Sue Hampton appreciation

Sue Hampton

Sue is what I call an ’emotional writer’. She writes what she feels strongly about and with a passion. This makes her stories come alive – whether a children or young person’s book, a novel or collection of short stories. Sue has been a prolific writer, before joining TSL she had already published around 30 books, and 11 with TSL including a co-authored memoir with fellow authors Leslie Tate and Cy Henty about the creative journey. Most of what Sue has published with TSL have been children’s books and short stories. Her one novel with TSL has been Intact, a love story.
Her children’s books include two fundraisers for Refugees – I am Me which was beautifully illustrated by Paula Watkins, and I am Me 2 using photographs by Abdulazez Dukhan. The money raised from the sale of these books are for People Not Borders. Her other young people’s book is Y4x4 – a collection of 4 fantasy stories for Year 4 pupils. My favourite (and I’m not usually a fantasy fan) is KOOT IN SPACE which tells of Koot’s first mission as a Space Cadet, when he has to forget he’s hopeless, and outwit the colossal creature that left bite marks in an abandoned space station.
This leaves Sue’s short stories which fall in to two categories or themes – general (Ravelled, Woken and Instead) and as a climate activist (Rebelling for Life, Still Rebelling for Life, Rebelling Like There’s No Tomorrow), with a single monologue – Jess – in the TSL compilation Where Human Rights and Mental Health Interact.
Most of Sue’s writings contain autobiographical elements, less obvious in the general collection than in her Rebelling series. While I prefer the stories in the general collections and Intact, I appreciate those in the Rebel collection because of Sue’s quality of writing, her raw honesty, tenacity and the insight it has provided into the life of an activist. Sadly, as a result, I’m not sure we’ll see any more publications from Sue – she made a huge sacrifice in lifestyle and opportunity in becoming a rebel, but not of her values – these come through strongly in all her writing. She’s been a pleasure to work with for the many reasons…and I do hope we see at least another collection or even novel from her, but no pressure…
Whatever your political take, don’t let it stand in the way of a well-written and moving story. Sue has a wide enough selection to appeal to many. And for an insight into an author’s (or three’s) creative journey, there’s The Dream Speaks Back – a book with a difference.