As I cried, three elephants came up behind me from within a wooden corral. One elephant put its trunk on my shoulder, stunning me with its act of compassion. That’s where my story originated.

Susan R. Greenway – 17 September 2024

The Back Flap

Heartbroken over the sudden loss of her mother, twelve-year-old Quinn and her aunt volunteer at a Thai elephant sanctuary, hoping to ease her pain. While assisting in the care of abused elephants, Quinn experiences an astonishing encounter with an elephant which gives her hope and forges an unexpected friendship. Will it be enough for her to want to help save an orphaned baby elephant?

About the book

What is the book about?

Twelve-year old Quinn and her Aunt Lizzie volunteer at an elephant sanctuary in Thailand, seeking escape from the grief of her mother’s sudden death. While alone and crying, Quinn has an unexpected encounter with an adult elephant. They develop a strong connection, helping Quinn take steps out of her depression. But when an orphaned baby elephant in fragile health arrives at the sanctuary, Quinn is afraid to get involved. Can she use her newfound ability to connect with the elephants and reach out to her new human friends to help save the baby elephant?

When did you start writing the book?

I began Elephant Touch in 2018.

How long did it take you to write it?

It took me about five years.

Where did you get the idea from?

When I was in Thailand visiting friends, I went to see some elephants. While there, I learned that my mother had died. As I cried, three elephants came up behind me from within a wooden corral. One elephant put its trunk on my shoulder, stunning me with its act of compassion. That’s where my story originated.

Were there any parts of the book where you struggled?

I struggled to prevent Quinn’s story from sounding like a Thai travel log and to show her emotions outwardly as well as internally.

What came easily?

The easiest part for me was writing about the elephants and the sanctuary.

Are your characters entirely fictitious or have you borrowed from real world people you know?

All but one are completely fictitious. The director of the sanctuary is an imagined version of a sanctuary director I observed from afar.

We all know how important it is for writers to read. Are there any particular authors that have influenced how you write and, if so, how have they influenced you?

There are several middle grade authors whose stories I have loved for their wonderful middle grade voice and storytelling skill. Among these are Dan Gemeinhart, Linda Oatman High, Gary D. Schmidt, and Kate DiCamillo.

Do you have a target reader?

My target reader would include ten to twelve year old readers who love animals and adventure.

About Writing

Do you have a writing process? If so can you please describe it?

Sort of. A lot of ideas mull around in my head for a long time before I begin to create the protagonist, her/his conflict and motivation, and the setting. Then I begin writing the story, adding characters, setting details, and conflicts. After a very rough first draft, I go back through and evaluate the story arc and character development. In between, I make all kinds of revisions and rewrites to whole sections. I probably rewrite the first page and chapter at least twenty times.

Do you outline? If so, do you do so extensively or just chapter headings and a couple of sentences?

I outline story events loosely with a few sentences. I may or may not stick with the outline when I get to the actual writing of the story.

Do you edit as you go or wait until you’ve finished?

I edit both as I go and when I’m finished. I’m always editing. I like editing.

Do you listen to music while you write? If yes, what gets the fingers tapping?

Yes! It depends upon if I need upbeat music to keep me going or calming music through a serious scene. I like 70’s and 80’s rock, 30’s jazz, classical music.

About Publishing

Did you submit your work to Agents?

Yes.

What made you decide to go Indie, whether self-publishing or with an indie publisher? Was it a particular event or a gradual process?

I have a hybrid publisher. I received a number of positive responses from agents, but no yes. When I heard of She Writes Press, I sent my manuscript to them.

Did you get your book cover professionally done or did you do it yourself?

My cover was professionally done.

Do you have a marketing plan for the book or are you just winging it?

I have a marketing plan which my publicist and I worked out.

Any advice that you would like to give to other newbies considering becoming Indie authors?

Don’t give up, but be prepared for a long journey.

About You

Where did you grow up?

I grew up in the San Francisco Bay Area.

Where do you live now?

Redmond, WA

What would you like readers to know about you?

Besides reading, I love being outdoors and am a dog enthusiast.

What are you working on now?

I’m working on a middle grade mystery.

End of Interview:

For more from Susan Greenway visit her website and follow her on Facebook and Instagram.

Get your copy of Elephant Touch from Amazon US or Amazon UK.