Susan Brownrigg

Susan is a published children’s book author offering school visits, author talks and writing workshops. She writes historical mysteries which are inspired by northern people, places and events.

A Lancashire lass, Susan grew up in Wigan and now lives in Skelmersdale.

Published titles: Wrong Tracks (2025) about the Rainhill Trials and the opening of teh Liverpool and Manchester Railway; the Gracie Fairshaw series set in 1930s Blackpool: Gracie Fairshaw and the Mysterious Guest (2020), Gracie Fairshaw and the Trouble at the Tower (2021), Gracie Fairshaw and the Missing Reel (2024),  Kintana and the Captain’s Curse (2021), a treasure hunt adventure with magic and lemurs set during the golden age of piracy on Ile Sainte Marie, Madagascar.

All her books are published by Fox and Ink Books (formerly UCLan Publishing) and are aimed at children aged 9+

Susan also works as a Library Information Assistant.

She previously worked for twelve years in heritage and wildlife education, including several years as Learning Manager at Norton Priory Museum & Gardens, Runcorn. She has also worked at Rufford Old Hall, Tatton Park, Quarry Bank Mill, Catalyst Science Discovery Centre and Blackpool Zoo.

A journalism graduate, her first career, lasting ten years, was as a journalist and chief sub editor (Section Head) at Liverpool Daily Post & Echo Weekly Newspapers.

Susan is an Undiscovered Voices 2016 winner, a competition organised by SCBWI British Isles to find new writing talent. She is now on the committee which organises the biannual competition.

Susan was awarded the 2015 SCBWI British Isles Margaret Carey scholarship.

Susan was also longlisted in 2007 for the Writers & Artists 100th edition novel writing competition.

She has delivered author related talks and workshops across the north including What’s Your Story, Chorley, Smithdown Lit Fest, NYA Lit Fest, Bolton Libraries, Halton Libraries, Sefton Libraries, Barnsley Libraries, Manchester Libraries, Oldham Library, Wigan Libraries and the National Literacy Hub.

She is currently completing an MA in Creative Writing at the University of Chester and is working on an adult historical mystery.