Local Author Says “You Too Can Do Something Great”

Sue Carnes to speak at the Public Library June 16

Local Artist and writer, Susan Carnes, to give presentation on June 16

Contributed by Nita Couchman, Children’s Librarian

“If wishes were horses, children would ride!  I read every horse book in the library,” recalls Susan Carnes, local artist and writer, “and when I was 9 years old, I had my first art show at the Superior, Wisconsin Public Library.  I promised my friend, the children’s librarian, that someday I would write and illustrate my own horse book.”  On June 16th at 7:00 p.m. at the Orcas Island Public Library, Susan will talk about her book, My Champion, and the story behind it. Come for cookies and laughs, learn about book writing and publishing, and take home the inspiration to follow your dreams!

Drawing upon careers as a farmer, teacher, therapist, and counselor working in schools and clinics, Susan returns to the arts to “put it all together.” In My Champion, she explores the special connection between horses and girls.

A horse lover herself, she recalls the days when her father had teams of them clearing away the massive pine stumps left after the clear cutting of Wisconsin’s Great North Woods. “Riding such a horse, it was possible to enter into the wilderness,” she explains.  “It was like crossing through magic doors.”  My Champion celebrates the “School of the Wild” at a time when dire and dismal predictions discourage children from playing outdoors.

A fifth-grader in San Diego described his world in the Sierra Magazine‘s article, “Leave No Child Inside”: “I like to play indoors better ’cause that’s where all the electrical outlets are.”  Susan would say that a virtual life in front of a computer is no substitute for encounters with nature.  Indeed, Susan’s father spent his life developing parks in Northern Wisconsin so all people had access to the “sublime power and solace of the wilderness.”  Susan dedicated My Champion to him.  A sister overcame spina bifida to become a hero to Susan, inspiring her to write about heroism.

Citing the use of vivid color and drama to capture a story, three of Susan’s oil paintings were recently chosen as magazine covers.  Always after the “unforgettable,” Susan continues to develop technique and excellence in writing, illustration, and fine art. Her subjects are common people at work, at play, often immersed in a meaningful moment.  Encouragement to push limits is her greatest gift.

Join Susan for an inspirational presentation at 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, June 16^th, at the Orcas Island Library.  For more information, contact Susan Carnes at 360-378-8730.