Inspiration can spring up unexpectedly. For author Suzanne Barton, she was at a Moroccan restaurant with her Mum, chatting away, concocting the tale of an imaginary bird that became stuck in one of the tagines. The adventure of publishing her first children’s book embarked there.  

“After having the initial idea, the story seemed to unravel quite naturally. However the path to publication is not easy, and it would be five years before the story was on the shelves,” said Suzanne.

The world of children’s books is full to the brim, and as such, it is a spirited field, a competitive field, one that requires patience, good timing and good ideas that tickle the fancy of both young and old alike.

There is no sure-fire way to know what will capture the imagination or what won’t, or when. A.A Milne and Beatrix Potter did not know what would unfurl in time when they invented Winnie the Pooh and Peter Rabbit. They just knew that they enjoyed the process. They loved creating the characters and the worlds that they live in. They loved to create these worlds as much for themselves, for their own inner child and that of others.

Like many writers who came before her, Suzanne Barton began storytelling for the love of it. She is an editor and her passion projects are children’s writing and theatre making.  

“I feel ever grateful for my family (several of whom are authors and English teachers) who encouraged my love of words.”

“Words give us the power to transport one another to wondrous worlds, to express our creativity, and to communicate with one another sensitively and effectively. This is so important in the world right now.”

Suzanne’s imaginary bird tale grew into her first book, Meeka. In order to self-publish, Suzanne began Bluebell Books.

Suzanne concedes that it is a tricky business trying to get the wheels in motion independently, especially embracing the uncomfortable notion of self-promotion. The old tangle of wanting to create but not wanting to put yourself on show; to be self-deprecating but also proud of what you have made. Many writers and artists lean more inwards than outwards. To overcome this, Suzanne exhibited other creators alongside her.

“I tried to help fellow creators by celebrating some Australian indie-published picture books on my website. It is by no means an exhaustive list - there are many more wonderful titles out there.”

“I loved getting to know other passionate indie creators while I was making Meeka.”

Suzanne said she was delighted to work alongside Anil Tortop who illustrated Meeka.

“Anil and her partner Ozan (a book designer) are originally from Turkey and now run a 'booksmithing' company called Tadaa from Queensland. They are creative wizards, and it was so great working with this talented pair on Meeka.”

Landscapes and imagery capture Suzanne’s imagination and she crafts that into her work. She said that she has always been enchanted by pictures of woods carpeted in bluebells, hence the name of her publishing company.

“As a child, I loved Swallows and Amazons and other Arthur Ransome stories set in the gorgeous Lake District. I also loved the Narnia stories, and anything about horses and dancing.”

Suzanne has a new book out, My Unicorn Farts Glitter. With a title like that, it has already caught the attention of many passers-by. Illustrated by Shannon Horsfall and published by Hachette Australia, it is Suzanne’s first trade-published title.

“The book was inspired by the unconditional love that exists between siblings - when you love the person no matter how annoying, clumsy, or indeed farty they can be!”

Suzanne finds joy in writing and thinking up stories, and that comes across in her storybooks.

“Children's books can convey poignant messages about all sorts of topics and help us maintain a sense of wonder and whimsy. Picture books can of course also be beautiful works of art. Elise Hurst's books, for example, are simply stunning.”

No human is immune from danger, hardship or beauty- artists and writers have the ability to capture fragments and gift us with reassurance, joy and companionship- often, in the form of books. Books have a magic quality that allows us to enter a world, to peer in and be immersed in stories and conversations, rich with detail and thought.

“Children's books certainly have a magic about them, and I know many people still enjoy them as adults.”

Article by Sinead Halliday

To learn more about Suzanne Barton, visit Bluebell Books here

To check out Suzanne’s new book, My Unicorn Farts Glitter, click here