Sue Carpenter is a Junior Fiction and Young Adult author who isn’t quite ready to grow up. She keeps her imagination young by writing for children and spending time with her three sons, who constantly remind her that the best stories come from curiosity, wonder, and a healthy dose of mischief.
Sue believes in removing barriers between her readers and her imaginary worlds. Her books are written in simple, clear language, are straight to the point, and shorter in length—making them accessible, engaging, and dyslexia-friendly. She wants every reader, regardless of ability, to feel the magic of getting lost in a story.
Her storytelling has earned recognition across multiple platforms. She won First Place in the IWW Sci-Fi/Fantasy Award with a short story from her Blood Protectors world, received a Highly Commended placement in Kids’ Lit for Lavender Hill, and achieved 2nd Place in Long Fiction for Switches (written under her thriller pen name, Lee Simpson) in 2023. Her work has also been recognised as a finalist for the 2025 Te Pae Tawhiti Outstanding Achievement Award for the Blood Protectors collection, and she was longlisted for the 2026 Saint Julius Vogel Awards for Best Youth Novel with Puzzles and Pearls.
Writing under the pen names Sue Carpenter, Rosie Lee, Lee Simpson, and Susan Glamuzina, Sue has published over 30 books and led the collaboration of five anthologies, bringing together diverse voices in shared storytelling projects.
Beyond the page, Sue iplays an active role in the Auckland Writers Group. She facilitates writing exercises in her groups and has taught art, poetry, and short story writing to Girl Guide Rangers. She regularly visits schools, kindergartens, and community organisations to share her knowledge of writing and publishing, speak openly about her own struggles with reading, and encourage the next generation of storytellers to find their voices.
Sue has also been featured on podcasts and radio programs, where she shares her passion for writing and the importance of accessible storytelling for all ages.
Whether you’re a reluctant reader, a bookworm in the making, or somewhere in between, Sue invites you to step into her worlds—where adventure awaits on every page, and everyone is welcome.