Susan Greenway joins the blog this week to discuss her middle-grade novel, Elephant Touch

Author Name: Susan Greenway

Book Title: Elephant Touch

Book Genre: Middle grade

Release Date: September 17, 2024

Publisher: She Writes Press

Welcome, Susan! How would you describe Elephant Touch?

A grieving twelve-year old experiences hope when she has an astonishing connection with an elephant at a Thai elephant sanctuary. Will it be enough to help her reconnect with her life and dare to help an ailing baby elephant?

What sparked the idea for this book?

While at an elephant show in Thailand, I learned of my mother’s passing. When I began to cry, an elephant placed its trunk on my shoulder, which seemed like an incredible act of empathy. Later I thought about the power of human-animal connections as a source of hope and joy.

How long did it take for you to write the book? Did you do any research?

I began this book years ago, but only in the past three did I really set out to finish it. I did online research to learn more about Asian elephant sanctuaries and the abuse of Asian elephants.

What drew you to writing middle-grade fiction?

I taught elementary school and was a reading specialist. I loved the middle grade novels my students read. They were so full of heart and honest kid emotions and stories.

If you were speaking to someone who hasn’t read your writing before, why should they want to read Elephant Touch?

Probably my favorite part of being an author is when I hear of someone being touched by my story. The most challenging part for me is writing the first five pages. I say that because in that first chapter you must hook the reader, introduce the main character, and hint at the plot, all the while writing with an authentic middle grade voice.

I’d recommend Elephant Touch because it’s touching, hopeful, and shines light on the delight of human/elephant relationships.

What do you hope readers will take away from this story?

I hope my readers will be encouraged and moved by Quinn’s journey through loss. I’d like them to be inspired by the magnificence of elephants and understand their endangered status. And, I hope that perhaps they will decide to act on behalf of all elephants.

What about the writing/editing/publishing process has been the most surprising to you so far?

It’s a long journey with many different parts. I’ve been delighted by the camaraderie and generous support of other kid lit writers.

What are your interests outside of writing and reading?

I love travel, hiking, skiing, being in the mountains or at the seashore, spending time with family and friends.

Are you working on a new project? Please tell us about it. 

Yes, a middle grade mystery about a missing Bloodhound, a missing Poodle, and a very savvy Poodle dogtective.

What was the last book you read? What did you think of it?

The Women by Kristin Hannah. I thought it was a powerful, though sometimes disturbing story. An excellent book.

Where can readers find you?

Website: susanrgreenway.com

Facebook: facebook.com/susan.r.greenway.childrens.author

Instagram: instagram.com/susanrgreenway/

Thank you, Susan! Elephant Touch is out TODAY.

Elephant Touch

For fans of Sara Pennypacker’s Pax and Ali Benjamin’s The Thing About Jellyfish, Elephant Touch is a contemporary middle grade novel about overcoming grief that will touch the hearts of its readers.

Since the sudden loss of her mother, Quinn has been inconsolable. Her aunt brings her to volunteer at a Thai elephant sanctuary, hoping it will be a healing experience–but when Quinn learns about the previous abuse of the elephants she’s there to help, she’s overcome with even more grief.

While crying alone by the river one day, Quinn has a magical encounter with an adult elephant. She marvels at the elephant’s show of compassion, and they develop a strong connection. But when an orphaned baby elephant, also grieving her mother’s death, arrives at the sanctuary in fragile health, Quinn is afraid to get involved. To help save the baby elephant’s life, she must be courageous and use her newfound ability to connect with the elephants–not to mention accept the support of her new human friends. If she can channel her grief into action, she just might find the community and support she’s been missing. But can she find the courage to do it?

Author bio:

Susan R. Greenway is a former elementary school teacher and reading specialist. She is a longtime member of SCBWI (Society of Children’s Books Writers and Illustrators) and a graduate of the University of Washington Writing for Children Program. Elephant Touch is her debut novel, inspired by an extraordinary experience she had with an elephant in Thailand. 

Susan is an outdoor and dog enthusiast and lives with her husband and their sweet dog, Willow, in Washington.