book about the project itself I have been surprised to hear that the original project still has a lot of interest. "What a shame it isn't still her," is the comment often said. But at least it's memories and adventures continue. When I originally published the first storybook to go with the real history book, my daughter commented that she would like me to write more about the bus project she remembers.
A Teacher’s Tale
Why would you give up teaching? I read the following quote and it made me think about my own experiences: ‘Teacher’s don’t usually quit teaching because of the kids. They quit because ADULTS make their job harder than it should be.’ It made me think again of my own feelings of humiliation and hurt. Events I was put through did serve to undermine my own feelings of self-worth and doubt my own abilities as a teacher with further feelings of inadequacies and self doubt about letting people down.
A Sparkly Waistcoat
In 2019 I volunteered to be a judge on the 500 Words Competition. The reason I wanted to be a judge is that I love reading children’s story writing ideas. Having left full-time teaching to write my own stories, I took on the role of a Supply/Cover Teacher. It was great visiting so many different schools and to meet so many children of different ages.
Early Readers
30 ways to encourage a love of reading. Bumping into reading opportunities without the fuss. Read a favourite story. Take turns reading and listening. Point at the words when you read. Talk about the favourite parts of the story. Have fun picking out the words. Look at the pictures and move to the next page when you want. Read several stories every day. Get older children to read to younger children Look for things your children likes. Read all sorts of things; comics, magazines, leaflets.
Mother Earth Day with Alexander
During Lockdown I was invited to do some 'online' learning activities for EYFS Home. Some of the days were based around my story books and some were themed days that I was asked to work on. I could usually draw on my Playbus and teaching experiences to come up with a few ideas to support the topic of the day. The idea was for young children to join in at home, with their parents.
Music and Me
I do not count myself as musical, or at least not musically trained. However, I love sounds and when I was teaching would love to create an expressive free flow with sounds and jamming sessions. In 2019 I was asked some questions by Audrina Lane about my musical connections which not only made me think but also giggle a bit too. My music and my teaching As a primarty teacher I would teach all subjects, music was a subject where I also learnt along the way and this made it more fun.
Alliance of Independent Authors: Self-Publishing Advice Center
This is the self-publishing advice blog, written by members of the Alliance of Independent Authors. We cover the seven processes of publishing - editorial, design, production, distribution, marketing, promotion and licensing publishing rights - here week on week, together with writing advice and how to run an indie author business. Bookselling chain Barnes and Noble has found a buyewr and will be run by James Daunt, who is also the CEO of Waterstones in the UK.
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