Susan Elderkin
novelist • teacher • journalist • speaker
Susan Elderkin is a novelist, journalist and creative writing tutor. Her first novel Sunset Over Chocolate Mountains won a Betty Trask award and her second, The Voices, was shortlisted for the International IMPAC Dublin Literary Award, the Orange Prize and the Ondaatje Prize. In 2003 she was named by Granta magazine as one of the “Best Young British Novelists” of the decade. In 2008 she and her friend Ella Berthoud set up the world’s first Bibliotherapy service and together co-authored two books on bibliotherapy, The Novel Cure and The Story Cure which have been translated into over 20 languages.
Her journalism has appeared in major newspapers and magazines including the Financial Times, the Observer, The Guardian and The Telegraph. She is also a celebrated writing teacher and runs regular workshops and retreats in Somerset and around the world.
One of the happiest moments of her week is a Sunday evening sauna followed by a bracing cold plunge.
NOVELS
Susan has written two novels and, together with her friend Ella Berthoud, two books about bibliotherapy, featuring “literary cures” for both adults and children. She’s currently working on her third novel (mostly in this hut, above).
WORKSHOPS
Susan runs regular writing workshops in Shepton Montague, Somerset, where writers work on novels or memoirs, growing their manuscripts week by week in a supportive and inspiring environment.
RETREATS
Susan leads week-long residential writing retreats in both Somerset and Provence. Suitable for writers of all levels, and of both fiction and non-fiction/memoir, they’re a great way to kick-start a new project or hone your voice.
JOURNALISM
Susan’s journalism spans travel, books, literary essays and garden design, with her work appearing in publications such the Financial Times, The Guardian, The Telegraph and The Sunday Telegraph.