by Susan Macartney
Tara, thank you! I’m so happy to share my success story. Spoiler alert: It’s never too late to embark on this journey!
“Winding” doesn’t quite do justice to my meandering, zigg-zagging road to publication as an author-illustrator. I’ve always been drawn to both the arts and the sciences. So maybe I could have saved some time if I’d made a beeline for narrative nonfiction! Didn’t happen… First I studied zoology and anthropology and then ended up working in graphic design for 20 years. No question—a convoluted, interesting path, and along the way I continued to tinker with writing and illustrating children’s stories.
I joined SCBWI in 2012, was full of enthusiam about joining a writing “community”… and then my partner and I moved overseas. Temporary hold on my writing while all of “life’s dust” settled… Fast-forward to 2015, my desire to write and illustrate was still strong and I reached out again to the wide world of kidlit.
To give you an idea of how far I had to reach: I’m Canadian. I was living in Sweden. And Tara’s picture book webinar was being hosted by SCBWI… out of France! The host gave us the link to Tara’s blog and told us we should really try the November PiBoIdMo (Picture Book Idea Month) challenge—and the rest is Storystorm history.
Well, not quite… I moved again! But now the Storystorm challenge with all its amazing writing and illustrating advice was waiting for me wherever I landed. On January 5, 2018, I looked at my blank Storystorm entry page, armed only with the goal of gently exploring the theme of self-awareness. And oh yes, I knew I wanted an animal main character and for envirornmental issues to figure in the subplot. I first learned about the Galapagos Islands when I was seven. And it wasn’t long before the engaging Blue-footed booby waddled into my mind as a potential candidate—what’s not to love?
Two years later after many drafts, CP reviews and edits my debut picture book, BENJAMIN’S BLUE FEET: Pajama Press, was published.
Yay Storystorm! The discipline of a defined daily challenge enhanced by professional advice for ONE creative month, worked for me on so many levels. I’m goal-oriented and an early riser and embraced the habit of piggybacking my Storystorm entry with my morning coffee. Take note! Having that pen and dedicated notebook within easy reach also helped to minimize all the usual self-inflicted roadblocks to being creative.
Now my story ideas weren’t loose bits of inspiration scrawled on scraps of paper anymore, or worse, those “best” ideas that never even got recorded. They’re all there in black and white – no excuses, no delusions (about how great that idea actually was) – just lots of ideas to return to, mull over and mine!
It is never too late to set forth on this journey. Remember that there is a WIDE world of like-minded people out there – learn to reach out, relish the small joys along the way and PERSEVERE!
Blog readers, Sue is giving away a signed copy of BENJAMIN’S BLUE FEET!
Leave one comment below to enter.
A random winner will be selected soon!
Good luck!
Sue has taught art to children around the world and currently works as a nature sketch artist at The Bateman Foundation in Victoria, BC. You can find Sue online at suemacartney.com and on Twitter @suesumac and Instagram @suemacartney.
204 comments
Comments feed for this article
April 21, 2021 at 10:52 am
audiencedog
Your book looks enchanting, and I appreciate the advice to persevere. Also, I love Victoria, BC!
April 23, 2021 at 3:15 pm
sue macartney
Thank you for your lovely comments – all round! Best wishes Sue
April 21, 2021 at 10:54 am
Mary Warth
Congratulations Sue! Benjamin sounds fabulous.
April 23, 2021 at 3:16 pm
sue macartney
Thank you!😊
April 21, 2021 at 10:55 am
mariagianferrari
Congrats, Sue! It looks wonderful :)!
April 23, 2021 at 3:27 pm
sue macartney
Thank you!:)
April 21, 2021 at 10:55 am
danielledufayet
This book looks charming! I can’t wait to read it. Congrats!
April 23, 2021 at 3:30 pm
sue macartney
Thanks so much!:)
April 21, 2021 at 10:56 am
judyrubin13
Thank you, Sue, for sharing your writing journey and success with us. Benjamin’s Blue Feet looks like a great book to read with children.
April 23, 2021 at 3:17 pm
sue macartney
Thank you for your kind comments!:)
April 21, 2021 at 10:57 am
Carole Calladine
I agree that StoryStorm is a great incubator. And having all your ideas in one place really helps. I use a looseleaf three-ring binder. Thank you for sharing your story. Can’t wait to see how you highlighted self-awareness with blue feet.
April 23, 2021 at 3:19 pm
sue macartney
Thank you!:)
April 21, 2021 at 10:57 am
marty
I love your illustrations. Thanks for sharing your journey with us. And congrats on your debut PB!
April 23, 2021 at 3:28 pm
sue macartney
Thanks for the lovely comments!
April 21, 2021 at 10:58 am
Kim A Larson
Congratulations, Sue! Your book looks fun and wonderful. Thanks for sharing!
April 23, 2021 at 3:29 pm
sue macartney
Thank you for your kind words!:)
April 21, 2021 at 10:58 am
Kassy Keppol
What fun adventures you have had, I haven’t traveled to any of the places you have lived. I can’t wait to read about Benjamin’s blue feet.
April 23, 2021 at 3:50 pm
sue macartney
Thank you so much. Hope you enjoy Benjamin!:)
April 21, 2021 at 11:02 am
Joan Swanson
What a fun book, Congratulations! Animals and conservation, what is not to love 🙂
April 23, 2021 at 3:31 pm
sue macartney
Thank you! Two things that are very close to my heart:)
April 21, 2021 at 11:06 am
mariearden
Congratulations! Love those blue feet. Wish I had a pair. Of maybe blue boots? Never too late? I started writing as an almost senior and need to remind myself every day that I can still write my stories and try to get them out into the world.
April 23, 2021 at 3:18 pm
sue macartney
So true! Both about the boots and the writing:) Happy writing!
April 21, 2021 at 11:10 am
gloriaamescua
I loved reading about your twists and turns on your writing journey. It all came together in Benjamin’s Blue Feet!
April 23, 2021 at 3:33 pm
sue macartney
Sometimes there does seem to be a reason for our convoluted journeys!
Thanks!:)
April 21, 2021 at 11:12 am
svaisnoras
Love the story of your journey. And now the world has Benjamin’s Blue Feet.
Congratulations!
April 23, 2021 at 3:34 pm
sue macartney
Thank you!:)
April 21, 2021 at 11:16 am
Rathi Munukur
Congratulations Susan! Can’t wait to read your book
April 23, 2021 at 3:35 pm
sue macartney
Thanks so much!:)
April 21, 2021 at 11:18 am
Nancy Furstinger
What an amazing international journey–can’t wait to savor Benjamin’s Blue Feet!
April 23, 2021 at 3:53 pm
sue macartney
Thanks so much for your kind comment!:)
April 21, 2021 at 11:21 am
maureenegan
Love a long and winding road story that ends up in the right place!
April 23, 2021 at 3:54 pm
sue macartney
Indeed!:) Your comment much appreciated – thanks!
April 21, 2021 at 11:22 am
Dawn Prochovnic
What a wonderful story of persistence, and what a fabulous, compelling title and topic. I just put it on my to-read list.
April 23, 2021 at 3:35 pm
sue macartney
Thank you for your kind comments – much appreciated!:)
April 21, 2021 at 11:27 am
Brian Burak
Thank you for sharing your story with us. It’s definitely encouraging!
April 23, 2021 at 3:42 pm
sue macartney
Perseverance and encouragement, definitely the messages I hoped readers would get from my story. Thank you!
April 21, 2021 at 11:37 am
Angie
I love how many countries this story creation touched! Also love the blue feet! Can’t wait to read about Benjamin. Congratulations!
April 23, 2021 at 3:40 pm
sue macartney
Thanks so much!:)
April 21, 2021 at 11:47 am
Marci Whitehurst
Congrats, Sue!! Thanks for sharing!
April 23, 2021 at 3:36 pm
sue macartney
Thank YOU for reading and commenting!:)
April 21, 2021 at 11:55 am
aidantalkin
Congrats on your great book, and perseverance!
April 23, 2021 at 3:39 pm
sue macartney
Aidan, thanks for the lovely comment!:)
April 21, 2021 at 11:57 am
Paisley Schade
Congratulations! I love a success story and a blue footed booby story.
April 23, 2021 at 3:45 pm
sue macartney
It took a while but such fun to have a blue-footed booby help me find my debut success!:)
April 21, 2021 at 11:59 am
Jenny Morales
I love blue footed boobies! This looks like a great book to share with my kids whose papi is from Ecuador.
April 23, 2021 at 3:47 pm
sue macartney
That would be wonderful! Ecuador and seeing real blue-footed boobies is on my dream bucket list. Thanks!:)
April 21, 2021 at 12:00 pm
Shanie Cooper
What gorgeous illustrations! Thanks for sharing!
April 23, 2021 at 3:38 pm
sue macartney
Thank you for reading and your lovely comment!:)
April 21, 2021 at 12:01 pm
Elizabeth Moore
Love the encouragement and you story on the booby-one of my favorite birds. Good Luck in all you do.
April 23, 2021 at 4:03 pm
sue macartney
Thanks!:) So happy the encouragement came through. It can be such a long road and we all need it!:)
April 21, 2021 at 12:10 pm
Chelle Martin
It’s great that you were able to pursue your writing no matter where you moved. Best of luck with your book. Look forward to reading it.
April 23, 2021 at 3:58 pm
sue macartney
Thanks! Had my moments about keeping on, keeping on…! And the learning to reach out certainly was key for me:)
April 21, 2021 at 12:11 pm
Valarie Giogas
Congrats! I LOVE the illustrations. Such character shines through – especially the cover. Draws me in to want to read all about him.
April 23, 2021 at 3:37 pm
sue macartney
Thank you for this lovely comment!:)
April 21, 2021 at 12:16 pm
Anita M Banks
What a fun looking story. Congrats!
April 23, 2021 at 3:47 pm
sue macartney
Thanks so much for your comment!:)
April 21, 2021 at 12:24 pm
Laurie Knowlton
Thanks for sharing your journey! Congratulations!
April 23, 2021 at 4:00 pm
sue macartney
Thank you! My pleasure! Especially for those out there who feel like it might never happen:)
April 21, 2021 at 12:28 pm
Poupette
Congrats on your charming book! Oh, how I relate to the challenges of uprooting, and I fully concur with “Yay Storystorm!” and “the discipline of a daily challenge enhanced by professional advice for ONE creative month.”
April 23, 2021 at 3:37 pm
sue macartney
Thank you!:)
April 21, 2021 at 12:30 pm
storycatcherpublishing
i love anything connected to the ocean, I love these illustrations and I love your journey. Congratulations!
April 23, 2021 at 3:50 pm
sue macartney
The ocean is very close to my heart too. Thank you for your kind comments!:)
April 21, 2021 at 12:41 pm
Writer on the run
So helpful to hear about your journey and the role of Storystorm in getting published! Thank you!
April 23, 2021 at 4:05 pm
sue macartney
Thank you for reading my story and your kind remarks!:)
April 21, 2021 at 12:58 pm
Elizabeth Saba
Thank you for your candid journey story and your book!
April 23, 2021 at 4:07 pm
sue macartney
Thank you for your kind comment!:)
April 21, 2021 at 1:05 pm
kathydoherty1
Such a darling book!
April 23, 2021 at 4:07 pm
sue macartney
Thank you so much!:)
April 21, 2021 at 1:07 pm
Lynn Becker
It’s great to read about your journey, and now I’m looking forward to reading about your blue-footed booby. Storystorm has been a great help to me, too.
April 23, 2021 at 4:09 pm
sue macartney
Thanks for reading about my journey. Storystorm really is a wonderful incubator isn’t it?! Thanks too for your interest in my book!:)
April 21, 2021 at 1:08 pm
Linda Hofke
I’ve always found the blue-footed booby adorable. Such a great character for a children’s story
CONGRATULATIONS on your book!!
April 23, 2021 at 4:11 pm
sue macartney
They are pretty remarkable, aren’t they?! Thank you for your kind comments!:)
April 21, 2021 at 1:09 pm
Adam Blackman
Wow. If you had a Fitbit to record every step along the way…Thanks for sharing your journey!
April 23, 2021 at 4:13 pm
sue macartney
Thanks! LOL! Yes it was pretty convoluted, but have to say, worth the journey!:)
April 21, 2021 at 1:34 pm
annette schottenfeld
Sue, I love the story that led to Benjamin’s Blue Feet and agree that Storystorm is amazing. I’m currently pulling from my list of ideas. What a gift!
April 23, 2021 at 4:14 pm
sue macartney
A gift indeed! I continue to draw on this trove of ideas. Thanks for the lovely comments!:)
April 21, 2021 at 1:51 pm
rosecappelli
Your book sounds delightful, Sue! And I love your illustration style. Congratulations!
April 23, 2021 at 4:15 pm
sue macartney
Thank you so much for your very kind words!:)
April 21, 2021 at 1:52 pm
Jilanne Hoffmann
This book sounds so sweet! Benjamin and his blue feet. What’s not to love? Congrats on making it down that long, spaghetti-piled road!
April 23, 2021 at 4:16 pm
sue macartney
“Spaghetti-piled” indeed! LOL:) Thank you for your lovely comment!:)
April 21, 2021 at 1:54 pm
Sherry Smith
Susan, your book looks adorable. It’s an adventure to travel and live in other countries and fortunately you were able to participate in SCBWI and StoryStorm when you lived in Sverige.
Best of luck!
April 23, 2021 at 4:18 pm
sue macartney
Thank you for your kind comment. Wishing you all the best in your writing journey too!:)
April 21, 2021 at 2:10 pm
Susan Johnston Taylor
Love this origin story! Blue-foot boobies are such fascinating creatures. I have one of my projects but with a completely different twist.
April 23, 2021 at 4:19 pm
sue macartney
Thank you! I’ll keep an eye out for yours too – best of luck on your writing journey!:)
April 21, 2021 at 2:35 pm
Bethanny Parker
I bet my daughter would enjoy this story. She loves animals and has a strong desire to help save the oceans.
April 23, 2021 at 4:21 pm
sue macartney
Wow! A wonderful desire for a child to have! Thanks for your comment!:)
April 21, 2021 at 2:45 pm
Lizzie
I love this story and is similar to my own. Thank you for giving me some hope!
April 23, 2021 at 4:22 pm
sue macartney
Thanks – So happy it did give you some hope! I definitely needed that kind of encouragement on my journey. Best of luck!:)
April 21, 2021 at 2:48 pm
janetfrencksheets
Benjamin is adorable! I think “blue-footed boobies” actually made it on to one of my Storystorm idea lists, so I’m eager to see what you came up with! Love those feet.
April 23, 2021 at 4:24 pm
sue macartney
Thank you so much! Yes. Hard not to be attracting to these engaging birds with their beautiful blue feet!:)
April 21, 2021 at 2:54 pm
Lisa Riddiough
Congratulations, Sue! I love your winding road path to publication. I, too, have had a circuitous route. Everything in due time. Best wishes to you. I can’t wait to read your book!!
April 23, 2021 at 4:25 pm
sue macartney
Sometimes hard to believe when the route stretches away into the unknown distance… but you are so right! Thank you for your very kind comment!:)
April 21, 2021 at 2:58 pm
jeanjames926
I love story origins, and this one was great! What a wonderful character Benjamin is, and those blue feet…Congratulations!
April 23, 2021 at 4:26 pm
sue macartney
Thank you for reading my story and your very kind comment!:)
April 21, 2021 at 3:05 pm
Karen Lee Boardman
Congrats! Wonderfully inspirational path you’ve taken!
April 23, 2021 at 4:27 pm
sue macartney
Thank you so much! One I hope others also get some encouragement from for their journeys!:)
April 21, 2021 at 3:10 pm
pamelanaturalliving
That story looks so cute! I love the pictures you shared. And I appreciate the journey you have been on. I have not published yet but have been wanting to and have many ideas, especially in the nature field and all the experiences I have had through animals and plants. This motivates me to start moving forward and get it done!
April 23, 2021 at 4:29 pm
sue macartney
That’s wonderful! Hang onto that feeling – it really sounds like you have something valuable to share. Best of luck!:)
April 21, 2021 at 3:11 pm
Marla Yablon
Such an encouraging story and I love, love, love blue footed boobies! Can’t wait to read your book!
April 23, 2021 at 4:31 pm
sue macartney
Thank you! Very much the takeaway I hoped readers would get. And thank you for your interest in my book!:)
April 21, 2021 at 3:13 pm
M.R.
Congratulations! What an inspirational idea, and the illustrations are adorable! 🙂
April 23, 2021 at 4:31 pm
sue macartney
Thank you so much for your kind comments!:)
April 21, 2021 at 3:14 pm
Karin Larson
What a wonderful story, Sue. Thanks for sharing your inspiration. Congrats on BENJAMIN’S BLUE FEET. It looks wonderful.
April 23, 2021 at 4:32 pm
sue macartney
Thank you for reading my story and your lovely comments – much appreciated!:)
April 21, 2021 at 3:15 pm
Deborah Williams
I was just reading about these birds the other day! I’m so glad you kept at it, and persevered your way to success. All the best to you–and Benjamin!
April 23, 2021 at 4:33 pm
sue macartney
Pretty amazing birds, aren’t they?! Thank you for your very kind comments!:)
April 21, 2021 at 3:29 pm
carmelamccainsimmons
Thanks for sharing your uplifting story! I cannot wait to read Benjamin’s Blue Feet.
April 23, 2021 at 4:36 pm
sue macartney
I’m so happy you found it uplifting. And I really hope it helps other writers on their journeys. Thank you!:)
April 21, 2021 at 3:33 pm
Judy Sobanski
Congratulations, Sue! Your post is very encouraging. I look forward to reading what sort of obstacle blue feet cause for Benjamin.
April 23, 2021 at 4:36 pm
sue macartney
Thank you for reading my story and your kind comment!:)
April 21, 2021 at 3:42 pm
Mary McClellan
Congrats on this fun PB. I would love to read about the blue-footed booby!!
April 23, 2021 at 4:37 pm
sue macartney
Thank you for your kind comment and interest in my new book!:)
April 21, 2021 at 4:39 pm
writeknit
Congratulations!! Your book looks fabulous, I’ll be keeping my eyes open because my grandsons will love it.
April 23, 2021 at 4:38 pm
sue macartney
What a lovely comment! Thank you so much!:)
April 21, 2021 at 4:40 pm
evelynchristensen
Congratulations on your wonderful PB! Thanks for sharing with us about it.
April 23, 2021 at 4:39 pm
sue macartney
Thank you for reading it and your kind comment!:)
April 21, 2021 at 4:59 pm
Nancy Riley
Congratulations on your book! I’ve been to the Galapagos Islands and watched blue-footed boobies first hand. They are so cool! Thanks for sharing your journey and best wishes for your continued success.
April 23, 2021 at 4:40 pm
sue macartney
Thank you for your comments! How wonderful that you have seen these remarkable birds in the wild – on my dream bucket list!
April 21, 2021 at 5:55 pm
nancykkkkk
Thanks for sharing your writing journey. It’s a convoluted path for many of us. Your story gives me hope. Love it that you credited Story Storm for inspiration. .
April 23, 2021 at 4:44 pm
sue macartney
So glad my story has given you some hope. Very much what I wanted readers to takeaway 🙂 And again! Yay Storystorm!:)
April 21, 2021 at 6:13 pm
Mary
Sue, congratulations on your debut pb!! I love the blue-footed booby and want to get my hands on that book!
April 23, 2021 at 4:44 pm
sue macartney
Thank you so much for your kind comment and interest in Benjamin – much appreciated!:)
April 21, 2021 at 7:30 pm
Carol Gwin Nelson
Who wouldn’t love a blue-footed booby? Thanks for sharing your journey. Congratulations on your book!
April 23, 2021 at 4:45 pm
sue macartney
Indeed! Pretty remarkable birds:) Thank you for your kind comment!:)
April 21, 2021 at 9:08 pm
tinamcho
Congrats! I think these birds are fun!
April 23, 2021 at 4:46 pm
sue macartney
I think they’re pretty remarkable! Thank you!:)
April 21, 2021 at 9:17 pm
Gail Hedrick
Thank you for sharing your journey, and terrific use of Storystorm as it was no doubt conceived. Congrats on making your blue-footed buddies come to life for readers everywhere!
April 23, 2021 at 4:46 pm
sue macartney
Thank you for your kind comment!:)
April 21, 2021 at 9:30 pm
Sarah Skolfield
I’m on the winding journey so it’s nice to hear of a success story from that path!
April 23, 2021 at 4:48 pm
sue macartney
There will be detours and maybe even some more… but keep going! Best of luck on your journey:)
April 21, 2021 at 9:39 pm
Sylvia Mary Grech
Your story gives me hope. Congrats on the book!
April 23, 2021 at 4:49 pm
sue macartney
Thank you! Very much what I wanted readers to takeaway:) Thanks for your comment:)
April 21, 2021 at 11:01 pm
Lucretia Schafroth
Congratulations on your debut PB, Susan! Lovely illustrations–looking forward to reading Benjamin’s story.
April 23, 2021 at 4:50 pm
sue macartney
Thank you for your lovely comment! And your interest in Benjamin – much appreciated!:)
April 21, 2021 at 11:05 pm
Stephanie Wildman
Congratulations on your debut! My son’s name is Benjamin (and my son-in-law’s is, too – so yup – I have two sons named Ben) – so I love that you picked that name. And I love the blue feet!
April 23, 2021 at 4:51 pm
sue macartney
It’s a fine name! Thank you for reading my story and your kind comment!:)
April 21, 2021 at 11:10 pm
Aly Kenna
Thank you Sue for such an inspirational post. Life’s dust, love it! Can’t wait to read about Benjamin’s blue feet. He is so cute and the gif is awesome. My new favorite animal 🙂
April 23, 2021 at 8:14 pm
sue macartney
Thank you for all your lovely comments – they are much appreciated!:)
April 22, 2021 at 12:49 am
emerly gueron
Thank you for sharing your writing journey. I am hoping to be published and have several manuscripts in the final revision stage.
Congratulations on the publication of Benjamin’s Blue Feet. It sounds like you did a great deal of research for this.
Emerly Gueron
April 23, 2021 at 8:13 pm
sue macartney
Thank you! And wishing you all the best with your writing projects!:)
April 22, 2021 at 5:59 am
chaunceyelephant
I can add your story to all the motivational quotes I keep pasting up for encouragement. Thanks for sharing!
April 23, 2021 at 8:12 pm
sue macartney
I’m delighted that you were encouraged by my story. Best of luck on your journey!:)
April 22, 2021 at 7:34 am
theresacocci
What an inspiring story! Thank you for sharing!
April 23, 2021 at 8:11 pm
sue macartney
Thank you so much for reading and commenting – much appreciated!:)
April 22, 2021 at 8:09 am
Christina Shawn
I’m so glad that when life’s “dust settled” you still felt drawn to picture books. That is wonderfully inspirational. Thank you.
April 23, 2021 at 8:10 pm
sue macartney
Thank you for reading my story and commenting. I’m so glad there was some inspiration in there for you – really what I hoped readers would takeaway!:)
April 22, 2021 at 9:21 am
Julie Kurtz
I really appreciated hearing your story and applaud your persistence! I am a recently retired teacher just embarking on my writing journey. You inspired me and the book sounds great! Congrats!
April 23, 2021 at 8:08 pm
sue macartney
Thanks! I’m so happy you were inspired by my story. Exciting times as you venture forth on your writing journey – wishing you all the best!:)
April 22, 2021 at 9:27 am
Joyce Uglow
Yes, stick-to-itiveness as its best. Congratulations! BENJAMIN’S BLUE FEET sounds so adorable.
April 23, 2021 at 8:06 pm
sue macartney
Thank you!:)
April 22, 2021 at 10:34 am
betlw
I have never seen a blue footed booby and think he’s kinda cute with his waddle and all. The main character of your book is so interesting. Just his name will draw in kids. Your story your of travels all over the world was so inspiring. Good luck, Sue, with this creative book. I’ll be sure to read it, as I want to know more about this fascinating creature.
April 23, 2021 at 8:05 pm
sue macartney
Thank you so much for your kind comments. I hope you enjoy Benjamin’s journey and meeting all the other amazing Galapagos Island animals!:)
April 22, 2021 at 11:01 am
Rebecca Van Slyke
“It is never too late to set forth on this journey. Remember that there is a WIDE world of like-minded people out there – learn to reach out, relish the small joys along the way and PERSEVERE!
My story, too! Perseverance is definitely the key! Congratulations to you and Benjamin!
April 23, 2021 at 8:03 pm
sue macartney
Thanks so much!:)
April 22, 2021 at 12:38 pm
robincurrie1
Totally love Blue footed birdies! Where did you teach art? I have been teaching English internationally for the last decade.
April 23, 2021 at 8:00 pm
sue macartney
They are pretty delightful birds!:) I had an opportunity to teach art in Sweden and India.
April 22, 2021 at 1:46 pm
YauMei Chiang
Congratulations, Sue! I’d love to read BENJAMIN’S BLUE FEET.
April 23, 2021 at 7:57 pm
sue macartney
Thank you! Good luck for the book draw!:)
April 22, 2021 at 2:32 pm
lynjekowsky
Thank you for sharing your long writing journey and your Storystorm success. I am looking forward to reading about the treasure-hunting booby in BENJAMIN’S BLUE FEET. Congratulations.
April 23, 2021 at 7:55 pm
sue macartney
Thank you! I hope you enjoy Benjamin’s journey!:)
April 22, 2021 at 2:34 pm
Arlene Schenker
You’ve had an interesting journey, Susan. Glad it all came together in this great-looking book! Can’t wait to read it.
April 23, 2021 at 7:53 pm
sue macartney
Thank you for your kind comment!
April 22, 2021 at 2:57 pm
Cheryl Johnson
I read your book months ago and would love my own copy!
April 23, 2021 at 7:53 pm
sue macartney
Thank you!:)
April 22, 2021 at 4:34 pm
Debi Novotny
Adorable cover! Congratulations!!!
April 23, 2021 at 7:51 pm
sue macartney
Thank you!:)
April 22, 2021 at 5:19 pm
claudia sloan
Congratulations!!! And thank you for sharing your journey, it’s inspiring 🙂
April 23, 2021 at 7:50 pm
sue macartney
Thanks so much for your kind comments!:)
April 22, 2021 at 7:28 pm
Lauri Meyers
Oh man that last illustration where Benjamin is so dang happy with his blue feet just melts my heart! I need to give myself that same self love now that I’m trying on bathing suits.
April 23, 2021 at 7:48 pm
sue macartney
Thank you for your lovely comment!:)
April 22, 2021 at 7:59 pm
Cynthia Helen Mackey
I absolutely adore this book and as one of Sue’s critique partners, it has been a great pleasure to see it out in the world. I love how the StoryStorm experience that Tara has provided has led to so many incredible books like this one.
So many people, adults and children, struggle with body image and this book is important for that reason but it is so much more. It is a book about caring for our world and loving ourselves. It is written with so much child like authenticity, as if Sue got right into the mind of a young child discovering things for the first time. And the illustrations are adorable! As you can tell by now, I’m a big fan and grateful be one of Sue’s CPs.
April 23, 2021 at 5:09 pm
sue macartney
Cindy, thank you for your wonderfully kind and very thoughtful comments. Speaking of the importance of reaching out to this wide “kidlit” community – Cindy and I met through an international writing program and discovered we both live in the same city! She is also an active supporter and nurturer of the writing community through her own: Kid Lit Village blog. Thank you again CP partner!:)
April 23, 2021 at 4:16 am
Linda
Benjamin’s Blue Feet is a great book. I would love a copy for the home.
April 23, 2021 at 4:55 pm
sue macartney
Thank you for your very kind comment!:)
April 23, 2021 at 8:42 am
jensubra
Love your artist style. Looks like a fun book to read!
April 23, 2021 at 4:54 pm
sue macartney
Thank you for your lovely comment – much appreciated!:)
April 23, 2021 at 12:04 pm
barbarabockman
My friend, Colleen Rand, author/illustrator of BIG BUNNY and MY MOTHER’S DAUGHTER, went to the Galapagos and returned to paint a beautiful picture of the Blue Footed Booby. She gave each of us in her SCBWI critique group a print. I would love to be the lucky winner of Sue Macartney’s BENJAMIN’S BLUE FEET.
April 23, 2021 at 8:17 pm
sue macartney
Good luck for the draw!:)
April 23, 2021 at 7:33 pm
nicolesalterbraun
I love Benjamin’s little head tilt! Looks like an adorable book!
April 23, 2021 at 7:49 pm
sue macartney
Thank you!:)
April 24, 2021 at 12:10 pm
JoLynne Ricker Whalen
This looks so cute! I definitely want it in my library’s collection!
April 24, 2021 at 12:21 pm
sue macartney
Thank you! Good luck with giveaway!:)
April 24, 2021 at 1:23 pm
srkckass
I am looking forward to reading about blue footed boobies with my kids. Great idea! Would also enjoy a decomposition book with manatees on it
April 24, 2021 at 6:11 pm
sue macartney
Thank you! Yes, love my decomposition book!:)
April 25, 2021 at 1:17 pm
LAURA BOWER
What beautiful illustrations and adorable MC! Thank you for sharing your path to publication. A big congratulations to you!!
April 25, 2021 at 2:38 pm
sue macartney
Thanks so much for your lovely comments!:)
April 26, 2021 at 6:02 am
authorshannonanderson
Congratulations! I LOVE the cover! Adorable.
April 26, 2021 at 10:47 am
sue macartney
Thank you! I have to say, pretty fun birds to draw:)
April 26, 2021 at 2:25 pm
dedra davis
Great interview, Tara! And Sue, your book looks adorable! I wanted to let you know that my dogs just received a Blue-Footed Booby from Barkbox! You need to order one whether you have a dog or not! It is so cute!
April 26, 2021 at 2:25 pm
dedra davis
Great interview, Tara! And Sue, your book looks adorable! I wanted to let you know that my dogs just received a Blue-Footed Booby from Barkbox! You need to order one whether you have a dog or not! It is so cute!
April 27, 2021 at 9:45 am
Jay
Congratulations Sue on your wonderful book. Great MC and great cover!
April 27, 2021 at 11:12 am
sue macartney
Thanks for the kind comments!:)
April 30, 2021 at 5:46 am
yangmommy
The communal challenge of creating 30 new ideas in a month, buoyed by various mentors & ideas, is what makes Story storm so wonderful! Imagine all the tales that may have gone unwritten if not for SS?! Like this cute blue-footed friend here 🙂 Looking fwd to reading this!!
April 30, 2021 at 10:43 am
sue macartney
I heartily agree! Thanks for the lovely comment!:)
April 30, 2021 at 11:21 am
Michele Rietz
Sue, when I read a version of someone’s writing journey, I take heart. Mine isn’t as interesting as yours, but definitely zig-zaggy and meandering! I, too, love the community feel of Story Storm! It’s a great thing!! Thanks for your encouraging post and congrats on your book!
April 30, 2021 at 11:28 am
sue macartney
Thank you for your kind comment! As frustrating as it can sometimes be, I think all that zigzagging strangely takes us to where we need to be – happy journey, Happy Writing!:)
April 30, 2021 at 11:25 am
sue macartney
Thank you for your kind comment – it can be frustrating, but somehow all those zigzags take us to where we eventually need to go:) Happy journey, happy writing!:)
May 1, 2021 at 8:16 am
Amy Benoit
I love your spirit, Sue! This career path is meant to be. Congratulations.
May 1, 2021 at 10:32 am
sue macartney
Thank you for your very kind comment – made my morning!:)
May 3, 2021 at 12:13 pm
Abby Wooldridge
This story looks amazing! Thank you for sharing your journey with us! Congratulations! 🙂
May 3, 2021 at 1:23 pm
sue macartney
Thanks for the lovely comment!:)
May 6, 2021 at 1:34 pm
Dena Davis
We each have a unique path on this writing journey. Thank you for sharing yours! Love your new book! My son, Benjamin, will get a kick out of seeing this book, AND he often has blue feet!
May 7, 2021 at 3:34 pm
Meredith Fraser
So good to read your successful journey with Storystorm! Congratulations!
May 7, 2021 at 3:35 pm
sue macartney
Thank you!:)