SUSAN ELLIOT WRIGHT
Susan Elliot Wright grew up in Lewisham in south-east London, left school at 16 and married unwisely at 18. She didn’t begin to pursue her childhood dream of writing until she left her unhappy marriage and went to university at the age of 30. After gaining a degree in English, she decided to choose a new name, and began flicking through the phonebook for ideas. She settled on Elliot and changed her name by deed poll. Then she met ‘Mr Right’ (actually, Mr Wright) to whom she is now happily married.
As well as her first degree, she has an MA in Writing from Sheffield Hallam University, where she is now an Associate Lecturer. Previously, she has had a varied employment history – among other things, she’s been a civil servant, a washer-upper, a teacher of English literature, a wedding cake-maker, and a chef. Her more recent background is in journalism, and she is the author of nine non-fiction books. She now teaches creative writing and mentors new writers, while still occasionally working as a chef to satisfy her passion for cooking.
Several of her short stories have won or been shortlisted for awards, and one of these, Day Tripper, was broadcast on BBC Radio 4.
Susan still lives in Sheffield with her husband and a big black dog called Henry. Although she is happier living in Sheffield than she has ever been, she still dreams of one day living near the sea.
Susan’s first novel, The Things You Didn’t Know, was bought by Simon & Schuster in a two-book deal, for publication in spring 2013. She is currently working on her second novel As Good As Eve.
For more information visit www.susanelliotwright.co.uk
LATEST BOOK: THE THINGS YOU DIDN'T KNOW
A heartbreaking novel about loss and second chances, perfect for reading groups...
Maggie, a young woman, wakes up in a bed, in a hospital, in the 1960s with no memory. She discovers this is no ordinary hospital, but a mental institution, and slowly, as her memories return, she painfully pieces together her devastating life story...
Jonathan, a teacher in an inner city comprehensive today, was raised by loveless parents and is struggling with his choice of career and impending fatherhood. While wrestling to keep control of a class of unruly teenagers, he hits the wall next to a pupil's head. This leads to a false accusation which triggers a dramatic course of events…
The Things You Didn't Know is a powerful, dual-stranded novel about fatherhood and motherhood; nature and nurture; cruelty and kindness; and mental breakdown. Written in clear, sometimes muscular prose, it is by turns revealing, witty and touching.
BIBLIOGRAPHY: When Someone you Love has Dementia, Sheldon Press, 2010 ('Highly Commended' in the BMA book awards 2010); Coping with Epilepsy in Children and Young People, Sheldon Press, 2009. Overcoming Insomnia, Sheldon Press 2008; Living with Heart Failure, Sheldon Press 2006; Overcoming Emotional Abuse, Sheldon Press, 2007; Coping with Type 2 Diabetes, Sheldon Press 2004; Amphetamines and Ecstasy, Hodder Wayland, (Health Issues) 2005; Heroin, Hodder Wayland, (Health Issues) 2004; Epilepsy, Hodder Wayland, (Health Issues) 2005; Puberty, Hodder Wayland, (Health Issues) 2005.
