About
Story Playscapes
Discover the Story
Championing the High Art of Contemporary Metaphysical Literature and Art:
The Story Playscapes Mission
At Story Playscapes, Susan L. Marshall bridges the gap between the intellectual and the mystical. By championing the High Art of Contemporary Metaphysical Literature and Art, she transforms literature into a sanctuary of discovery and integrity – where structural rigour meets the lyrical beauty of the soul.
Story Playscapes (established in 2020), is an Australian boutique publishing house, dedicated to the development of contemporary metaphysical literature. It produces the professional works of our founder, artistic director, artisan author, theatre practitioner and illustrator, Susan L. Marshall in high quality, bespoke and premium editions. As the creator of her signature Fragmentique technique;, a pioneer of contemporary metaphysical literature; the literary architect of Souful Formalism and as an international best-selling artisan author of more than 40 professional publications, Susan L. Marshall has become a prominent figure in shaping the narrative of contemporary metaphysical literature. Susan’s works are written for a wide ranging, global audience. Story Playcapes’ aim is to publish a range of Susan’s books, which encourage a love for reading and discovering the story.
In her work on formalising Contemporary Metaphysical LIterature here at Story Playscapes, Susan draws upon her overarching style of Soulful Formalism, her Fragmentique technique, as well as her commitment to formalising Romantic Academia (differently to the internet aesthetic), into a literary convention. Susan’s Fragmentique is a warm invite to a contemporary readership in a busy and ever-changing world. Drawing upon her intrigue with fractures of light, extensive historical research of literary and visual arts movements and techniques and years of original artistic refinement, Susan’s focus on the metaphysical reconstruction of fragments (in contrast to the historical ‘broken’ focus of fragmentation) is unique. It leads her to creating non-linear literary art, which curates unique metaphysical experiences, designed to alight the Romantic Spirit jointly for characters within a story’s world and for the Reader in their every day life.
Susan has also used her Soulful Formalist form and her Fragmentique technique to develop her monumental Theatre Playscapes style. Susan’s first play that she created with the beginnings of her Theatre Playscapes style, was Indigo’s Haven in 2016. The text required nearly a decade of rigorous structural development and historical distillation to fully transition from its original presentation, Indigo’s Haven, into her foundational breakthrough piece for Soulful Formalism as her literary style and to become All the Hope We Carry, the second play in the Theatre Playscapes series. You can read more about this journey in our article: The Genesis of Soulful Formalism: A Decade Long Commitment to the Voices of Gozo.
Susan’s travels through the Luberon Villages of France, provided her with rich interactions with light and sensory fragments, the wildness of nature and a wonderful connection with the people and lifestyle of the villages. Further supported by her research into the psychological and educational psychological theories of: Sigmund Freud, Jean Piaget and Abraham Maslow; along with the physics of energy and philosophical theories on the foundation and impacts of individualism during contemporary globalisation, Susan officially developed her Theatre Playscapes style. Placing the wellbeing of young adults at its centre, the theatre style works to help them find the balance of their cognitive and energetic explorations of the worlds in which they live.
Dedicated to global literacy and wellbeing initiatives, Susan also shares her short writing etudes with a dedicated global readership, as she develops her work using her technique in our long standing My Story Meadow: Soulful Literary Salon. Many of Susan’s professional poems and stories unravelled their beginnings through the program, even becoming international best-selling titles.
Inspired by research into healing gardens around the world, Story Playscapes also offers the Romantic Spirit Alight Readers’ Garden, which allows readers to immerse themselves in the spiritual energy and flow of quotes / fragments from Susan’s published written works as well as to take some time out and treat their own wellbeing.
The Navigational Compass: Charting the Language of the Deep
Between the structured sanctuary of Soulful Formalism and the boundless landscape of the cosmic world lies a fluid threshold. We do not simply write stories: we curate emotional currents. While our philosophy demands a dedicated, formal devotion to the craft of Contemporary Metaphysical Literature, we recognise that the Romantic Spirit cannot be contained by rigid lines. It requires a medium capable of shifting, adapting, and enduring. To explain how our non-linear fragments find their resonance in the light, shadow, and darkness of the natural world, we must speak the language of water. Water does not break when it falls: it transforms, it returns, and it sustains. The principles detailed below outline our core artistic vision, illustrating how these eternal, fluid rhythms serve as the ultimate methodology for our storytelling and a mirror for the eternal journey of the spirit.
Words are Like Water
– Our Artistic Vision –
Whether you are analysing our text through an educational lens, gathering fragments from our Romantic Spirit Alight Readers’ Garden to spark your own creative inspiration, or seeking to immerse yourself in our full narratives, the artistic vision below serves as a metaphysical compass. Just as a healing garden allows you to wander and gather what speaks to your soul, this framework offers a pathway into the deliberate architecture of our prose. It helps you navigate the fluid transitions, purposeful empty spaces, and rhythmic currents that define our literary world.
Our Vision
Soulful formalism is our literary style and a cradle of journey and sanctuary for the Romantic Spirit, who courses through the natural, built and cosmic worlds of life and contemporary metaphysical literature publication. As mysteries are revealed in light, shadow and darkness, it is the ebb and flow of water’s lyricality that symbolises the dedication and care in which we shape our words in order to build a beloved sanctuary for the person and their Romantic Spirit, through our projects and publications.
Our Core Values
Water sustains life: All natural living things need water to grow and sustain themselves. At Story Playscapes, we believe each of our words represent the precious drops of life itself. We carefully curate our language to cherish the precious, individual states of being that life presents us with, nurturing the life force of worlds and the presence, cognitive and energetic development and individuality of spirit of character. We value the role of our worlds in supporting the health, growth and life force of the person.
Water has a tide: Tides are the eternal rhythm and echo of the ocean, a lyrical dance propelled by the gravitational pull of the moon and the stars acting upon the deep waters. At Story Playscapes, we believe the Romantic Spirit is also eternal and fluidly graces our poetry and prose with its beautiful presence. It experiences its own profoundly high tides and the revelation of their sublime, wondrously heightened energies. It also acknowledges its lower tides, understanding that the deeply internal parts of its varying states of being, as well as its variety of emotions, can be faced with love and sanctuary.
Water has a phase transition: Water is a powerful element, seamlessly changing its state from liquid to ice or vapour or steam. Similarly, at Story Playscapes, when we engage with mysterious fragments discovered in nature, light, shadow or darkness, we do not leave them ‘broken,’ yet help them be reconstructed, emboldening the fragments with words that help them find their presence and meaning within our stories.
Water is cyclic: Water on Earth, like our words, are everlasting. Just like water changes states and moves between the ground, the oceans and the atmosphere, so do our non-liner poetry or narratives. Water may fall as rain, so do our words, showing that our beings are able to discover and adapt to new places in our journeys through life. Water may also undergo condensation, rising and cooling until it turns back into liquid droplets discovered in its clouds. Our words too, linger collectively, reverberating across time and place in our narratives, demonstrating that the Romantic Spirit is eternal in our literature.
Water sets us on our pathways: Our lives are presented with the possibility of many channels to explore, some towering as high as waves, some gurgling in a stream, others a big swim to trek. Our words allow us to immerse ourselves in the deep flows, currents and energies of water, allowing them to find their own special rhythm, harmony and beat. These textual streams gently lead readers away from the chaotic outer world, guiding them toward the hidden sanctuaries of self-discovery and ultimate autonomy.
Water gives us tread: When the world crests above us, seeming almost impossible to reach, words can help us to discover a new channel. To tread the water is to be within the moment, to pay attention to its details and to take the time to seek a new direction. Our words offer a sacred, buoyant embrace for the weary spirit, granting us the vital breath, the grace, and the quiet endurance to keep our heads above the tide.
Water fills the empty spaces: We are each unique in the way that we think and process our thoughts and feelings. Story Playscapes’ publications leave deliberate white gaps between fragments for the reader to step into, wade through or splash with their own heartfelt words and impressions. In these reflective pools between words, the void is transformed into a pool of profound meaning, deeply saturated with light, grace, and presence. The reader’s spirit is given time to breathe, stretch and discover, as it works towards discovering the metaphysical truth of a text.
Water soothes our Souls: Our words ripple across the plains of time and worlds, lyrically vibrant with a steady roar, bubbling gently like a gentle brook, or falling timelessly in their rainfall. We aim for each reader to interact with our immersive words in their own way, as no two people are unique. Our ultimate goal is to help soothe the readers’ soul and to provide a sense of sanctuary from the busy world. We aim for each reader to interact with our immersive words to discover their own inner depth and emotional resonance.
Publication Timeline
Currently, Story Playscapes has published seven of Susan L. Marshall’s major publications: Fleur of Yesterday, All the Hope We Carry, Adira and the Dark Horse, Bare Spirit: The Selected Poems of Susan Marshall; Wild Soul: Contemporary Classical Winter Poetry; Princess Zyra’s Lost Storm: An Australian Childhood Myth and The Romantic Spirit Collection: Dawn and Dusk Deluxe edition of Adira and the Dark Horse.
Fleur of Yesterday
Theatre Playscapes Series # 1
All the Hope We Carry
Theatre Playscapes Series # 2
Adira and the Dark Horse
Book 1 of ‘An Adira Cazon Literary Mystery’ Series
General Trade
Bare Spirit: The Selected Poems of Susan Marshall
A Metaphysical Poetry Collection for Adults
Wild Soul: Contemporary Classical Winter Poetry
A Metaphysical Poetry Collection for Adults
Princess Zyra’s Lost Storm: An Australian Childhood Myth
A Metaphysical Myth in Verse for Children
Adira and the Dark Horse: The Romantic Spirit Collection: Dawn & Dusk Deluxe Edition
Book 1 of ‘An Adira Cazon Literary Mystery’ Series
About Susan L. Marshall
“In my wanders, through wake or sleep,
I have witnessed worlds that, when given breath,
do slowly unfurl.
Breathtaking, are the sparks of life that arise,
absorbing and alighting my spirit with their precious moments.”
– Susan L. Marshall
Susan L. Marshall is an Australian artisan author, illustrator, expert educator, theatre practitioner and independent publisher who approaches bookmaking as a total, multi-disciplinary craft. Rather than viewing art, science and civic duty as separate spheres, she bridges these worlds to engineer a structured sanctuary for the contemporary reader. Following a natural creative transition into hand-drawn illustration and comprehensive visual curation, Susan formally assumed the executive role of Artistic Director for her boutique publishing house, Story Playscapes, ensuring her expanding vision could be directed to the next level.
Susan’s unique business acumen lies in maintaining absolute creative ownership while utilising global distribution pathways to protect her slow-burn, legacy-focused model. Through this highly focused artistic governance, Susan masterfully introduced a pioneering new literary and spatial architecture: establishing Soulful Formalism as her overarching artistic style to actively drive Contemporary Metaphysical Literature as its defining genre. This original blueprint introduces her unique Fragmentique technique and Romantic Academia as formal literary conventions that stimulate both cognitive development and spiritual awakening, while steering her independent publications to elite, best-selling rankings across mainstream and independent global retail networks.
The Cross-Discipline Blueprint: Susan’s unique creative process, most notably her signature Fragmentique technique and the immersive framework of her Theatre Playscapes style, is directly shaped by her distinct professional, civic and academic milestones:
Pioneering Systemic Arts Leadership & Pedagogical Mastery: True creative leadership recognises that an artist’s tools extend beyond the page to reshape community networks. Susan’s practice naturally embodies a macro Systemic Leadership approach by de-siloing her past pedagogical research to fuel her current design frameworks, even leading to her use of her unique Fragmentique technique in the metaphysical reconstruction of fragments in a contemporary world of ‘broken’ fragmentation. Grounded in this expert educational framework, her interactive literary spaces are heavily informed by her rich history in institutional arts advocacy, civic and professional educator experiences.
Her unique ability to build spaces that nurture the cognitive, psychological and energetic development of readers across all generations is powerfully highlighted by the rapid, international expansion of her portfolio across premier educational bookstore registries, securing an active baseline of global institutional access. Through a quiet, seven-year dedication to the craft and a valued partnership with Ingram Content Group, this infrastructure now encompasses widespread geographic coverage across Australia, New Zealand, Oceania, the U.K., Canada, the U.S.A., the Middle East, South Africa, South America, the Nordic and Baltic regions of Europe, and Asia, alongside a highly concentrated institutional and retail density within Western and Central Europe. This logistical alignment is not a destination, but a humble invitation for educators and collectors worldwide to explore these text landscapes simultaneously. This sweeping global curatorial interest delivers definitive proof that her structural frameworks scale seamlessly across international systems.
This masterful approach was shaped by her: extensive work with readers of Story Playscapes on her My Story Meadow project; extensive history of expert teaching practice; her foundational tenure as the Executive Secretary of Drama Victoria; her prestigious award-winning civic duty and delivering practical literacy and drama workshops at premier state and national conferences across Australia: bridging civic knowledge and academic rigour with experiential theatre arts and literacy.
Visionary Executive Leadership & Global Market Triumph: Susan’s deliberate focus on total visual-textual harmony has directly catalysed her status as an internationally acclaimed best-selling author. This executive trajectory began when she personally took on the hand-drawn illustration work for Princess Zyra’s Lost Storm: An Australian Childhood Myth. The immense success of this release marked a significant turning point, capturing an extraordinary clean sweep at the absolute top of the global literary community by achieving #1 on Goodreads across multiple distinct categories: Popular Children’s Mythology, Popular Australian Poetry and Popular Romantic Academia. Concurrently, the publication earned a remarkable, multi-month tenure as a notable selection on the prestigious Goodreads Poetry New Release List (April – May, 2026). Alongside these organic accolades, it secured a spectacular #2 ranking at Alibris for New Release Kids Fiction (Visionary & Metaphysical) and achieved #5 at Books-A-Million for Stories in Verse / Juvenile Fiction. Most notably, the global platform Ubuy Global acclaimed the story in a product review, hailing it as a “beacon of literary exploration” in a world increasingly driven by technology.
Meanwhile, the Romantic Spirit Collection: Dawn and Dusk Deluxe Edition of Adira and the Dark Horse climbed to #6 for Visionary and Metaphysical Fiction at Alibris during its pre-release phase, continuing to hit #9 in New Release Visionary and Metaphysical Fiction. Additionally, Wild Soul: Contemporary Classical Winter Poetry, rated as an Amazon best-seller in Australia, while also being rated as a #1 Hot New Release at Amazon Australia and a #8 Hot New Release at Amazon United States. Bare Spirit: The Selected Poems of Susan Marshall also achieved best-seller status at Amazon Australia.
Theatre Playscapes: This specialised theatrical style translates Susan’s written philosophy into dramatic performance, placing the cognitive, psychological and energetic development of young adults at the centre of the medium. The framework is partially informed by her foundational background in civics, education and institutional arts advocacy, including her former role as Executive Secretary of Drama Victoria and her history of presenting literacy and drama workshops at state and national conferences in Australia.
Prestigiously Honoured Civic Leadership: Deeply committed to community development and societal enrichment, Susan is the honored recipient of the prestigious Award for Special Civic Service, presented to her by the Mayor of Richmond, Victoria. This high honour explicitly recognises her outstanding civic contributions to the Richmond City Council and her dedicated leadership in guiding young people through the Richmond Youth Work Project and the Richmond Youth Council.
Strategic Business Acumen: Demonstrating an early mastery of structural and operational logic, Susan was awarded the academic excellence of the Arthur Andersen Prize for Business Studies. As a founder, this systematic background allows her to run a highly efficient, asset-light publishing house: strategically leveraging a global distribution network, Ingram Content Group, to handle international retail distribution while she maintains absolute control over her intellectual property and brand purity.
Educational Devotion to Global Literacy: Driven by a passion for the foundational mechanics of language, Susan’s extensive work in community literacy earned her an Australian National Volunteer Award for ‘Outstanding Voluntary Service as a Literacy Assistant.’ This deep understanding of how to engage with language and communication keeps her writing grounded, personable, accessible and purposefully transformative, fueling the core mission of her global My Story Meadow: Soulful Literary Salon, to expand literary access and human development worldwide.
Living Architecture, Visual Space & Wellbeing: Drawing from her experience as a theatre practitioner and visual artist, Susan treats the physical book page as a form of living architecture. From her fractured prism light studies and attunement to the essential significance of hope for the war survivor in All the Hope We Carry; to the debut illustrations in Princess Zyra’s Lost Storm; to her literary sanctuary of wild winter energies in Wild Soul; to the raw, fragmented mosaics of her narrative in her novel, Adira and the Dark Horse, her work actively unites the lyrical beauty of art with the rigorous structures of mathematics and science, transforming the text itself into a dynamic, lived landscape. Similarly, her virtual space: the Romantic Spirit Alight Readers’ Garden is designed for readers to immerse themselves in the spiritual energy, quotes and structural fragments of her published texts in order to rest and recharge.
Literary & Fiction Honours: By treating literature as an interconnected, lived experience, Susan’s literary innovation and excellence have been recognised as a consecutive twice recipient of the Top Story Award (Vocal Media) for her evocative fiction. She holds a #1 ranking for New Adult Mystery at Goodreads for Adira and the Dark Horse. Her bespoke publications within Contemporary Metaphysical Literature have received international acclaim and best-selling status, cementing her position as an internationally acclaimed best-selling author.
Inspired by Natural Energies
Susan was born in Carlton in Melbourne, Australia. She was raised by her parents in Richmond in Melbourne, as the oldest of three children. At a young age, she was drawn to the solace she discovered outdoors, particularly when she attuned herself to the natural energetic motions that surrounded her.
“I learned at a young age that we can choose how we engage with life. To be able to witness precious, energetic motions, such as the kinetic whispering of wind against leaves, a bird spanning its wings or the budding of a flower, was soothing. It took me away from the grind of the everyday and fuelled my imagination. In places such as my own backyard, on outdoor treks or even at one of my favourite places: the Royal Botanic Gardens, I connected with my own spirit. I was able to attune myself to precious, energetic moments and give flight
to their stories.
“I spent a lot of time with my father as a child. He nurtured my love for nature and homegrown herbs, fruits and vegetables. Although we lived close to the busy city, my father helped me to learn how to ground myself and to take care of my health and wellbeing. He also taught me how to embrace my wandering nature by taking me on long walks into Melbourne city, where he taught me how to navigate my way around it confidently. I have fond memories of our family road trips out to Beechworth, where I would trek up the cliffs with my father courageously and view the vista with all its beauty. My father is a visual artist himself and I was always blessed to be able to watch him translate his passions into amazing paintings. It gave me confidence to continue to develop as an artist and writer myself.”
Artistic Education,
Dreams & Achievements
As a young child, Susan gravitated towards theatre, where she was able to flourish even further artistically. At Richmond Primary School, she was excited to be in her first stage production: Roald Dahl’s James and the Giant Peach, guided by her teachers: Kim Young and Stu Cooper. She also performed the King in the French production of Antoine de Saint Exupéry’s Le Petit Prince.
Later, as a student at Melbourne Girls’ College, Susan was privileged to learn from the professional Australian stage director and theatre critic: Di Gagen. As her mentor, Di was instrumental in helping Susan to further harness her artistic focus and skills, by providing her with many theatrical opportunities. In senior years, Susan became the first Arts Captain at her school and was mentored by her principal, Jan Parkes, in community and leadership skills. Susan directed the school stage productions: Just Equal by Dennis Betts and A Midsummer Night’s Dream by William Shakespeare. She was also privileged to perform the roles of a Field Mouse (photo on right) and Pheobe, in Hartwell Players’ stage production of the pantomime: Toad of Toad Hall, directed by Di and Steve Gagen.
Susan was humbled to receive numerous awards throughout her senior years of education: the Award for ‘Special Achievement in Drama’ in Year 10; the Award for ‘Special Achievement in Citizenship’ in Year 11 and the Achievement Award for her ‘Contribution to the Arts’ in year 12, her final year of college.
Di Gagen also introduced Susan to the world of St Martin’s Youth Arts Centre, which Susan embraced whole-heartedly. She spent many years there, under the tuition of some of Australia’s great theatre practitioners, including: the Artistic Director, Brett Adam, James Wardlaw and Geoff Wallis. Susan was honoured to work with Brett Adam to devise, script and perform in the postmodern stage production: Orb.IT for the Melbourne International Arts Festival.
Susan’s passions for theatre and writing remained with her, leading to her enrolling in a Bachelor of Arts at La Trobe University. It was there that she performed in the productions: As You Like It by William Shakespeare, directed by Meredith Rogers and What Time is this House? by Virginia Baxter, for the Melbourne Fringe Festival. She also performed the lead role of Phrygenia in the production of Spartacus and Phrygenia, (written and directed by Peter and Corinne at Créations Barquette Gitane), for the Banyule Festival in Melbourne.
Later, Susan was privileged to further develop her skills in stage direction by observing Richard Keown’s stage direction of the Australian Premiere of Joanne Harris’ Holidays for Peridot Theatre in Melbourne. Susan was very honoured to stage direct the Australian premiere of Timothy Daly’s Beach: A Theatrical Fantasia, with a young adult cast.
“The wanderer in me continued to flourish, wanting to learn as much as I could about the worlds of theatre and literature, to help me grow. I immersed myself in styles from classical to post-modern, loving the senses of character spirit and embodiment that unravelled their journeys in books and plays. I felt I had found the arts where I fitted naturally, with my own connections to life energies. I will always be grateful to my lecturers: Richard Freadman (literature); Geoffrey Milne, Julian Meyrick, Meredith Rogers and Peta Tait (theatre), for their expertise and helping me to grow.
“My theatre mentor, the wonderful, late Geoffrey Milne, once asked me what I wanted my discipline to be in the theatre world. At the time, I wanted to be a theatre practitioner, as I had been awe-inspired by many professional theatre practitioners before me. I loved learning about the ways that Artaud, Brooke and others, went about journaling and sharing their own techniques and practice. There is something so alive and progressive about theatre, an energy that is inexplicable and I wanted to help make a contribution, initiate innovation and new, lively discussion. Geoffrey’s advice stayed with me as I continued to develop and harness my skills. Later, I realised that my forte was creating theatre for young adults, after working with them for many years in theatre, community and educational settings. That’s when I began developing the Theatre Playscapes style, so that I could make a contribution to theatre and its progressive development and discussion for young people through time.”
On completion of her Bachelor of Arts degree, Susan was granted lifetime membership to the Golden Key International Honour Society at La Trobe University’s chapter: ‘In recognition of outstanding scholastic achievement and excellence.’
A Debut Author, Educator, Community Volunteer & Multiple Award Recipient
Susan has a passion for heritage and culture, having grown up as a member of a large, multicultural family.
“My ethnicity is Maltese, Turkish, Portugese and English. I can also speak French fluently. I grew up with an appreciation for the diverse ways that people live and the wonderful contributions that cultures make to life itself.
“My mother’s second language is English and she dedicated herself to teaching me how to read at a very young age. She helped me to discover my love for the Romantic focus of literature. I was reading novels such as: The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnet; Heidi by Johanna Spyri and The Enchanted Wood series by Enid Blyton. As I grew older, I adored the Anne of Green Gables series by Lucy Maud Montgomery and Little Women by Louisa May Alcott. Each of these stories were a feast of spirit and humanity, accompanied by nature and desire, even fantastical at times. They instilled a sense of courage in me, to continue to explore the world with open eyes and to unravel my continued spiritual journey, away from the daily grind.
“My mother also taught me the importance of family and community and helped me to build strong relationships. When I would visit my Nanna (my mother’s mother), I would relish my Nanna’s presence and cherish her stories at her table, which was dressed with her beautiful lace table cloth, all the way from her native country, Gozo. As a war survivor, the lace was a precious belonging to my Nanna. The heritage lace trade is significant for the people of Gozo.
“My father’s mother, my Nanna, also had a very strong influence on my spiritual presence and growth. She taught me how to connect with the simple joys of life and to find comfort and peace. I will always be grateful for the guidance and wisdom of my mother and grandmothers.”
Susan became an active member of the Richmond community. She volunteered at the Berry Street Opportunity Shop and volunteered her assistance at the Richmond City Council by providing opportunities for young people. This led to her work on the Richmond Youth Work Project and Richmond Youth Council. Her outstanding work with young people led to her being granted the prestigiousAward for Special Civic Service by the Mayor of Richmond.
“To be able assist young people in need of support was a true privilege. As a young adult myself, it was heart warming to be a member of the Richmond Youth Work Project (an initiative of the Richmond City Council) and to work alongside the very inspirational leadership and expertise of Belinda Frew. It warmed my heart to co-develop programs in response to the needs of other young people. That word hope, it has stayed with me my whole life, that is what kept us all going. We worked so hard to cross the barriers that existed for young people, be that social, home life, personal, economic, accessibility, etc. and worked with them as a team, even inviting young people to contribute their hopes and needs through the Richmond Youth Council so that we could help in the best way possible.
“It was the most amazing experience to attend the Australia Day ceremony at the Richmond Town Hall with my family. It was on this day, that I stood alongside so many wonderful people who were receiving their Australian Citizenship and heard their heartfelt stories. It was such an honour to receive my Award for Special Civic Servicethat day too, my spirit soaring with gratitude for all that I had learned and to be able to be inspired by the lives of others.”
In her senior years of schooling, Susan undertook Business studies and was informed by her teacher that she was achieving excellent results.
“Business Studies was an area that interested me. I was considering what a career in business might look like and really enjoyed learning about business acumen, strategies and laws, among other areas. It was an absolute honour to receive the Arthur Andersen prize for Business Studies. It was accompanied by a letter from the Managing Partner in Australia, Peter H. Gutwein, who was highly supportive and encouraging of my future studies and career in business. To think that today, I am blessed to have founded and manage a wonderful business in Story Playscapes. I am so grateful for my teacher’s wisdom and encouragement of my skills and to Arthur Andersen’s support too. I am immensely proud of all that Story Playscapes is.”
Later, while completing a Postgraduate Bachelor of Teaching: Primary and Secondary at Deakin University, Susan also dedicated her time as a Volunteer Literacy Assistant in the Middle Years Literacy Development Program at Highvale Secondary College. She was privileged to be led by the expertise of her mentor, Helen Newton, for two years.
“It was the most rewarding experience to work with Helen and to embrace that special part of myself that wanted to help foster literacy development in young adults. Helen taught me so many techniques and approaches to teaching, that remain with me today. It gave me so much heart felt joy to help guide young adults in the enhancement of their reading and writing skills and to watch the smiles that would light up their faces when they realised they had acquired new skills and grown! The experience made my desire to teach stronger and confirmed my passion for helping others to develop and enhance their literacy skills.”
Susan was taken by surprise when Helen Newton presented her with an invitation by the Monash Volunteer Resource Centre, Inc. (City of Monash) to attend a special breakfast to celebrate National Volunteer Week. It was there that Susan was honoured to receive the National Volunteer Award ‘For Outstanding Voluntary Service As Literacy Assistant.’
‘To be able to give my heart and soul to help young adults with enhancing their literacy skills was such a privilege. I was so touched that my work was recognised in this way and so thankful to Helen for all her guidance and support in helping me to develop my skills and confidence.”
Susan completed her Postgraduate Bachelor of Teaching: Primary and Secondary, guided by the amazing expertise of her mentors Dr Jo Omara and Dr Jo Raphael. After graduating, Susan taught young adults English and Drama in educational settings for more than a decade and undertook the role of Head of Drama. She also mentored pre-service and practising teachers.
Susan continued to work with young adults in community, educational and theatrical settings as a theatre practitioner. She launched her first professional play: Broken World, (published by RMDesigned under her birth name, Susan Judd), at the AATE/ALEA National Conference in Brisbane, in 2013 (photo on left), beginning her career as a professional author. Later, the play was positively reviewed by the Children’s Book Council of Australia. RMDesigned continued to publish Susan’s second professional play: Indigo’s Haven in 2016.
Susan has also completed a range of publications at Vocal Media, U.S.A. See the table of her Body of Work below for more details.
An Arts in Education Manager, Educational Leader & Consultant
Susan held the position of Secretary on the Drama Victoria Executive Committee of Management. In this role, her responsibilities included: providing planning and support structures for the effective delivery of Drama and Theatre Studies subjects at both state and national levels, minute-taking; co-planning and presentation of state and national conferences; establishing Solidarity Funding guidelines and application processes for delegates from bush fire and/or flood affected schools who wished to attend the state conference and contributing to future planning / decision making at committee meetings.
In the aforementioned role, Susan also contributed to the official Victorian Curriculum and Assessment Authority’sShaping Paper for the Australian National Curriculum for Drama Education. She also assisted with running Primary Drama Education network meetings in order to inspire Primary Drama teachers with techniques and strategies; co-developed resources for teachers, such as the VCE Theatre Studies Monologue Resource Kit; proof read, reviewed and edited the drafted text of Drama Victoria practice examinations (for V.C.E. Drama studies) for accuracy and fluency and assisted other Heads of Drama with course structural ideas and implementation of Drama curriculum at their educational institutions. Susan also networked and planned Drama educational opportunities in the wider community for schools, such as: the Drama Australia Footprints Project with cultural institutions such as the National Gallery of Victoria.
As an educational leader, Susan has also presented numerous professional academic workshops at state and national conferences in drama and literacy education in Australia. These include: Capturing Value-able Moments (Drama Victoria Values Education Conference at the Abbotsford Convent, Melbourne); Broken World Workshop (Drama Victoria State Conference at The University of Melbourne); Cultivating Natural Theatre: Edward Gordon Craig’s Environmental Theatre (Drama Australia National Conference at The University of Melbourne); Introduction to Playwriting (Drama Victoria State Conference at the Victorian College of the Arts) and Using Multimodal Literacies to Re-invigorate a Broken World (AATE / ALEA joint National Conference at the Queensland University of Technology in Brisbane).
Susan has worked as an educational consultant and provided editorial review services for Macmillan Education Australia.
Founder of Story Playscapes & Its Globally Beloved My Story Meadow Program
In 2020, during the COVID-19 pandemic, Susan began sharing her poetic and fictional writing études on her My Story Meadow blog. It rapidly attracted a global readership who were interested in Susan’s story telling and techniques shared. Susan committed herself to providing global literacy development opportunities to readers via her popular My Story Meadow: Soulful Literary Salon. This lead to her founding her business, named after her passion for life’s energies and her Romantic wanders: Story Playscapes.
On New Year’s Eve in 2022, Susan was met with overwhelming global support when she announced that Story Playscapes was classified as a heritage trade publisher. Susan was joined by many readers when she lit a candle of hope for the future of heritage trade across the world. A heartfelt passion that she continues to support today.
In 2023, Susan touched the hearts of the globe with her metaphysical magic when Story Playscapes released her monumental, first two plays in the Theatre Playscapes series: Fleur of Yesterday and All the Hope We Carry, both developed for young adult performers around the world.
In 2023, Susan also reached a milestone of 10 years in her career as a professional author. Story Playscapes continued to publish and release Susan’s professional publications: Adira and the Dark Horse (2024); Bare Spirit: The Selected Poems of Susan Marshall (2024) (An Amazon best-seller); Wild Soul: Contemporary Classical Winter Poetry (2025) (an Amazon best-seller and #1 Hot New Release in Australian and Oceanian Poetry).
A New Era as Debut Illustrator, Artistic Director, Pioneer, Literary Architect, Systemic Arts Leader
&
Introduction of the Signature
Romantic Spirit Collection
In 2026, Founder, Susan L. Marshall shared her long term vision and work at Story Playscapes with her readers and the literary community, through several key announcements, along with her first release as a debut illustrator.
TIMELINE OF ESTABLISHMENT FOR SOULFUL FORMALISM AND CONTEMPORARY METAPHYSICAL LITERATURE AT STORY PLAYSCAPES
March 3, 2026: Story Playscapes released Susan’s children’s metaphysical myth in verse: Princess Zyra’s Lost Storm: An Australian Childhood Myth. It was Susan’s debut as illustrator, with her use of visual metaphysics in imagery. The publication was internationally acclaimed, being recognised on Goodreads’ Poetry New Releases list for April and May 2026; Topping retail charts at Alibris (#2 for New Release Kids Fiction Visionary & Metaphysical) and Books A Million (#5 for Stories in Verse / Juvenille Fiction) in the USA. Ubuy Global also acclaimed the story, stating in a product review: “In a world increasingly driven by technology, this book stands out as a beacon of literary exploration, promoting empathy, curiosity, and a connection to our natural world through the lens of an unforgettable protagonist.”
Princess Zyra’s Lost Storm: An Australian Childhood Myth also reached #1 for Popular Australian Poetry, Popular Children’s Mythology and Popular Romantic Academia lists at Goodreads.
March 13, 2026: Susan released a formal essay that described her signature technique as an artisan author: Fragmentique: Susan L. Marshall’s Signature Technique. It is published here on our website.
28 March, 2026: The publication of our Artistic Statement on the Home Page of our website: Fractured Light is the Beginning of Mystery.
7 April 2026: Susan officially announced her step into the role of Artistic Director at Story Playscapes.
14 April 2026: Susan shared her work as pioneer in the creation and establishment of Contemporary Metaphysical Literature as a literary category. It includes the conventions: Heightened Energy, Metaphysical Noir et Blanc and Romantic Academia (which Susan has elevated from a a vibe / aesthetic into a a literary convention). The official article statement is called: Contemporary Metaphysical Literature: A Literary Category.
4 May 2026: Susan L. Marshall released: The Founder’s Statement: Soulful Formalism, on the Home Page of our website, which announces her overall role and vision as the literary architect of Soulful Formalism.
8 May 2026: Susan presented A Letter from the Founder: Susan L. Marshall, which is published on the home page of our website, declaring Susan L. Marshall’s philosophy and vision of Soulful Formalism and how it is applied through her work and communication.
12 May 2026: Story Playscapes, led by the artistic direction and authorship of Susan L. Marshall, released her new premium, bespoke Romantic Spirit Collection. The Collection is the premiere premium product line for Story Playscapes. It serves as a monumental milestone that celebrates the formal coining of Soulful Formalism. Its first edition has the celebrated novel: Adira and the Dark Horse, presented in its Dawn and Dusk Deluxe Edition. The novel topped the New Release Visionary Metaphysical Fiction list at Pre-release stage at #6 at Alibris during its pre-release phase, continuing to hit #9 in New Release Visionary and Metaphysical Fiction. It has also reached #1 for Popular New Adult Mystery at Goodreads. The edition is the first in a long line of releases in the collection.
15 May 2026: Susan L. Marshall launches the newly refreshed Romantic Spirit Alight Readers’ Garden on our website.
16 May 2026: Susan L. Marshall presented a special literary announcement: The Genesis of Soulful Formalism: A Decade Long Commitment to the Voices of Gozo on the Home page of our website. It is the the official article that shares how Soulful Formalism originated for Susan L. Marshall.
16 May 2026: Susan L. Marshall announces inclusion of Eastern philosophy into Contemporary Metaphysical Literature. Launched in the newly refreshed My Story Meadow: Soulful Literary Salon page on our website.
18 May 2026: Susan L. Marshall officially completes full website design update in order to reflect the Soulful Formalist style. She also announces her role as a Systemic Arts Leader.
5 – 9 June, 2026: Susan L. Marshall presents her definitive, monumental essay: The Speculative Craft: The Architecture of Soulful Formalism. This essay details her style and life’s work so far.
19 June, 2026: Story Playscapes launched its Grand Design of Our International Trade Network page, inspired by Renaissance design and cartography. It is also the date that Story Playscapes announced it had official, glocal availability of its publications!
International & Critical Acclaim
Susan is an internationally acclaimed best-selling artisan author. Her professional publications are available in more than 200 countries and territories globally. Susan has also received critical acclaim by receiving the prestigious Top Story Award at Vocal Media twice for her stories: Wild Love at Christmas Eve: A Romance (December, 2025) and Love’s Arena: A Relativity (May 2026).
Susan L. Marshall’s Body of Work
| Publication | Genre | Published | Achievements and Awards |
To Part the Blades of Moments Passed … | Short Story: Metaphysical Impressionism | Vocal Media June, 2026 | |
| The Speculative Craft: The Architecture of Soulful Formalism | Essay Article | Story Playscapes June, 2026 | The monumental definitive essay that explains Soulful Formalism as a literary style of Contemporary Metaphysical Literature |
| An Adira Cazon Literary Mystery: Adira and the Dark Horse. The Romantic Spirit Collection: Dawn and Dusk Deluxe Edition | Novel: Metaphysical Mystery/ Small Town Romance | Story Playscapes May, 2026 | An Alibris Pre best-selling publication in New Release Visionary and Metaphysical, at #6. #1 on Goodreads in New Adult Mystery category. An Alibris best-selling publication in New Release New Visionary and Metaphysical, at #9. |
| Love’s Wild Fog: An Ontology | Short Story: Metaphysical Romance / Mystery | Vocal Media, U.S.A. (2026) | |
| Love’s Arena: A Relativity | Short Story: Metaphysical Romance Adventure | Vocal Media, U.S.A. (2026) | Top Story Award at Vocal Media, May, 2026. |
| Sirena: Who Was Not Actually There | Short Story: Metaphysical Mystery Adventure | Vocal Media, U.S.A. (2026) | |
| ‘Her’ Synaesthesia: Composing LIfe | Short Story: Metaphysical Science Fiction / Mystery | Vocal Media, U.S.A. (2026) | |
| Fragmentique: Susan L. Marshall’s Signature Technique | Essay Article | Story Playscapes Website (2026) | Susan L. Marshall announces her signature metaphysical technique called Fragmentique. |
| Princess Zyra’s Lost Storm: An Australian Childhood Myth | Children’s Literature: Metaphysical Myth in Verse | Story Playscapes (2026) | Susan’s publication as both author and debut illustrator. A Best-selling New Release Kids Fiction Visionary Metaphysical at Alibris: #2 A Best-selling New Release Juvenile Fiction at Books A Million: #5 #1 on Goodreads across three distinct categories: Popular Children’s Mythology, Popular Australian Poetry, and Popular Romantic Academia. It sustained a remarkable multi-month tenure on the prestigious Goodreads Poetry New Release List. |
| Finding My Familiar: A Dream-Wake | Short Story: Metaphysical Mystery Adventure | Vocal Media, U.S.A. (2026) | |
| I Love You: This New Year and Eternally | Short Story: Metaphysical Romance Fiction | Vocal Media, U.S.A. (2026) | |
| Wild Love at Christmas Eve: A Romance | Short Story: Metaphysical Romance Fiction | Vocal Media, U.S.A. (2025) | Top Story Award at Vocal Media, December, 2025. |
| My Heart’s Field: Deep Melancholy and Dreams | Short Story: Metaphysical Surrealist Fiction | Vocal Media, U.S.A. (2025) | |
| New Love’s Bloom: A Love Poem | Metaphysical Romance Poetry | Vocal Media, U.S.A. (2025) | |
| Lori’s Free Will … in a World of Ice and Fire | Short Story: Metaphysical Surrealist Fantasy Fiction | Vocal Media, U.S.A. (2025) | |
| I am Lyric: Motivating Body and Soul | Short Story: Metaphysical Motivational Fiction | Vocal Media, U.S.A. (2025) | |
| The Unforgotten Birth of Life: A Story of Love and Loss | Short Story: Metaphysical Fiction | Vocal Media, U.S.A. (2025) | |
| Whispers of My Deep Soul: If I Could Just Return … to the Love I Know | Short Story: Metaphysical Surrealist Romance Fiction | Vocal Media, U.S.A. (2025) | |
| My Secret City of Being: A Story of Healing | Short Story: Metaphysical Literary Fiction | Vocal Media, U.S.A. (2025) | |
| Shards of Human Being: A Futuristic Journey | Short Story: Metaphysical Futuristic Fiction | Vocal Media, U.S.A. (2025) | |
| Our Forbidden Love: Its Romantic Journey Home | Short Story: Metaphysical Romance Fiction | Vocal Media, U.S.A. (2025) | |
| Wings for Gia: A Romantic Myth | Short Story: Metaphysical Romance Myth | Vocal Media, U.S.A. (2025) | |
| Love’s Dying Road: A Romantic, Metaphysical Fiction | Short Story: Metaphysical Romance Fiction | Vocal Media, U.S.A. (2025) | |
| Wild Soul: Contemporary Classical Winter Poetry | Poetry Collection: Metaphysical Poetry combined with: Romanticism, Dark Romanticism, Gothic, Steam Punk, Renaissance and Petrarchan Sonnet genres | Story Playscapes, Australia (January, 2025) | Amazon best-selling publication #1 Hot New Release in Australian and Oceanian Poetry at Amazon Australia #8 Hot New Release in Australian and Oceanian Poetry at Amazon U.S.A. |
| Bare Spirit: The Selected Poems of Susan Marshall | Poetry Collection (Non Fiction): Metaphysical Poetry, Meditation and Visualisation (Wellbeing) | Story Playscapes, Australia (July, 2024) | Amazon best-selling publication Popular Psychology Publication |
| Adira and the Dark Horse: An Adira Cazon Literary Mystery | Novel: Metaphysical (Literary) Mystery and Small Town Romance | Story Playscapes, Australia (July, 2024) | |
| Bare Love: A Metaphysical Romance | Short Story: Metaphysical Romance Fiction | Vocal Media, U.S.A. (2024) | |
| Tace’s Lost Spirit: Searching for Vie | Short Story: Metaphysical Adventure Fiction | Vocal Media, U.S.A. (2023) | |
| All the Hope We Carry: Theatre Playscapes #2 Publication includes essay: Theatre Playscapes of Hope | Young Adult Dramatic Literature Metaphysical Contemporary Fantasy and War/Military & Essay | Story Playscapes, Australia (December, 2023) | |
| Heart’s Land: A Poem | Metaphysical Poetry | Vocal Media, U.S.A. (2023) | |
| Fleur of Yesterday: Theatre Playscapes # 1 Publication includes essay: Theatre Playscapes: A New Theatrical Style | Young Adult Dramatic Literature Metaphysical Science Fiction / Mystery & Essay | Story Playscapes, Australia (October, 2023) | Monumental Publication: Launch of brand new theatre style and dramatic literature in that style. |
| Stay: Chapter 1 | Chapter: Science Fiction | Vocal Media, U.S.A. (2022) | |
| Makeshift Girl: The Secret Heritage Trail | Novel: Metaphysical (Literary) Mystery and Small Town Romance | Story Playscapes, Australia (2022) | |
| Winter’s Breath: Mother Nature’s Precious Time | Metaphysical Poetry | Vocal Media, U.S.A. (2022) | |
| Peonies for Masha: Her Journey Home | Short Story: Metaphysical Romance / Historical Fiction | Vocal Media, U.S.A. (2022) | Shortlisted for the Vocal + Fiction Awards. |
| Hidden Magic: Part 1 | Short Story: Action / Fantasy / Mystery | Vocal Media, U.S.A. (2022) | |
| Is Summer Still Aglow Within Thy Heart? The Eternal Shore of Summer Love | Metaphysical Shakespearean Sonnet | Vocal Media, U.S.A. (2021) | |
| My Nature Spirit: A Poem Celebrating My Connection with Nature | Nature Poetry | Vocal Media, U.S.A. (2021) | Runner Up in the True Colours Challenge at Vocal Media |
| Gail’s Red Horizon: A Fantastical Adventure | Fantasy / Adventure / Action | Vocal Media, U.S.A. (2021) | |
| A Day Spent … The Playful Thoughts of A Tired Mind | Metaphysical Surrealist Poetry | Vocal Media, U.S.A. (2021) | |
| Grandpa Ben’s Mysterious Notebook: A Tale | Metaphysical Surrealist / Fantasy Poetry | Vocal Media, U.S.A. (2021) | |
| Paper Jilu: A Journey of Her Notes | Metaphysical Futuristic Fiction | Vocal Media, U.S.A. (2021) | |
| Indigo’s Haven | Young Adult Dramatic Literature | RM Designed, Australia (2016) | |
| Broken World | Young Adult Dramatic Literature | RM Designed, Australia (2013) | Launched at the AATE/ALEA Conference in Brisbane, QLD Positively reviewed by CBCA. |
| Cultivating Natural Theatre | Academic Article | Mask Magazine, Drama Victoria, Australia (2009) | |
Pressing Forward: Creating Drama Attuned to the Students’ Time and Place | Academic Article | Mask Magazine, Drama Victoria, Australia (2008) |
