In 2020 we published Raised a Warrior, the excellent memoir from Susie Petruccelli that won the Vikki Orvice Prize. Detailing her experiences of football in the US, the book explores sexism, self-doubt and injury. We caught up with Susie to find out what makes her tick.

  • What’s your career background?
I started my career in technology. I was always writing as well as a hobby. 
  • How did you get into writing?
I got into writing at a very young age. My brother wrote poetry when we were very young and I just loved it. Writing for me was about mental health and personal growth. 
  • Who inspires you?
Ian Ridley inspires me. He’s finished another book! And he’s just an incredible human. 
  • How did you find the process of writing a book?
I loved the process. I was writing about my sport, my teammates and all of my heroes – and discovering new heroes along the way – it was wonderful. I can’t play soccer anymore but writing about it was the next best thing for me. 
  • Most important person in your life?
My family. 
  • Favourite book?
At the moment it is Play Like a Girl: Life Lessons from the Soccer Field by Kate T Parker. It’s important for little sports loving girls to know they aren’t alone. Far from it. And to soak in all of the life lessons we learn from competing and being on a team. 
  • Favourite film?
The Sound of Music 
  • Favourite sporting team and athlete?
Manchester City Women, Rose Lavelle
  • What is your most important piece of advice for anyone writing a book?
Find a diverse group of readers and tell them nothing they say will hurt your feelings. Insist on brutal honesty. 
  • What’s next?
The film that I talk about in my book will be out later this year! And I’m working with an exciting company called AtaFootball.com to bring European women’s football to the US audience on tv and streaming. Dream job.
Find out more about Susie by following her on social media at twitter.com/Sooozie.