Q&A with Susan R. Greenway

 

 

 

Susan R. Greenway is the author of the new middle grade novel Elephant Touch. A former elementary school teacher and reading specialist, she lives in Washington state.

 

Q: What inspired you to write Elephant Touch, and how did you create your character Quinn?

 

A: On a visit to see elephants in Thailand several years ago, I received a phone call from my sister in California that my mother had passed. As I cried, three elephants behind me in a fenced corral came towards me. One of them put its trunk on my shoulder. I was profoundly touched.

 

That was the beginning of my love for elephants and desire to find out more about them. As I read more about Asian elephants, I was even more impressed with their magnificence. But I also found out how frequently and horribly they’ve been abused. Fortunately, there are some wonderful sanctuaries that house elephants needing a safe home.

 

Quinn came partly from my time spent in the Colorado Rockies and partly from my interest in writing a book about elephants and their endangered status. The theme of grief and the human/animal connection arose directly from my experience in Thailand.

 

In creating Quinn, I had to ask myself what was Quinn’s loss, how would she respond to it, and what would motivate her. Then I tried to make sure that each of these answers were in sync with Quinn’s external behavior and internal thoughts.

 

Q: The writer Dan Richards said of the book, “Ms. Greenway’s debut novel is equal parts sorrow, joy, and wonder.” What do you think of that description?

 

A: I love his description because it feels so true to my intentions as I wrote Elephant Touch.

 

Q: Did you know how the novel would end before you started writing it, or did you make many changes along the way?

 

A: I had no idea how it was going to end. I always do some plotting, but it’s flexible and often changes as I go along.  So yes, there were many changes in plot and characters. I began with an idea that became more defined as I went along.

 

Q: What do you hope readers take away from the story?

 

A: I hope that readers who have suffered from grief or are in the midst of it will have hope that they are loved, that light is on the horizon, and that help may come in unexpected ways.

 

I also sincerely hope that readers will become aware of the plight of elephants and the need for their protection.

 

Q: What are you working on now?

 

A: I’m writing a middle grade dog/human mystery with lots of humor and fun twists and turns.

 

Q: Anything else we should know?

 

A: I have recipes for some of the Thai foods mentioned in Elephant Touch on my website: susanrgreenway.com. Give them a try!

 

--Interview with Deborah Kalb