Kelsey Klont
Contributing Writer
(Photo Provided – Susan Christenson at her book signing.)
Local author, Susan “Cooper” Christenson, is making significant strides in the realm of children’s literature with the release of her latest book, “My Doodle Ate Oodles of Noodles.” A native of Charlotte, Christenson completed her education at Charlotte High School while also contributing to her family’s business, Smith’s Men’s Wear, which originally was in downtown Charlotte.
Following her high school graduation, she pursued higher education at Ferris State University, where she earned a degree in healthcare. This qualification led her to nearly a four decade-long career with Charlotte Medical Group in family practice.
In 2020, driven by a desire to remain productive in her retirement, she decided to begin writing children’s literature. Although she had previously written several books for her own enjoyment, without any intention of publishing, the encouragement from her grandson Dreux, a gifted artist and writer, along with support from other family members, motivated her to take the significant step of publishing her creations. Following this pivotal decision, she conducted extensive research to effectively present her books and, after considerable effort in seeking a literary agent, concluded that self-publishing through Amazon would be the most suitable option for her works.
She subsequently released her inaugural book, “Branching Out in Poetry: Observances of the Four Seasons,” a collection of poetry that captures the essence of each season in a reflective manner, evoking memories of the past and centering on the characteristics of the four distinct seasons.
In discussing the writing process, she remarked that the most difficult aspect was locating an exceptional illustrator. She discovered that Charlotte Ellie excelled in translating her vision into reality for her latest work.
Christenson’s recent publication, “My Doodle Ate Oodles of Noodles,” emphasizes the importance of pet adoption and rescue, addressing the significant demand for such initiatives. She states, “Families encounter various challenges when welcoming a new puppy, and I aimed to involve them in the journey, highlighting the trials and tribulations that accompany the arrival of a new furry companion. I sought to depict the delightful chaos and playful antics of a young puppy.” In doing so, she infused a whimsical, rhyming quality into the narrative. Christenson firmly believes that every dog, regardless of breed, deserves the opportunity to be part of a caring and loving family.
She is currently engaged in the creation of two additional Doodle books, “My Doodle and the Giant Caboodle,” which explores a fantastical realm, and “My Doodle and the Magical Sleigh Ride,” a whimsical adventure with Santa to the North Pole. She eagerly anticipates their publication in the near future. Additionally, she has authored a novel titled “Anatomy of a Conspiracy,” a mystery that intertwines with current day issues, this is being edited and will be released soon.
Dog lovers and readers like can find all of local author Susan “Cooper” Christenson’s books available on Amazon.
