Sue Reed makes Magic (Books)

This morning I sat down for a cup of tea and a catch up with the lovely Sue - a fellow North East writer (and a Substack Live first timer, look at her go). Sue’s second novel is out in the world, and I wanted you to hear the story behind it straight from her.The booksThe Rewilding of Molly McFlynn began when Sue placed her hand on a baby hare in her garden, which sent her down a research rabbit hole (hare hole?) and straight into the Newcastle witch trials. She wove that history together with lockdown and a girl who doesn’t fit in at school, creating a tale about daring to be different, true friendship and finding your people.Molly McFlynn Goes Rogue was sparked by the incredibly sad and barbaric act of felling of the Sycamore Gap tree in September 2023.Just a month before her first book was published. Sue lives just down the hill from it and described how the whole region felt the loss. Rather than stay in the grief, she wrote a story of hope and action. Molly travels back to AD 122, when Hadrian’s Wall was being built and strong women led the Iron Age tribes, learns about trees with the help of the druids, and comes home ready to campaign. It also holds Sue’s own grief around losing her mum, alongside the beautiful character of Nan.These are stories that span generations... a 12 year old can read them, and so can their nan (Sue has readers over 90).✨The publishing journeyBoth books were partnership published. Sue’s advice if you’re considering that route is to go in wisely, read your contracts and ask the Society of Authors to check them.Her first book had a 400 copy first print run that sold out before publication, then went through five reprints in its first year and sold over 2,000 copies in 18 months. Even so, when her agent pitched it to 27 publishers, it wasn’t picked up. Sue believes the London-centric industry overlooks Northern women writing about climate and environmental justice.So she’s choosing herself. Sue is setting up her own imprint, Butterbur Books, named after a riverside plant that flowers before its leaves and was once used to ease headaches (publishing being one, whichever route you take). She’ll republish the first book with matching covers by her designer and bring the third book of the trilogy home too.How to support Sue* UK readers can order signed, dedicated copies directly from her website. She’ll even wrap them and post them for Christmas.* Ask your local bookshop or Waterstones to order the books, then share a photo and tag Sue on IG or on here. * Wherever you bought your copy, please leave her a review on Amazon. It truly helps.Sending sparkles,Claire✨P.S. If Sue’s story has stirred your own book dreams, my How to write and sell a pdf book from content you already have is the place to make it happen. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit sparkleon.substack.com/subscribe