Author Spotlight: Susan Coryell

Susan has been writing and publishing since her debut novel EAGLEBAIT was first published in 1989 by Harcourt. The YA novel won the International Reading Association’s “YA Choice” and the New York Public Library’s “Books for the Teen Age.” Now updated with cyberbullying, EAGLEBAIT was republished by The Wild Rose Press, June, 2024. Susan has written a cozy mystery/Southern Gothic trilogy, including: A RED, RED ROSE (Amazon Encore); BENEATH THE STONES; and NOBODY KNOWS, published by The Wild Rose Press. A MURDER OF PRINCIPLE, a cozy mystery, was published by The Wild Rose Press in 2018. SPOOKY YOGA, a children’s picture book, KDP, 2022, and KIKI’S DREAM, published by Golden Bridges Press round out her current repertoire. Picture book, LANI’S ADOPTION DAY, releases September 30, 2025, by Golden Bridges Publishing.

A 30-year English teacher of grades 7-12, Susan loves to present book talks and writing workshops at schools, libraries and community functions for writers and readers of all ages. She has conducted panel discussions, writers’ conferences and anti-bully youth groups. Her professional associations include Society of Children’s Book-writers and Illustrators, South Carolina Writers Association, Authors Guild, and OLLI Writers at Clemson University. She has a Ba degree from Carson Newman University and a graduate degree, MAIS, from George Mason University. Susan is married to her high school sweetheart, Ned. They live in Clemson, South Carolina. She enjoys traveling to Hawaii, walking, water aerobics, yoga and anything to do with grandchildren.

Susan is available for Zooms and interviews, as well as in-person book talks and other programs locally. All of her books may be ordered from her website:

www.susancoryellauthor.com

A little bit about Author Susan Coryell…

I am a born-writer in a family riddled with writers. My earliest memories include poems, stories, plays and “books” which I wrote from the time I could read. EAGLEBAIT, a YA anti-bully book, is my first published novel (1989 – Harcourt). Originally released in hardback, EAGLEBAIT won the International Reading Association’s “YA Choice” and the NY Public Library’s “Books for the Teenage.” Now in its third edition, released in paperback by the Wild Rose Press in the summer of 2024, EAGLEBAIT is revised and updated with cyber-bullying.

This is Author Susan Coryell’s writing and publication journey in her own words…

Inspiration to start writing…

My maternal grandfather, a lawyer by trade, was a published poet. I loved his poems and stories for kids – a huge inspiration for my early writing efforts. I was inspired to write EAGLEBAIT while teaching middle school English. Although I prohibited any bullying whatsoever in my classroom, I observed plenty in the hallways, cafeteria and on the playgrounds. I wondered how some students seemed to “get over” the experience and why others caved. Although I have written one nonfiction book and a memoir (both unpublished as of this date), I gravitate to fiction for most of my efforts, perhaps because I read fiction predominantly. Lately, I have explored the children’s picture book genre; my third picture book releases September 30, 2025, via Golden Bridges Publishing.

Eaglebait Blurb

Wardy Spinks has been a loser for as long as he can remember. Freshman year in high school Wardy becomes the victim of malicious bullying. Eventually, his life begins to change. A charismatic science teacher becomes his mentor. Then, Quiet Meg seems friendly. And Big Vi takes on a life of her own. Wady discovers his attitude makes a difference in how he’s treated. If Wardy doesn’t feel like a loser, maybe he won’t be one.

One of Susan’s favourite scenes from Eaglebait…

Here we go again. This is it — what I’ve been dreading. Maybe if I’d started school in September with the rest instead of late. No. They’d have still found me. The Goat, Wardy Spinks, butt of all jokes. I should have a Kick Me sign pinned on the back of my shirt. Then, they could go right for the target. Here I am, boys and girls. Kick me. Kick me. Kick me.

Susan’s works…

EAGLEBAIT

A RED, RED ROSE

BENEATH THE STONES

NOBODY KNOWS

A MURDER OF PRINCIPLE

SPOOKY YOGA

KIKI’S DREAM

LANI’S ADOPTION DAY – releases 9/30/25 – Golden Bridges Publishing

All of my books may be ordered directly from my website: www.susancoryellauthor.com

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1 thought on “Author Spotlight: Susan Coryell”

Patricia Dannov says:
July 21, 2025 at 9:35 pm

Having been a classmate of Susan’s (since 1st Grade), I have always enjoyed Susan’s outgoing personality. When she had her first book published, I immediately purchased it, devoured it and placed it on a bookshelf with my personal favorites. I have purchased every one of her books and will continue to do so because I know her writings will be enjoyable to me every time.