Get to know Susan

Susan Leigh Needham has been creating and sharing stories since she learned to talk. When she isn’t writing stories for children, she can be found helping her fellow writer friends connect on Instagram. Susan has a Masters in Education and has taught at every level from elementary to university. Susan grew up on the beautiful coast of North Carolina where she spent most of her time either outside exploring the swamp and canals or inside reading. She now lives in Raleigh, North Carolina with her husband and 2 kids.

Susan is a children's book writer with a passion for helping fellow writers. She created Writer Friends Challenge and Find My Writer Friends in 2020 to help the writing community connect and grow on Instagram. In 2022, Susan took a volunteer position in PR/Marketing for WriteOnCon and put her skills to good use maintaining the conferences’ social media platforms. On her website, you will find writing and Instagram tips, content prompts, and help with social media.


“There is one in every crowd. Be the one.” - unknown


You can read what others are saying about Susan’s writing here. You can keep up with the latest from Susan on Instagram and Pinterest by clicking the icons below. 

Once upon a time I was a teacher and a storyteller. One day I realized that I could reach more people if I wrote my stories down and so began my journey to publication. Part of that journey involved an education in the business of authorship. I learned new terms like 'author branding' and 'author platform'. I learned that it is important to build a community on a social media platform.

Enter Instagram.

It was love at first sight.

Check out my Etsy Shop…

The Writing Life

 

  • I enjoy writing Middle-Grade and Young Adult fantasy stories. I have even written a few Picture Books featuring a gnome and his friends.

  • I co-host the Writer Friends Challenge and Find My Writer Friends on Instagram to help writers connect, find friendship, and grow their author platforms.

  • I spend my days writing, drinking coffee, and avoiding bread & cookies (unsuccessfully).

  • I read a lot of Middle-Grade books and am always up for book talk. I share my favorite books on Instagram.

  • If you have gotten this far, you can probably guess that my brand is friendship. It plays a major part in everything I write.

  • Jobs I have had in my life: Lifeguard, Camp Counselor, Camp Cook, Candy Shop, Carnival Concessions, Waitress, University Swim Instructor, Physical Education Teacher, and a Coach for Volleyball, Track & Field, Soccer, and Competitive Cheerleading

  • By the way - I’m so happy you are here!

My Favorite Things

The Currituck Lighthouse - from my hometown - Currituck, NC

  • Family and Friends

  • Dancing, Singing, Laughing

  • Star Wars, Marvel, Harry Potter

  • Hiking, Boating, Shell Collecting

  • Peanut Butter and Chocolate

  • Dogs, Cats, Birds, Horses (and turtles!)

  • Dominating at family ping-pong tournaments

  • Skipping, Whistling, Starting Campfires, Storytelling (all which I learned from my grandparents)

  • Arts and Crafts

  • Typing with two fingers

  • School supplies, especially post-it notes and notebooks

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