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.
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.
And here she is wearing the finished boots made
in fine tradition by Cheaney, of Desborough, Northamptonshire -
soon to be part of an exhibition.
Books and Boots go together of
course. There may be more pics!
Q&A with
Sue
Feb
2010
Sue really enjoyed taking part in this question
and answer session hosted on her blog by writer of Fantasy fiction
for Children, Young Adults and Adults @shelleywilson 'Great to
speak to someone who writes across the genres, as I do. Not many of
us about,' Sue says.
New Year – New Beginnings
Jan 2020
"We’re already over two weeks into 2020. So
– what I have I been up to?
My adult novel in progress entitled Frozen
Charlotte was put on hold over Christmas, as I played host to a
nasty bug that ‘generously’ gave me a chest infection. Thanks for
that you miserable microbes! But I’m back, fighting fit and ready
to begin another new project to run alongside writing Frozen
Charlotte. More of that in a moment.
First I want to share my feet with you. Well not
my actual pinkies, rather lovely as they are, but the lasts made
for my by the very talented craftsman Michael James of
@springline.lasts (You can see my name on the lasts in
the pic)
As part of my research for Frozen Charlotte,
which is a murder mystery based on the Northampton shoe trade in
the mid-19th century, I visited Springline and was
shown around the factory. It’s very exciting to be part-way through
the process of having a bespoke pair of boots made for me. The
process has been the same for centuries, Northampton shoe makers
were and are very skilled. I’ll be eagerly awaiting updates and
will keep you posted."
"Now for that other project, for which I am
wearing my children’s author’s hat. It is early days for what is
something completely new to me, so as yet there’s not much detail I
can go into. I've been into Northampton College to work with some
of the students on an exciting new venture which will bring Flame
the Magic Kitten to life in a vibrant new way."
"I’m very fond of my clever,
brave, sparkly, mischievous and goodhearted Magic Kitten so it’s
very exciting to see where we’re heading with this. (Flame has
given me his approval *waves fluffy paw and grins*)
I will tell you more very
soon - Promise!"
"In the meantime wrap up warm and look after
yourselves. Remember that cold nights and weekends are perfect for
curling up in a fleece with a book and a large hot
chocolate.
Lots of love – Sue Bentley"
Happy New Year!
Jan 2020
'Sue hopes everyone had a
wonderful Christmas, with lots of exciting reads. And she wishes
everyone a Happy and Bookish New Year.'
New Magic Puppy
Edition
Jan
2020
Sue loves this gorgeous latest Czech Magic Puppy
edition - particularly seeing her name as Sue
Bentlyova.
@ktolnoe Good to connect on Twitter. Take care and stay safe ☀️
27th March @ 11:10
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!'
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
"Come closer
tender
hot-blood..."
~ Sue Bentley, We
Other
We Other a #1 Amazon Bestseller!
Sue was thrilled to discover that We Other is #1
on the Amazon Bestsellers list for Low Fantasy!
Writing Tip
Sue says 'When inspiration is needed, roll
out the notebooks, coloured pencils and chocolate
peanuts!'
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.
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
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@lizziecantopherThey
look brilliant on her shelf next to her author copy!
What readers are saying about Second Skin
Great to see Second Skin already making an
appearance on bookstagram!
'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
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!'
