More About the Author

After 30 years of teaching English (Central Michigan University and University of Nevada, Reno), I retired to Northern California to found TurkeyTail Farm with my family. I currently co-host Ecotopia on KZFR 90.1 in Chico and am an environmental activist. 

I've always been a writer. I've authored and co-authored with my husband and with colleagues a number of books for teachers, for students, and for children. At the University of Nevada, I was a part of the Northern Nevada Writing Project where I worked with writers and joined my writing group, which, in various permutations, existed for about ten years. I've taught writing to everyone from kindergarten through graduate school. (Does one teach writing or does one encourage and support writers?)

I received my undergraduate degree from Southern Methodist University in Dallas, Texas, and my MA and PhD from Michigan State University in East Lansing, Michigan.

I have four children—Emily, Stephen, Michael (aka Mojo), and Christopher (aka Cheetah), and two grandchildren, Rose and Eva—both brilliant and beautiful. My husband Steve and I have been married for 48 years. We are a “blended” family.

Other writing by Susan

Books

Diversity: Strength and Struggle (with Joseph Calebrese).  Longmans, 2006

The Integrated Language Arts in the Elementary School.    Wadsworth, 1994

Literature by Doing (with Sy Yesner, Joan Yesner, and Stephen Tchudi).  National Textbook, 1990.

The English Language Arts Handbook.  Heinemann, 1991.

Young Writer's Handbook (with Stephen Tchudi). Scribners, 1984

Putting on a Play: A Guide to Neighborhood Theater (with Stephen Tchudi)  Scribners, 1982

Gifts of Writing: Creative Projects with Words and Art  (with Stephen Tchudi) Scribners, 1980

Articles and Essays

"Claim ignores will of the voters on Valley's Edge," Editor for a Day, Chico Enterprise Record, March 19, 2025
"A Lifetime of Memories with a Cat Named Spike," North State Voices, Chico ER, October 24, 2024
"A Tale of Some Extremely Un-Catlike Altruism,"  North State Voices, Chico ER, August 1, 2024
"An Open Letter from Smart Growth Advocates" (with Elizabeth Devereaux and Eric Nilsson). Chico Enterprise Record, May 14, 2024
"An Opportunity to Re-imagine Chico, Chico Enterprise Record, May 10, 2023
Guest Commentary: "Oppose Valley's Edge," Chico News and Review, December 21, 2022
"Stop Valley's Edge," Editor for a Day, Chico Enterprise Record, July 6, 2022
"Careful Planning Essential Post-Fire," Guest Columnist, Opinions, Chico ER, February 28, 2019
"From Afar, I Watch the World Celebrate, North State Voices, Chico Enterprise Record, November 20, 2008
"Many Reasons to Love Butte County, North State Voices, Chico Enterprise Record
"Nation's Racial Divide Still a Chasm," North State Voices, Chico Enterprise Record, September 25, 2008 
"Michigan Trip a Sentimental Journey," North State Voices, Chico Enterprise Record, August 28, 2008
"Words Solve Problems Better than Bullets," North State Voices, Chico Enterprise Record, July 31, 2008
"Why I Perform Same-Sex Ceremonies," North State Voices, Chico Enterprise Record,  July 3, 2008.
"Romanian Rhapsody," Reno News and Review, July 7 2005