Susanne Gervay OAM: The Storyteller Unites Us

Storytelling as a search for meaning

Susanne Gervay’s humble beginnings as the child of refugee parents escaping war and communism belie the strength of character that enabled them to survive and start a new life in Australia. Their experiences inspired Susanne from early in childhood to write not only to make sense of the world, but to capture her parents’ spirit, writing from that same place of ‘courage, hope and determination’ that had been impressed upon her by their example. When Susanne later lost her beloved father, she wrote through her grief, bringing him to life through stories that were then published in literary journals. ‘I wanted readers to know him,’ she said, and in doing so, she preserved his memory by sharing her insights into the man he once was. ‘He left me with a gift,’ she said. ‘The gift of writing.’

Following her father’s death, Susanne began to write more seriously and is now an award-winning author of books for children, young people and young adults, addressing themes that can divide us by channelling them into narratives that seek to unite us. Her father’s legacy lives on in the qualities she brings to her writing – with Susanne writing to inspire that same sense of courage, hope and determination in her young audience as her parents once imparted to her. Just as Susanne once wrote to make sense of the world as a child, her books have the common theme of supporting readers in their own search for meaning.

Susanne’s latest children’s picture book, Guess How I Was Born?, explores diverse families and the many ways children are brought into the world. ‘It’s a story that addresses a child’s potential fears and doubts before they have the capacity to ask more sophisticated questions.’ The story’s last lines are:

A baby arrives and everything changes.

Our World gets bigger, heart grows fuller,

and life becomes more meaningful.

The message is that however a family is formed, there is a place for each child within it - a place to belong. Susanne aims to ‘celebrate uniqueness and encourage every child to feel included’ - sentiments that are a common thread echoed throughout each of her stories. 

‘As a single parent,’ she said, ‘I started to write for my children about the challenges of growing up. I became passionate about inspiring those who have questions, challenges, ideas and dreams. I always use humour, but it’s the deeper issues that drive me to write - I want young people to know they have choices and ways forward.’ At the same time however, Susanne acknowledges there are times she has become discouraged, stating, ‘Writing is hard work – I get stuck, lost, and exhausted. But it can also be exhilarating!’ 

Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators 

In addition to her writing, Susanne has now been Regional Coordinator for the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI) in Australia for the past 25 years – a global not-for-profit organisation that acts as a network for the exchange of knowledge between those involved in creating literature for children and young people. Founded in 1971 as the Society of Children’s Book Writers by a group of LA-based writers, the SCBWI has since grown to accommodate more than 22,000 members worldwide across 80 regional ‘chapters’ - making it the largest children’s writing organisation in the world. 

Susanne’s experience as an author has given her a keen insight into the publishing industry and the difficulties experienced by writers, with very few of the manuscripts sent to publishers ever accepted for publication. This awareness motivates her to support those in the industry – from writers to illustrators, agents to editors. ‘The creators need support to withstand the rejections and celebrate even small wins - I want to help them do that.’ 

Susanne has developed close friendships with SCBWI’s original President and Executive Director, Stephen Mooser and Lin Oliver, and has witnessed many changes during her tenure. 

‘I initially held monthly meetings with writers and illustrators in Sydney where I led creators in their immersion in the arts, heading up the state of NSW before setting up regions in every state in Australia and New Zealand.’ Eventually, Australia and New Zealand became so big they were divided into separate regions. ‘The energy and commitment this work has required has been enormous.’ 

Today, SCBWI’s work is supported by an ‘amazing and dedicated’ group of volunteer teams across Australia and New Zealand, headed by Deborah Abela, Marjorie Crosby Fairall and Margaret Roc. 

‘We drive the children’s and young adult literature scene,’ said Susanne, ‘by providing conferences, workshops, ‘sketch and scribble’ events, retreats, partnerships, applications for funding and so much more. The regional leaders have also developed their own incredible programs, and we publish a monthly e-zine for members.’

When asked what inspired Susanne to take on a role in the charity sector alongside her writing commitments, she describes it as having been an extension of her increasing involvement in various charitable works, including her collaboration with the Monkey Baa Theatre – Australia’s premier youth theatre company, participation in literary leadership campaigns, and becoming an Australia Day Ambassador as well as a role model for Books in Homes. 

When pain becomes purpose

Susanne juggled these responsibilities whilst dealing with significant personal challenges. She was a sole parent of two young children and carer of her mother and children during periods of serious illness, all whilst battling her own considerable health difficulties during which she also became increasingly involved with SCBWI. It was a commitment which she said, ‘overshadowed my original career path in teaching and educational consultancy.’ Susanne found purpose in helping writers and creators achieve their dreams however, and gained a sense of reward from coming alongside other skilled and passionate individuals, many of whom she now counts as friends. ‘My life became a crazy mixture of school visits, health challenges, parenting, writing, editing, festivals, innovative and creative roles - and the leadership of SCBWI.’

A particularly memorable moment for Susanne was when she was invited to the World Congress on burns in New York after writing Butterflies, a defining novel exploring the impact of burns upon children and young people not just physically, but emotionally and developmentally. ‘It took me two years to write this book,’ said Susanne. To do its complex subject matter justice, she consulted with the fire department and head of the burns unit at Westmead Children’s Hospital, NSW, as well liaising with those impacted by burns. ‘I read about burns until I could feel the fire,’ she said. On the hospital’s faculty was Kim Phuc - who had fled from napalm bombs as a little girl during the Vietnam War before establishing a Foundation in her name which continues to work for child survivors of war. ‘She shared her incredible story of survival and how she turned horror into heroism,’ said Susanne. ‘Then it was my turn.’

Susanne stood before burns survivors and the myriad of people working, living and experiencing the impact of burns. ‘I spoke for an hour and there was silence. I was afraid of treading on sacred territory, but at the end the audience cheered, and validated my telling of their story. Then came the most amazing moment – when a line of people came to have their book signed, a girl stood in front of me whose face had been reconstructed. She held a copy of Butterflies to her heart. “I’m sixteen,” she whispered. “Will I have a life?” I pressed her hand and promised: “Yes, you will.”’ 

Susanne is grateful for such impactful opportunities, as well as opportunities to collaborate with organisations that have partnered with SCBWI. ‘In partnering with them, they have also partnered with me, enriching my life,’ she said. Susanne continues to work with literary organisations such as the Australian Library Association, the Children’s Book Council of Australia, and Books in Homes who bring literature to disadvantaged communities. 

Susanne maintains a special relationship with Monkey Baa Theatre, who adapted her best-selling book, I am Jack – addressing themes of bullying - for the theatre, playing eight seasons in Australia and two in the USA. Susanne counts its original creative directors amongst her closest friends; Tim McGarry, Eva di Cesare and Sandie Elridge. ‘This outstanding youth theatre has reached more than one million young people. They invited me to become a patron together with Australian Laureates, Jackie French and Morris Gleitzman. The honour is deeply felt.’

When asked how she makes time to practice self-care and balance given the demands of her career, Susanne is humble and characteristically honest. ‘I try to find balance, but it’s a challenge to juggle my writing and charity work with the needs of my family, and within the constraints of my own physical health issues.’ Like her dedicated colleagues at SCBWI however, Susanne is committed to ‘the challenge of bringing our vision forward.’ ‘I have to rest at times,’ she said, ‘but my passion to inspire hope in young people continues to drive me.’ 

A legacy of her own

Susanne hopes others take away from her work the message that reading not only enriches lives but can save lives. ‘The world is a confronting place, especially for children and young people, but imagination is a safe place - it saved my life.’ Storytelling shares the message not only of who we are, but of what we can achieve. ‘Books bring light and hope.’ She encourages those who are considering pursuing a writing career to be prepared for the tough journey ahead, and to write from a place of authenticity. ‘Write with your heart and mind. Write with humour, love and hope.’ She also reminds writers they can find support amongst other creators in groups and communities such as the SCBWI.   

What’s next for Susanne? ‘I’m taking time to think,’ she said. ‘I want to write the story of my daughter and I, but that’s a big story and I’m still thinking.’ If her parents are any indicator, Susanne will achieve all she sets out to and more, inspired by their legacy of courage, hope and determination, and leaving a legacy of her own behind her – one that challenges division by championing unity and acceptance