Blog Archives
New Life Provides Hope
Rooted: An Old Tree’s Journey is a picture book that follows an old oak tree named Dendro as he mentors a young sapling through the joys and heartbreaks of life in the forest. What inspired you to tell a story from the perspective of an old tree?
It’s important to show that Dendro prospers despite going through profound losses and challenges. Dendro models perseverance and the passing down of wisdom as a lifelong process.
How did you approach writing about trauma, like the fire, in a way that’s honest but still comforting for young readers?
Trauma can come unexpectedly (like the forest fire), or it can be a long process. Regardless, it is frightening and stressful. Any child who has gone through it can relate to Vince’s comment that weeks later, he could not get the crackling sound of the fire out of his mind. But when Vince notices green sprouts on the ground, it’s healing. New life provides hope for Vince and young readers.
Dendro feels so real and wise. Did you model him after someone in your life?
Those who know me well say that they see me in Dendro. It is true. I am my character. Through painful experiences, I have persevered and have found purpose in encouraging others.
What is the next book that you are working on, and when will it be available?
Rooted: A Wildlife Tree’s Journey is the fifth and final book in the “Rooted” series. It is currently available. It is an emotional account of a tree’s life that has come full circle.
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Dawn to Dusk
A Day on the Brine is a charming, rhythmic journey through the ocean’s wonders, seen through the eyes of a curious captain and the creatures she encounters on her voyage. What was the inspiration for your story?
My husband and I are bluewater sailors. We departed Adelaide, South Australia, in 2012 and sailed to Western Australia’s Shark Bay.
Cyclone season was rapidly approaching and still wanting to do more preparation prior to crossing the Indian Ocean, we chose to spend almost twelve months in the region. This is where A Day on the Brine takes place.
Except for the krill which are such miniscule creatures they’re difficult to spy with the eye, we were fortunate enough to see all of the creatures found in A Day on the Brine.
There is no freezer on board Gratis. Once our fresh meat runs out, we toss out the fishing line and wait. Tuna, wahoo, and swordfish are just some of the delicious fish to be found and cooked on the BBQ.
Albatrosses are curious creatures and, except for when a serious storm approaches, are always in sight, whilst squid find their way on deck when waves slap upon the hull and toss them about.
We happened to be sailing at the time of the humpback whale migration and experienced the wonder of having these behemoths breaching and playing all around us.
From these experiences came the idea for A Day on the Brine.
What scene in the book did you have the most fun writing?
I thoroughly enjoyed the whole process of creating this story.
I love doing jigsaw puzzles and creating A Day on the Brine was no different to doing one. Placing the characters in the correct order was crucial, as was ensuring the rhyme worked. Moving from dawn to dusk, everything had to flow in a circular movement. Easier said than done, the rhyming was my greatest challenge, and there is nothing I love more than playing with words.
Many miss that there is a secondary theme – a food chain – running through the illustrations. Thinking back, this is the section I most enjoyed writing. A great deal of imagery was in the illustrations rather than the text, so there was a need to get the illustrations notes ‘perfect’ – if there is such a thing – in order for Emma to interpret them in the way that she has.
The art in this book is fantastic. What was the art collaboration process like with the illustrator Emma Stuart?
Working with Emma was a dream. She loved that my illustration notes were detailed and provided her with a vision she could work with.
Within a short time, she had created the initial sketches and very little adjusting was required. I also loved the way she shared parts of her creative process. Watching the imaging as it came to life beneath her fingertips was the most exciting part of the whole process.
Emma is a talented wonder, I feel so honoured that she came on board this journey with me.
What is the next adventure in store for the Big Blue Boat, and when can your readers expect it to be out?
Several A Big Blue Boat manuscripts are ready and waiting for illustration. The question is, which one do I choose first? Will it be the one about the storm, or the fog, or maybe the story about an endangered bird?
At this stage, there isn’t timeline set for their release. I’m in the process of trying to work this out now.
I currently have two books set to launch in 2026. The first is a project I commenced with a special group of children in 2024 and is a prequel to the A Big Blue Boat series. We are aiming to launch this book towards the end of next March. If interested, you can follow this story at https://suseaspray.com/a-big-blue-boat-prequel/.
The second book has nothing to do with sailing or boats. It’s a rhyming story, has animals, and is lots of fun as twists and turns take place.
Author Links: GoodReads | Facebook | Instagram | Susea Spray | Website | Amazon
When the captain of a big blue boat throws out her fishing line, what will she find?
The captain of a big blue boat is hungry.
She throws out her fishing line and waits …
As the hours pass, Captain discovers a world where albatross soar and whales play.
There is an ebb and flow to life out on the brine and Emma Stuart’s stunning illustrations bring to life this magical rhyming tale.
Set on the west coast of Australia, if you have a fascination with boats, sea life and the ocean, you are going to love this award-winning sequel to ‘A Big Blue Boat’.
Become Better Humans
Cows with Bangs: A Stylish Tale of Acceptance follows an artistic cow with a passion for hairstyling who is mocked by her peers, and eventually earns their respect when the famous Highland Queen comes to see her for a makeover. What was the inspiration for your story?
The inspiration for this story surfaced during a public event I attended at a local farm. This farm, Highland Hills Farm in Emmetsburg, Iowa, raises miniature Highland cows to sell as pets. I thought to myself, Oh look, cows with bangs. I knew, in that moment, I had to create a children’s book with that title. I rarely come up with a title first, but in this case, it was too cute not to. My next thoughts were bangs, hair, styles, and cosmetology. I filed the idea away for several months until I was ready to work on the story during Christmas break 2024.
What were some ideas that were important for you to share in this book?
My stories contain a lesson or two to help young children become better humans. As a teacher, I am with children each day and observe their struggles. Kids are constantly learning how to master the skills they need to navigate life. In doing so, they frequently suffer from hurt feelings. Sometimes kids are misunderstood or mocked by their peers for just being themselves. This was the core situation I decided to present in the character of Claire.
Another concept I hope adults pick up on is how important it is to support kids. Taking the time and giving 100% of your attention, even if only for a minute or two, and speaking kind words can deeply affect a child. This concept was shown through the character of the queen.
What scene in the book did you have the most fun writing?
I enjoyed the last scene when Claire becomes the herd’s cow-moo-tologist. That play on words always makes people laugh or smile.
What is the next book that you are working on, and when will it be available?
I am currently finishing up a chapter book for ages 8-12. That is Book Three in my series The Crustacean Chronicles. It completes the series, which follows Charlie’s Crabby Day and The Sand Sculpture Competition.
Author Links: GoodReads | Facebook | Amazon
Claire is an artist with a talent for styling hair, but her passions are not welcomed and her peers shun her. That is until the famous Highland Queen comes to her rescue.
The Queen praises Claire’s skills and requests a hair appointment, causing the others to reconsider their judgment and line up for their own fabulous makeovers.
This charming tale of embracing individuality and gaining acceptance will remind us of the value of being supportive and kind.
Rooted: An Old Tree’s Journey
Rooted is a gentle and heartwarming children’s book told from the perspective of an old oak tree named Dendro, who reflects on life, growth, loss, and love as he mentors a younger tree, Vince. Through seasons of change and challenges like storms, fires, and even bark beetles, Dendro shares wisdom gained over the years. Each chapter feels like a life lesson wrapped in leafy metaphors, and the whole story reads like a cozy fireside chat with your grandpa.
What I loved most about this picture book is how simple yet deep it is. I loved the scene where Dendro helps Vince welcome baby birds into his branches. Vince is hesitant at first. He’s not sure he wants the chaos of chirping chicks. But Dendro gently nudges him to see the joy in giving shelter. It’s such a sweet metaphor for parenthood, or mentorship, or just being there for someone even when it’s inconvenient. And later, when the birds leave, Vince feels that familiar pang of loss.
Another part that really stayed with me was the fire. The way Cranston writes about it, quick, scary, no warning, felt like how real-life tragedies hit. The tension builds fast, and Dendro’s panic for Vince is real. And when Vince says he still hears the crackling weeks later? That felt like a nod to trauma, how it lingers even after the danger’s passed. But there’s hope too. Green sprouts return. Forest friends come back. The illustrations in Rooted are absolutely charming. They’re soft, warm, and full of heart. They do such a lovely job of bringing the trees to life, especially Dendro. You can really see his emotions.
Rooted feels like a gentle hug in book form. It’s for anyone who’s been through something hard and needs a quiet reminder that scars mean survival. I’d recommend it to middle-grade readers, teachers, or honestly, any adult who loves a good metaphor and needs a slow, thoughtful read to remind them of life’s cycles.
Pages: 27 | ASIN: B0DFR2H644
Misunderstood Creatures
Bart the Tiny Bat follows a tiny bat with one tooth who goes out one night and gets lost in a strange place, leaving him scared and alone, and only wanting to return home. What was the inspiration for your story?
So the bat hanging on the ceiling fan happened to me in real life. My initial reaction was similar to the character Barb’s in my book. I calmed down though and realized how scared the bat was. I got an oversized jar and scooped the bat gently in, and released it outside. I posted the experience on social media and it became clear this was my next book.
What educational aspects were important for you to include in this children’s book?
The importance of animals that we don’t understand and the role they play in the environment. Bats in particular play a very important role in our environment and are very misunderstood creatures. I also wanted to teach children to have empathy toward all animals.
What scene in the book did you have the most fun writing?
It was so fun learning about bats! I did my research and had some help from our local zoo. I illustrate my own books and that is honestly my favorite part. Creating characters, and drawing them into life.
Is this the first book in the series? If so, when is the next book coming out, and what can your fans expect in the next story?
That’s a great question. I’m thinking about what other animals fall in the category of environmental importance and being misunderstood. There are a couple. The positive response from this book though makes me want to do more.
Author Links: GoodReads | Facebook | Website | Amazon
Bravery and Self-Trust
Maverick and the Big Game follows a young boy as he prepares for the championship hockey game, who is excited but nervous about messing up and disappointing his team. Are there any emotions or memories from your own life that you put into your character’s life?
Absolutely. Maverick and the Big Game is very personal to me. The character of Maverick is inspired by my own son, and many of the emotions he experiences—like nervousness before a big game, the desire to make his family proud, and the lessons about teamwork—come directly from moments we’ve shared. As a hockey mom who’s spent countless hours at the rink, I wanted to capture the heart, pressure, and joy of youth sports from a child’s perspective, but with all the love and encouragement that exists behind the scenes, too.
What was your favorite scene in this story?
One of my favorite scenes is when Maverick takes a deep breath and finally steps onto the ice for the big game. It’s a moment of bravery and self-trust, and it’s such a turning point for him. You can feel his nerves and his excitement, and it’s a beautiful reminder that courage doesn’t mean not being afraid—it means doing it anyway.
Will there be a follow-up book to this story? If so, what aspects of the story will the next book cover?
Yes! There will definitely be more adventures with Maverick. The next book will focus on Maverick learning new life skills—both on and off the ice. He’ll face a new kind of challenge that tests his confidence in a different way, while still building on the friendships, lessons, and hockey love that started in Maverick and the Big Game. We’re also expanding the world around Maverick to show more of his life, his team, and even his dreams beyond hockey.
Author Links: GoodReads | Facebook | Website | Amazon
Follow Maverick as he faces one of his biggest challenges yet and learns that being brave doesn’t mean not being scared—it means playing your best, no matter what!
Will Maverick help his team win the championship?
Literary Titan Gold Book Award: Fiction
The Literary Titan Book Award honors books that exhibit exceptional storytelling and creativity. This award celebrates novelists who craft compelling narratives, create memorable characters, and weave stories that captivate readers. The recipients are writers who excel in their ability to blend imagination with literary skill, creating worlds that enchant and narratives that linger long after the final page is turned.
Award Recipients
Visit the Literary Titan Book Awards page to see award information.
Literary Titan Gold Book Award: Children’s Book
The Literary Titan Book Award recognizes children’s books that mesmerize audiences with incredible narratives, vibrant illustrations, charming characters, and fresh ideas. Offering well-earned accolades, we salute the imagination and exceptional skill of authors who create tales that spark curiosity and delight in young minds.
Award Recipients
Visit the Literary Titan Book Awards page to see award information.
LITERARY TITAN 