Sue Lawson

Radio announcer, teacher, MCG attendant, nightclub DJ, shop assistant, swimming teacher, babysitter... just a few of Sue Lawson's jobs before she turned a passion for writing into a career.

Sue grew up on a farm near Hamilton, Victoria, and after moving all around the state, now lives in Western Victoria, with her husband Bruce, daughter, Courtney and Milly the Cavoodle.

Sue continues to teach, write for children and run writing workshops for children and adults.

Visit Sue Lawson's website

Frequently asked questions

How many books have you written?
I've written two picture books, My Gran's Different, illustrated by Caroline Magerl, and Jamie's Star, illustrated by Bec Wheeler. I've written eight junior novels, Tessa, Ferret Boy, Dragon's Tear and the Diva books. Another book, Allie McGregor's True Colours comes out later this year.

What was your first book?
My first book was a fantasy junior novel, Dragon's Tear.

When did you start writing?
I've been writing diaries, letters and stories for as long as I can remember. I started writing 'seriously' just after my daughter was born in 1994.

Why do you like to write books for children?
Because I love kids. Kids are honest and make me laugh. I love the way kids view the world.

Where do you get your ideas from?
Ideas are everywhere. Sometimes an idea comes from your life. I wrote Dragon's Tear after moving to a new town. Sometimes it comes from a newspaper story or photo. Gran came from a radio interview and a child's comment. Or an idea can come from a dream. Ideas are everywhere, but it's the ones that make you go 'oh' that work best.

Are the characters in your books based on real people?
Not really, though they are a mixture of people I know. My characters' expressions or habits may come from people I've noticed.

How do you create characters that will appeal to children?
My characters are like real people. They have hopes and dreams, hobbies, likes and dislikes. I spend a long time working on my characters so I really know them. If I get this right, then they'll appeal to children.

Who are your favourite writers/illustrators? And favourite books?
My favourite writers are John Marsden, Morris Gleitzman, Tim Winton and Robert Drewe. My favourite illustrators are Caroline Magerl, Anne Spudvilas and Bob Graham. I love his writing too. My favourite books from when I was a kid are A Wrinkle in Time by Madeline L'Engle, and picture book Farewell to Shady Glade by Bill Peet. Now my favourite books are Two Weeks with the Queen by Morris Gleitzman, So Much to Tell You by John Marsden and Deadly Unna by Phillip Gwynne.

Which character from a book would you most like to meet?
Hmmmm. Mickey Farrell from Diva. Though Coco would be interesting. Who knows what she'd say! And I'd like to meet Josh from Ferret Boy.

What do you use to write your books?
I write on the computer most of the time. I do have a notebook and pen (usually about nine pens) with me all the time, so if I have a spare minute I'll write.

What were you like at school?
At primary school I was pretty quiet and a bit of a goodie-goodie. At secondary school I wasn't such a goodie-goodie. My favourite subjects were English, English Literature and Aussie History. And I hated Maths and PE. (I was seriously fat!)

What is your favourite food?
Seafood! Crayfish, prawns, fish, scallops... yum.

What are your hobbies?
Being with my husbandBruce and daughter Courtney. Reading, walking, gardening and the footy (Go Pies!)

Do you have any pets?
We have a cavoodle called Milly. She's very cute, but she thinks she's human!

What is your most treasured possession?
My daughter. I know she's not a possession, but she's my most precious thing in the world.

If you weren't a writer, what would you be?
Teacher or radio announcer. I've done both and loved both. Probably a teacher, because I love kids.