LATEST NEWS

Work In Progress

Aug 2020

Sue is presently working on her adult novel, Frozen Charlotte. It's a complex plot, with many twists and turns.  The book is set in Lastville, a fictional town in Northamptonshire, and centred around the death of a brutish and unpleasant shoemaker. Miss Minerva Shaw, twenty-six years old, opinionated, stiff-necked and resigned to being a spinster, forms an unlikely friendship with the dead man's son. Their investigations lead them into the very heart of a secret club, where death itself is currency.

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Walking in Nature

Aug 2020


Sue's been walking in nature, which helps her think, stay sane, and develop ideas and characters for her books.  Here she is having an interesting encounter with a very witchy looking tree. What stories it could tell!

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Lockdown Reading

Jul 2020


What strange times we're living through.  Lockdown for Sue has meant catching up with reading. This is one of the books she's enjoying. Who doesn't love a gorgeous bookmark to go with a new read? The ones here are by artist Sue Shorman. Find out more about her on Facebook and Instagram @sueshormanart and get your own bookmark at sueshormanetsy.com 

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Book Blog Guest

Jul 2020

Sue was delighted to be a featured guest on shazsbookblog. With many thanks to generous bookish host @sharonwilden. Click on the image below to read the full interview

Oxted Library

Jul 2020

Sue replies to this fabulous Twitter post by Oxted Library.  'They really love Magic Kitten in Surrey,' says Flame. 'The young readers there have very good taste!' *winks and gives a furry grin*

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The Library Virtual Awards Ceremony

Jun 2020

Sue was delighted to take part in The Library Virtual Awards Ceremony. She missed seeing all the students and everyone at Northampton College, and hopes they can all be together for next year's reading awards. See Sue's contribution on her Youtube channel Sue Bentley Official.  Full video with all students' names can be seen on Sue's Facebook page.

Click the image to view the video

World Book Day

Mar 2020


Sue had a wonderful World Book Day 2020. The pupils and staff of The Good Shepherd Primary made her welcome and joined in with fab animal sound effects during a reading from Magic Kitten. Sue was also interviewed Live on BBC Radio Northampton by the rather wonderful Bernie Keith, helped by real Magic Puppy, Riley.

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Two young readers dressed as characters from Sue's Magic Kitten and Magic Ponies book. Flame says, 'don't they look splendid?' *shows teeth in a furry grin*

New Boots!

Mar 2020

Sue was delighted by a special happening during her research for her Gothic mystery Frozen Charlotte. Seen here with Michael James, master last-maker of Springline, with measurement drawing and lasts for Sue's bespoke boots.  

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And here she is wearing the finished boots made in fine tradition by Cheaney, of Desborough, Northamptonshire - soon to be part of an exhibition. 

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Books and Boots go together of course. There may be more pics!

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We Other Review

Jul 2020


Sue was surprised and delighted by this review of We Other, posted by Miriam McGuirck on her website 'Miriam's Reads'.  Sue says, 'It's the best feeling when a reader really 'gets' your book.' (We Other now has a new Anniversary Edition cover.)

 

Sue's Top 10 Writer's Tips

Feb 2020

Sue shares some of the things she's discovered about writing. Useful for beginners or those already published. Click the image.

Sue's loving...

Feb 2020


Sue's enjoying filling her new bookshelves - here they are reflected in this gorgeous vintage mirror. She says, 'No more books piled on the floor! Yay!'

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We Other Book Trailer


Sue is very pleased to announce that the book trailer for We Other is now LIVE!

Click the image above to view the trailer

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"Come closer tender 

hot-blood..." 


~ Sue Bentley, We Other 

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We Other a #1 Amazon Bestseller!


Sue was thrilled to discover that We Other is #1 on the Amazon Bestsellers list for Low Fantasy!

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Writing Tip

Sue says  'When inspiration is needed, roll out the notebooks, coloured pencils and chocolate peanuts!'

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WIP Research

February 2019

Sue being measured for bespoke shoes by Master Last Maker, Michael of Springline. All in the interests of research for her novel in progress set in Victorian Northamptonshire and the shoe trade.

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For Writers

On Writing


'...the art of pretence, fabrication and telling lies is part of my stock-in-trade. To begin with, I must strive to believe my own lies. It’s important that my characters become so convincing - so ‘real’ to me - they take on a life of their own... Click here to read more

 

Advice for New Writers


People often ask me for tips about writing and how to get published. So here are some thoughts on the subject. I hope you find them useful and constructive.

First of all – writers must write... CLICK HERE to read more

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Just Be a Child

Sue supports Just Be a Child, a charity that inspires and supports Kenyan children to read. The charity is looking for writers to donate books so please click the logo to take a look at their website if you can help.

Second Skin in Miniature!

Nov 2019

Sue was thrilled to receive these miniature versions of her latest book, Second Skin. Huge thanks to @lizziecantopher They look brilliant on her shelf next to her author copy!

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What readers are saying about Second Skin

Great to see Second Skin already making an appearance on bookstagram! 

Thanks to @booksletusescape_ for this lovely photo.


'Sue Bentley has created a cool world in Second Skin. It will only get better in future novels.'

4 stars, @booksletusescape Bookstagrammer

'...They are beings that have both a human and dragon form. This was really cool and something I've not really seen before. I really loved the worldbuilding in this book and getting to know the world, culture, politics and people of Esra. The plot was action packed and kept me hooked, there was so much going on and it was interesting to see how each storyline played out.'


4 stars, Goodreads reviewer

"Second Skin - set in a world of shapeshifters that go beyond the norm - with fantastic reviews for this series starter its worth checking out for your TBR. Anyone else crushing on this cover?"


@julie_embleton on Instagram

'Love, love, love this book. 5 stars. The end! This is my first read from Sue Bentley. It certainly won't be my last.'


5 stars, Jessica Belmont, Amazon customer

 

'There is love, there is war, there are dragons and tribes, and a girl who wants nothing more than to have the freedom to choose.' 


Haley Renee @Dramahuman31

'Having long been a fan of shapeshifting characters in all manner of books, I thought I knew what to expect, but in the Drakkoni, Sue Bentley has created a far more complex race than your average shifter. The drama intensifies steadily throughout.'

@maitaylor01 – on Mai’s Musings

'I love books that focus on character development, and Aledra’s character arc is one of my new favourites....I would definitely recommend Second Skin to any fantasy fans, especially those who love character focused books with unique worlds to explore.'


4 stars, Goodreads reviewer

What readers are saying about We Other

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Thanks to @paperheartsink for this wonderful photo of We Other

' "We Other" delivers by the bucket-load! Sue Bentley's writing is dark and atmospheric, and a hint of menace drips through it. These are most definitely not the faeries of the Disney or Flower Fairy variety. They are cruel, and unpredictable, and filled with a dark malevolence. The descriptions in the book are so vivid that I became totally immersed in what I was reading, and could picture the settings as clearly as the back of my own hand.'


5 stars, Curlygirl79, Amazon reviewer




'I loved the intricate weaving of the faery and mundane worlds, the depth of the characters, and the honest clarity of the emotions portrayed. I will very much be looking forward to a continuation of this story!'

5 stars, Melissa Williams, Amazon reviewer