Sue Saliba taught English at secondary school before writing her first novel. Her interest in Buddhism took her to Thailand where she began her second book. Returning home, she wrote a love story as her Masters thesis and taught Creative Writing at Melbourne University. She later taught Novel Writing at RMIT and completed her third book, the Young Adult novel, something in the world called love. Sue now lives at Phillip Island with her husband and much-loved animal companions. She is working on her next novel, alaska.

Sue’s first novel for Young Adults, Watching Seagulls is the story of Leamy and her older sister, Em growing up in the emotionally difficult household of their mentally-ill mother. It explores Leamy’s close relationship with her older sister and her grief as she experiences Em claiming her own independence and eventually leaving the family home. This novel is written in a child’s voice as short pieces that form a compelling and moving narrative. It appeals particularly to Years 7 and 8 students. Watching Seagulls was named a Notable Australian Children’s Book of the Year by the Children’s Book Council of Australia.

The Skin of A Star is Sue’s second book. It is a children’s story set in Thailand. In it, an Australian girl, Sair, goes to live with her mother in a small town east of Bangkok. Everything is entirely different and alien to her until she meets a Thai girl, Sukanya, who helps her form a connection with her new culture. This is a nuanced but simple book best suited to Year 7 readers.

something in the world called love, Sue’s most recent Young Adult novel, is about female friendship, trust and self-acceptance. 18 year old Esma has just begun first year at Melbourne University. She’s moved into a house in Carlton with Kara, a more assured and dominating girl whose spell she falls under. Esma is searching for a way to be fully alive in the world and eventually she finds it through genuine friendship and compassion. This novel is ideal for Years 9 and upwards.

"Sue was excellent, and very professional! She organised the question and answer session ahead of time, so her responses were pre-prepared. The question time was great and was a very strong part of her talk. Sue spoke to students from all different year levels about the writing process and how to become a writer. She read her work out to the students, and this was very well - received. She also gave the kids materials and a handout of websites that provided useful information on writing. I'd be happy to provide a reference to any other teachers or librarians considering booking Sue. The kids loved it so much, many stayed late and had a photo shoot taken with her. We'll certainly have her visit again!"

- Colleen van der Horst, Keilor Downs Secondary College, November 2008