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From Entertainment Journalist to Acclaimed Children’s Author: Heather Hartt-Sussman’s Mission to Inspire Future Writers

From Entertainment Journalist to Acclaimed Children’s Author: Heather Hartt-Sussman’s Mission to Inspire Future Writers
Photo Courtesy: Heather Hartt- Sussman

Heather Hartt-Sussman has built a career that bridges two seemingly distant worlds: Hollywood’s glitz and children’s literature’s quiet, imaginative domain. She has seamlessly transitioned from interviewing celebrities to penning award-nominated children’s books that have touched readers worldwide.

Her journey into writing for children began after an illustrious career in entertainment journalism. As a reporter and Assistant International Editor at The Hollywood Reporter, Editor-in-Chief of International News for TV Guide/TV HEBDO in French Canada, and host of E! Entertainment Television’s The Gossip Show, she built a reputation for insightful commentary and engaging storytelling. She interviewed iconic figures like Walter Matthau, Jack Lemmon, Glenn Close, Bette Midler, Nicolas Cage, and Jim Carrey.

Despite her achievements in media, children’s books captured her heart. Over the years, Hartt-Sussman has written eight books, with translations in languages as diverse as Danish, Chinese, Korean, Japanese, and French. Titles like Seamus’s Short Story, featured in Publishers Weekly, and Noni is Nervous, an Editor’s Choice in The New York Times Book Review, have cemented her place as a standout in the genre.

What makes Hartt-Sussman’s career shift even more intriguing is her dedication to mentoring others who share her passion for children’s storytelling. “My passion is to help up-and-coming children’s book authors learn what it takes to write a picture book,” she says.

Her approach combines personalized coaching, self-paced online courses, and a collaborative writers’ group. Hartt-Sussman offers tailored one-on-one coaching for those seeking direct guidance to help writers develop polished, industry-ready manuscripts. Her online course, a 12-lesson deep dive into the mechanics of picture book creation, provides participants with actionable steps to transform their ideas into fully realized stories. Meanwhile, her writers’ group fosters community and shared learning, offering an inspiring space to exchange feedback and refine ideas.

Hartt-Sussman’s books, published by Penguin Random House, Groundwood Books, House of Anansi Press, and Fitzhenry & Whiteside, resonate with young readers and their parents alike. They include relatable tales like Nana’s Getting Married, Noni Says No, and Here Comes Hortense. Her upcoming release, The Birdfeeder, is already generating anticipation ahead of its February 2025 debut.

Hartt-Sussman’s ability to pivot from Hollywood to children’s publishing—and now, to help others—reflects her versatility and drive. A graduate of Brandeis University who also attended La Sorbonne, she brings creativity and a practical understanding of the publishing business to her teaching.

Her expertise offers aspiring authors a rare combination of artistic insight and industry knowledge.  She explains that writing a picture book is about unlocking the storyteller within and learning how to bring an idea to life on the page.

Heather’s work is a reminder that creative reinvention is always possible—and that success often comes from the willingness to share what you’ve learned with others. Those interested in learning more about her coaching programs or children’s books can visit www.heatherhartt.com.

From crafting compelling entertainment stories to inspiring a new generation of writers, Heather Hartt-Sussman is a model of how one passion can lead to another.

More info about Heather, her books, private coaching, self-paced digital course offerings, and writers group for aspiring children’s book authors can be found at: https://www.heatherhartt.com/

Published by Stephanie M.

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