Princess Zyra's Lost Storm

“Princess Zyra is an unforgettable, heroic protagonist, who journeys through a mystical, magical and whimsical world that is loveable. To take this journey, is to immerse oneself in breath-taking poetic verse, awe-inspiring moments and beautiful, full colour illustrations that echo timelessly for the reader with their heartfelt meanings. It is a complete escape into a wondrous, emotionally connective and environmentally conscious, mythical world.”

-Maggie Vasalla, Independent Reviewer.

“Susan Marshall is a master at making metaphysical literature relatable to us in our real world. In Princess Zyra’s Lost Storm: An Australian Childhood Myth, Susan’s wondrous combination of refined poetic verse and beautiful illustrations, work to transcend the reader into an emotionally resonant, mythical and enchanting world that exists far beyond the page. Princess Zyra is a wonderful protagonist, who is easily reachable and inspirational for young children. Her myth is one that will pull at the heart strings and stand the test of time.”

Hendrick Jorgensen, Independent Reviewer.

Susan L. Marshall is the founder of Story Playscapes, an Australian publishing house. A novelist, adult’s and children’s fiction writer, poet, dramatist, essayist, theatre practitioner, and illustrator, she is globally renowned within the world of contemporary metaphysical literature.

Marshall’s body of work explores themes of spirit, soul, nature, internal landscapes, and the human experience, often drawing inspiration from natural settings. Her writing is celebrated for its unique metaphysical artistry, featuring vivid mystical and lyrical qualities, aiming to ignite the Romantic spirit across various genres. Her professional publications are available in over 200 countries and territories worldwide.

Through Story Playscapes, Marshall has cultivated a global readership via projects like the My Story Meadow Project and the Romantic Spirit Alight Readers’ Garden. She mentors readers and writers interested in the art and techniques of writing and its development into professional publications. The My Story Meadow Project has seen the success of her publications, including:

• “Bare Spirit: The Selected Poems of Susan Marshall” (An Amazon best-seller and popular psychology publication)
• “Wild Soul: Contemporary Classical Winter Poetry” (An Amazon best-seller and #1 Hot New Release)

Marshall’s groundbreaking Theatre Playscapes style centers the well-being of young adults in theatre. The premiere dramatic literature of this series, “Fleur of Yesterday,” introduces the style, its principles, and conventions through Marshall’s essay, “Theatre Playscapes: A New Theatrical Style.” The series continues with “All the Hope We Carry.”

Marshall has also published poetry and fiction on Vocal Media in the U.S.A. In December 2025, she received a Top Story Award from Vocal Media for her Metaphysical Romance, “Wild Love at Christmas Eve: A Romance.”

She is an honoured recipient of the Award for Special Civic Service, presented by the Mayor of Richmond, Victoria, for her extensive civic contributions to the city and the Richmond City Council. This award particularly recognizes her work with young people through the Richmond Youth Work Project and the Richmond Youth Council.

Marshall is also an honoured recipient of the Arthur Andersen prize for Business Studies and a National Volunteer Award for Outstanding Voluntary Service as a Literacy Assistant by MVRS (supported by Monash City Council).

In 2026, Marshall will debut as an illustrator with her publication, “Princess Zyra’s Lost Storm: An Australian Childhood Myth.” This tale explores childhood heroism and adventure in the context of Australia facing drought.

Also in 2026, her novel “Adira and the Dark Horse” will be the featured title of Story Playscapes’ Romantic Spirit Collection: Dawn and Dusk Deluxe edition. This curated publication includes the novel, Marshall’s metaphysical poems “A Mosaic of Dawn’s Eve” and “Evergold Dream,” and features a premium hardbound cover with dusk art and a dust jacket with dawn art.