SATA
ENTRY TYPE:
WORK TITLE: The Mud Angels
WORK NOTES:
PSEUDONYM(S):
BIRTHDATE:
WEBSITE: https://www.karengreenwald.com/
CITY: Rockville
STATE:
COUNTRY: United States
NATIONALITY: American
LAST VOLUME: SATA 387
RESEARCHER NOTES:
PERSONAL
Born in MD.
EDUCATION:Georgetown University, bachelor’s and J.D. degrees.
ADDRESS
CAREER
Writer and brand manager. Owner of strategic branding boutique. Previously worked as an attorney. #SunWriteFun (writing contest), cofounder.
MEMBER:Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators.
WRITINGS
SIDELIGHTS
BIOCRIT
PERIODICALS
Kirkus Reviews, September 15, 2021, review of A Vote for Susanna: The First Woman Mayor.
School Library Journal, December, 2021, Christina Salazar, review of A Vote for Susanna, p. 110.
ONLINE
Critter Lit, https://www.critterlit.com/ (September 30, 2021), Lindsay Ward, author interview.
Karen M. Greenwald website, https://www.karengreenwald.com (June 8, 2022).
Susanna Leonard Hill website, https://susannahill.com/ (October 5, 2021), Susanna Leonard Hill, author interview.
Writing Barn, https://thewritingbarn.com/ (December 11, 2020), author interview.*
SHORT BIO
KAREN M. GREENWALD is an award-winning children’s author.
Her book, A VOTE FOR SUSANNA, THE FIRST WOMAN MAYOR, was named a Kansas Notable Book in 2022. Kansas chose it to represent the state at the Library of Congress National Book Festival and in the Library of Congress’ Great Reads from Great Places initiative. It received great reviews from both School Library Journal, Kirkus, and a feature on a KS NBC affiliate.
THE MUD ANGELS: HOW STUDENTS SAVED THE CITY OF FLORENCE, launched in April, 2024. It has been featured in domestic and international magazines and on other news sites. Booklist called it "a true episode worth commemorating."
Karen runs two different initiatives a year focused on promoting indie bookstores and raising money and/or brand new book donations to under-resourced school and public libraries. Her strategic branding efforts have earned seventeen international awards.
Click to View:
BOOKS/VIDEOS
INDUSTRY REC0GNITION
ITALIAN PRESS/INTERVIEW
PRESS RELEASE CLIP
BLOG INTERVIEWS
CELEBRITY/MAYOR TESTIMONIALS
Please address
requests to:
THE LIZA ROYCE AGENCY
Contact
liza@lizaroyce.com
For Rights
rights@lizaroyce.com
For PR
pr@lizaroyce.com
LONG BIO
KAREN M. GREENWALD’s debut, A VOTE FOR SUSANNA, THE FIRST WOMAN MAYOR, is the first/only book to shed light on this long-forgotten, ceiling-breaking, bully-trouncing hero. It was named one of fifteen Kansas 2022 Notable Books. The Kansas State Center for the Book honored it as their Library of Congress Great Reads from Great Places selection. Ms. Greenwald's book represented Kansas at the 2022 Library of Congress National Book Festival and is permanently featured on the Library of Congress Center for the Book’s website. A VOTE FOR SUSANNA appeared on the engineer/editor run website, WeHaveKids.com’s 2023 list of, “The 20 Best Children’s Narrative Nonfiction Books About Women” It also appeared on A Mighty Girl's 2021 Books of the Year list.
Ms. Greenwald is active in several children’s literature (“kidlit”) organizations. She has been admitted into The Children's Book Guild. Ms. Greenwald co-founded #SunWriteFun, a popular nonfiction writing contest that promotes indie bookstores and garners donations of books to under-resourced school and public libraries.
In April, 2024, the picture book, THE MUD ANGELS: HOW STUDENTS SAVED THE CITY OF FLORENCE (Albert Whitman) launched. Like her previous book, it is based on a wealth of primary research. Sixteen Mud Angels, Florentines who lived through the flood, and other related parties were interviewed. Booklist praised Greenwald's vivid descriptions, calling her book, "an event worth commemorating." The state librarians of Massachusetts gave the book their equivalent of a star. Her trailer was played in Florence at a conference on the flood and has received wide support from the Center for Flood Studies at the University of Florence (the group responsible for hosting academic and cultural events and doing research on and about the Florence flood of 1966).
Professionally, Greenwald is a brand strategist. This year, she received her seventeenth international award—a Platinum Marketing Effectiveness Award in Education—for her promotion of A VOTE FOR SUSANNA. Her other wins include international awards in the following categories: STEM creative, writing, video, rebranding, and self-promotion.
Bylined credits include online, print magazines, and The Washington Post. When serving as an honors attorney, she focused on international environmental protection and compliance. A Phi Beta Kappa, Ms. Greenwald earned both undergraduate and JD degrees from Georgetown University.
The First Woman Mayor Gets Her Own Book (plus a giveaway)
October 20, 2021 in Picture Books | Tags: A VOTE FOR SUSANNA, Karen M. Greenwald, Sian James | 77 comments
by Karen M. Greenwald
I’m often asked why I wrote A VOTE FOR SUSANNA, THE FIRST WOMAN MAYOR (illustrated by Sian James)? The funny thing is that I didn’t really feel like it was a choice. It needed to be told. Sometimes, you just know. But when I think about the three and half years it took to create this book, the question could easily be rephrased.
What made you go spelunking through gazillions of documents, newspapers, and articles and scale enormous barriers (there were many!) in search of the one thing that would allow this piece of history to fit the picture book format?
Whew! Yes, finding the key to unlocking her story took a lot of work. But Susanna’s election in 1887 offers so many lessons for children (and adults). While many of the challenges she faced are still relevant today, most people have never heard of her. Thrust into the center of a public prank, Susanna had to make a difficult choice that would impact her life and her family’s future. Clearly, bullying is a problem many children sadly deal with daily. I knew that learning about how this woman was bullied would make her story come to life and feel relatable to kids today.
Even winning didn’t change her treatment. Papers worldwide focused attention on her weight, dishwashing, and clothing—not on her education or other qualifications. Notice any parallels between coverage of her and women today? Despite the press, women and men around the world wrote to Susanna. They said she gave them hope that equity was possible. Wouldn’t it be amazing if her bravery and victory could inspire children to treat each other with more respect today?
Finally, Susanna’s win didn’t happen in a vacuum. Argonia was part of her journey and triumph. Yet, history has long brushed them and this important election aside. I wrote my book to continue the conversation Mayor Salter and her community began—one that touches on ending bullying, finding compromise, and building unity. I know these topics will spark important discussions in school and at home, showing children the power a vote and belief in oneself can yield.
Two weeks ago, the National Women’s History Museum held my book’s launch. I couldn’t catch most of the chat—it streamed so fast. But one post while I spoke caught my eye. It was from Susanna’s great grandson (I knew he was coming), “Susanna’s great-great granddaughter is also listening and is loving hearing more about her. She’s bringing this book to her 5th grade class next week where they are talking about gender stereotypes in class—this book will be a perfect addition to the conversation. Thank you for a new family treasure!”
So why did I write this book? What better answer could I give?
Thank you, Karen! I didn’t know about Susannah until your book! Thank you for writing it!
And as a thank you to you for reading about A VOTE FOR SUSANNA, Karen is giving away a half-hour Zoom consult to talk about writing picture books. I often chat with Karen via Zoom, so I can confirm what a delight she is!
Leave one comment below to enter.
A winner will be chosen at the end of the month.
Good luck!
Karen M. Greenwald has a wide range of government, campaign, and branding experience. She’s won international awards for STEM creative, writing, video, rebranding, and self-promotion. Bylined credits include online, print magazines, and The Washington Post. Karen belongs to SCBWI, 12×12, and co-founded #SunWriteFun—a NF/Informational fiction summer contest that raises money for kidlit charities. Her picture book, A VOTE FOR SUSANNA, THE FIRST WOMAN MAYOR, debuted in October (Albert Whitman). It has held steady since February on two of Amazon’s Hot New Releases lists for kids. A Phi Beta Kappa, she earned undergraduate and JD degrees from Georgetown University. Before turning to branding, Karen worked as an attorney and focused on international environmental compliance issues. Follow her on Twitter @karenmgreenwald.
The Picture Book Buzz - Interview with Karen Greenwald
Karen Greenwald enjoys a wide range of government and branding experience. Her work has earned 16 international awards for STEM Creative, writing, video, rebranding, and self-promotion. Karen’s bylined credits include print, electronic media, and The Washington Post.
Karen belongs to SCBWI, 12×12, and co-founded #SunWriteFun—a NF/Info Fic. summer contest that raises money for kidlit charities. A Phi Beta Kappa, she earned undergraduate and JD degrees from Georgetown University. Before turning to branding, Karen worked as an attorney and focused on international environmental compliance issues.
Her debut picture book, A Vote for Susanna: The First Woman Mayor, released October 1st.
Welcome Karen,
Tell us a little about yourself. (Where/when do you write? How long have you been writing? How did you get started? What is your favorite type of book to write?)
Technically, I began “writing” before I could read—I would type a bunch of letters on my grandparents’ typewriter, then proudly share my latest “masterpiece.” (Notice the quote marks!)
Once I began reading, I immediately fell madly in love with words. I remember coming home from school and sharing each new one I had learned that day.
As far as writing, I enjoy researching and writing non-fiction stories. But I’m also drawn towards funny tales, too.
You will never find me in the 5AM Writer’s Club. I’m more of an afternoon/night writer.
How fun that you started playing with a typewriter. What is something no one (or few) knows about you?
I have a weakness for Milanos.
There are worse weaknesses. What was your inspiration for A Vote For Susanna: The First Woman Mayor?
On day one of my first job as a lawyer, an employee in the elevator asked me if I was visiting my parents at work. (What? You're kidding...right?)
Susanna Salter was the first woman elected mayor and still, newspapers around the world focused on her dishwashing, her weight, and her skills as a housewife—until a reporter finally came to sit in one of her meetings months later. The papers of her time and the bullies who nominated her as a joke didn’t do their homework because she was quite qualified for the job. Every new detail I found about Argonia’s election of 1887 made me want to know more.
I wish I could say we've changed so much. How many drafts, or revisions, did A Vote For Susanna take from idea spark to publication?
I think there were four versions and many revisions. One thing I would love to learn to do would be to name things on my computer in such a way that I could look at them later and know exactly where in the revision process each file occurred.
Wait, we're supposed to stay organized, too? What was the hardest part of writing A Vote For Susanna?
For the first year and a half, there were large information gathering hurdles to surmount that were out of my control—but I refused to give up. Then, I met (virtually) Susanna’s great granddaughter who, along with her brother, entrusted me with a treasure trove of Susanna’s handwritten and typed letters, and those of other family members. Each was extraordinary! I also finally got more access to other pieces of information.
Nice, persistence does pay off! Who was your favorite author, illustrator, and/or what was favorite book as a child?
I was a huge Paula J. Danziger fan because my sister loved her books. I used to sneak into her room and “borrow” books several grade levels above me. I loved them! My favorite picture book that I own (besides mine, of course!) is one that belonged to my mom as a kid.
That's so cool. What is your favorite spread in the book?
If I tell you which are my favorite spreads, I'll give away the ending...
Text © Karen Greenwald, 2021. Image © Sian James, 2021.
So, instead, I'll share one of my favorite spreads. Though truth be told, I like all the illustrations.
What's something you want your readers to know about or gain from A Vote For Susanna?
I want the book to launch important conversations about bullying (especially the kind that is with words), suffrage, gender bias, and the power of compromise. My hope is that it will also encourage an interest in justice and the governing process. There are so many facets of this story that still cause conflict in our world today, from cyber-bullying to salary inequity. Susanna Salter’s story is both historic and contemporary.
On my website (karengreenwald.com) I’ve put a drop-down menu for the book. There, teachers will find an elaborate guide that has suggestions for everything from writing assignments to arts and crafts. Also, I’ve started a campaign that is both non-controversial and non-partisan so that children can experience what it feels like hopefully bring about a change for the better. In this case, it is to get the USPS to issue a stamp in Mayor Salter’s honor. Why? Susanna Salter earned $1.00 for her efforts (the male city marshal earned $10) in office. Over the course of her term, she received thousands of letters from around the world. Many asked for an autograph. Mayor Salter tried to respond to as many as possible…on her own dime. Honoring her with a stamp feels appropriate and symbolic!
What a fun way to get kids interested in a campaign. How are you staying creative these days? What are you doing to keep being inspired?
I co-founded #SunWriteFun (with fellow author Jenny Buchet). It allows me to step outside of the writer role. I love designing our branded content for it, et al, and raising money for kidlit charities. It is a TON of work, but also the highlight of my “writer’s life” in the summer season. Basically, I think the thing that inspires me most comes from finding ways to give back and pay forward the kindness I’ve received in the kidlit world.
(Special thanks to you, Maria for jumping in and helping judge the final round of #SunWriteFun!) 😉
That's a great way to stay inspired. Are there any projects you are working on now that you can share a tidbit with us?
Wish I could!;)
So, we'll just have to keep our eyes and ears open. If you have a critique group(s) and writing partner(s), what have you learned from them over the years? Or from your writing journey so far?
What I know is that you can never look at other writers and define your success by judging theirs.
Also, read, read, read, and then go read some more.
Last question, what is your favorite animal? Or one that you are enamored with at the moment? Why?
I love elephants for their intellect, kindness, protective nature, and extended familial bonding. They look out for their own.
Thank you Karen for stopping by to share about yourself and your newest picture book.
Be sure to stop back by on Friday for the Perfect Picture Book #PBBF post on A Vote for Susanna: The First Woman Mayor.
To find out more about Karen Greenwald, or get in touch with her:
Website: https://www.karengreenwald.com/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/karenmgreenwald
Interview with Karen M. Greenwald, author of A VOTE FOR SUSANNA: THE FIRST WOMAN MAYOR (Albert Whitman)
June 2, 2023
By Julie Damerell
Karen M. Greenwald hopes that the stories she tells about real heroes hidden by history inspire, educate, and delight. She co-founded #SunWriteFun, an annual online kidlit nonfiction writing contest, and raises money for need-based kidlit charities. She is also an international award-winning brand strategist. Her debut, A VOTE FOR SUSANNA, THE FIRST WOMAN MAYOR, is a Kansas Notable Book and Library of Congress (LOC) 2022 Great Reads from Great Places selection. It represented Kansas at the LOC’s 2022 National Book Festival. Her next nonfiction book launches in 2024.
Find out more about the Karen M. Greenwald at her website, Instagram, or Post.
Find out more about illustrator Sian James at their website, Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook.
A VOTE FOR SUSANNA: THE FIRST WOMAN MAYOR
Author: Karen M. Greenwald
Illustrator: Sian James
Publisher: Albert Whitman & Company
Audience: ages 4-8
Publication: October 1, 2021
Synopsis: In 1887 the state of Kansas became the first to grant women the right to vote and/or run for office in municipal elections. But some men in the city of Argonia, Kansas didn’t think women should have a say in politics. So, they put a woman on the ballot for mayor. Her loss would prove to everyone that nobody wanted women messing in politics. That woman was Susanna Salter—and soon her bullies would find the joke was on them! A grandma who remembered the event tells her grandson the story while they bake a cake. She also shares something even more delicious than her dessert!
More info about this book.
Q. How was A Vote for Susanna: The First Woman Mayor created?
When spelunking online one day, a brief sentence caught my attention. How had I never heard of Susanna Salter, the 1887 Kansas law granting women municipal voting/candidacy rights, or the impact of her bravery? History needed to be held accountable for ignoring this Victorian, yet profoundly contemporary piece of America’s past.
The title of my book, A VOTE FOR SUSANNA, THE FIRST WOMAN MAYOR indicates why my protagonist remains notable…but her status was only half the tale. Most articles written after Salter’s death in 1961, including blogs, covered the basics—with differences mainly limited to stylistic choices. Seemingly none pondered anything about Susanna or her “agency.” Finding who she really was and why Susanna embraced such a risk became my purpose and herculean challenge.
Days after I spent a weekend’s worth of time online and on the phone with librarians, genealogists, and the like from Kansas State University’s library, I learned that it burned to the ground. For one and a half years after, I dug for information, navigated obstacles, and surmounted varied and often unusual barriers. Ultimately, a member of the Salter family and I connected. After a thorough vetting, she and her brother shared precious ephemera with me.
I kept one of Susanna’s letters open while writing the manuscript’s final words. The three-dimensional, “real” Susanna history ignored came to life with each cursive swirl as the refrain of Hamilton’s final number played in my mind. “[W]hen you’re gone, who remembers your name? Who keeps your flame? Who tells your story??” The song, her words, my reaching the conclusion—it all felt emotional. Almost mystical.
“Who tells your story??”
“I’m going to,” I whispered…
Note: Also check out illustrator Sian James’s website to find out more about Sian’s illustration work! Sian is a self-taught children’s book illustration from Hong Kong, represented by Advocate Art.
Q. When researching a nonfiction book, how do you organize your research? Also, how do you know when your research is done and it’s time to actually start writing?
I’m a big color-coder, outliner, and “briefer”—probably techniques and/or habits rooted in being a lawyer. My background informs how I break down and organize information. Preparing for law school exams underscored the importance of knowing how I worked most successfully (the opposite of what was instilled during 1L orientation!). There isn’t a “one size fits all” approach for organizing research either.
My “go-to” resource for keeping track of ideas, notations, images, and comments is Microsoft’s OneNote. The app allows for note-taking that isn’t linear in format which is great for someone who always used every corner of notebook paper margins (both vertical and horizontal). A note can be “pinned” to your desktop so that it remains active even when you rearrange different windows (Caveat: this might be limited to a downloadable older version). Also, for those of us who get too involved in what they’re doing, the “save” function is automatic—and, when pasting content from the Internet, it records the date, address, and time automatically. The latter is essential since bibliographies require that information for anything sourced from the Internet.
I create a separate OneNote “notebook” for each manuscript. It becomes a virtual command central while researching, writing, and editing. Afterwards, I often review them when planning presentations, writing blogs, and doing interview prep. In fact, I checked one tab today before writing these answers.
For more about research, see my blog, RE-SEARCH FOR INSPIRATION.
Researching makes me feel like I’m a history detective. Each new clue I uncover inspires ideas. How do I know when I’m ready to begin writing? By the time I type, most major elements are already formulated. The actual putting of words on paper is where things get refined. So, I’m not sure I have a defining line between research and writing…it’s more of an ombre situation.
Q. What do you hope young readers will take away from your book?
I hope young readers will learn several things from Susanna and this story. First, her history is world history. As the first woman elected who served, Susanna became an international ceiling-breaking icon. While she did receive some criticism, she more importantly captured global attention and inspired enormous hope for many. Susanna’s empowered attitude shows how anyone can become a hero.
I also hope that it causes children and the adults reading with them to consider why the bullies adamantly didn’t want women involved in politics—and how her gender had no impact on her capacity for success. I want them to consider what other types of things bullies fear and who else experienced/s discrimination. They should contemplate what motivated the other townsmen to seek out Susanna. Many life lessons relevant for today are embedded in this historic moment.
My teacher’s guide is a thorough resource for engaging groups or individual children in a discussion. It looks at many facets of the book and includes suggestions for art projects, PE games, and more. My hope is that the book and these activities will encourage children to learn about heroes from their area—especially those history has overlooked or forgotten.
Q. What advice do you have for young creators?
The art of writing is never a waste of time or effort. You don’t need to worry about what it will become. Just participating in the act of writing itself gets your creativity in motion. Sometimes, jotting down a word or phrase can inspire a great story. Other times, a silly doodle might become the focus of your next creative project. But if you don’t journal these things, and play with words, sentences, poetry, or sketches, you may never know what great stories you’re capable of…so give yourself permission to enjoy the process without it needing to fulfill a lofty purpose!
Q. What are you excited about now?
I’m continually excited about using my role as a #kidlit author to make a difference. One way is by uncovering nonfiction stories. Culture, history, and a community’s way of life are grounded in the past—these need to become our prologue. Nonfiction books, like A VOTE FOR SUSANNA, can help by educating, directing, and inspiring children and adults who read with them.
Practically speaking, I see books as passports, mirrors, windows, old friends, and new beginnings. I am enormously passionate about doing what I can to help under-sourced libraries—especially in schools—get new resources.
Q: How have you helped libraries get new resources?
I’ve taken this on as my personal challenge and have tried to help in two ways:
#SunWriteFun. I co-created the only online kidlit nonfiction writing contest. It is an annual event every summer. We raise awareness of/money for a kidlit charity in conjunction with it. However, writers can compete without taking part in the charity aspect. I would never want it to be a barrier against participation. It feels incredible to help need-based communities get brand-new/free books. I’m incredibly proud of all the industry support the contest gets—from editors and agents to organizations and authors.
Women’s History/Read Across America Book Drive Raffle.
I asked two other kidlit authors to join forces with me and host a book drive for the charity I’ve promoted for the past few summers via #SunWriteFun. We asked people to buy books from two different women-owned independent bookstores and send them directly to the charity. In return, they would earn 1 raffle ticket per book. We also offered incentives, like a way to earn two raffle tickets for the price of one book and committed to matching (up to 10 books total) when ours were donated. In total, 135 brand new books were donated!
Karen Greenwald talks about MUD ANGELS plus a GIVEAWAY!
Posted at 06:00h in Picture Book Biography, Uncategorized by Ellen Leventhal 10 Comments
0Likes
Happy LEAP DAY, everyone! We are one day closer to April 4, when another wonderful book by the talented Karen M. Greenwald will hit the shelves and hopefully your home. I am over the moon excited about this book and this author. Karen is one of those people who find little-known events or people and brilliantly write about them. You’ve heard of Snow Angels, but today, we’re sharing Karen’s newest book, MUD ANGELS. And no, it is not about people lying down in the mud and spreading their arms and legs. It’s something much more interesting. Karen will tell you more about the book, but I want to say that it’s not enough to find a story; how it’s written is what pulls a reader in, and between Karen’s words and Olga Lee’s illustrations, this book is one that both children and adults will not want to put down. Welcome, Karen!
EL: Can you tell us in your words about the MUD ANGELS? What brought you to this story?
KG: The Mud Angels tells the story of the November 1966 Arno River flood that devastated cities along its banks—and, specifically, the immediate aftermath in the city of Florence. The flood was a surprise, leaving residents completely unprepared. The river rose up as high as 22 feet, crashing through apartment buildings, places of worship, museums, and the Central Library of Florence. In its wake, it left behind hundreds of thousands of tons of extremely odorous mud. With so much damage, danger, and Italian antiquities at risk, the city needed heroes—enter a band of students studying in Florence who braved the conditions to help rescue Italian treasures from their muddy demise.
As we all know, you should write about things that relate to you. So, in a conversation with my college roommate who is my (encyclopedic) critique partner, I said “I want to find a topic that is international in scope, deals with people coming together peacefully, deals with art and history, and that has an environmental bent.” All these elements are important parts of my education and work/life experience, from a year in art school during high school to studying in law school under my mentor, international human rights activist Father Robert Drinan. So, my cp said, “How about the Arno Flood of 1966?” (Note: this is why she shares the book’s dedication with my parents😊) I knew immediately this was the story I wanted to tell.
EL: I’m so happy you wrote it! As an aside, readers, you won’t want to miss Karen’s other book, A VOTE FOR SUSANNA: THE FIRST WOMAN MAYOR. This too ticks off all the boxes of a well-written book about a little known event. OK, back to the interview. Karen, do you have a writing routine? If so, will you tell us about it?
KG: I do! When I get an idea, I think about it for a week or more, without writing it down. If I write it down right away, there is a huge chance I won’t pursue it (I’m not sure why this happens, but it does). So, after it is mostly worked out in my mind, including the drafting of some of the content, I begin typing. I also have music playing in the background—certain pieces are for different modes of the process. Right now, I’m strictly listening to Italian covers of songs sung originally in English. When editing, I mostly erase and rewrite instead of re-working sentences, paragraphs, or more.
EL: So now we know how you got the idea for MUD ANGELS, but you always seem to find interesting topics. Can you tell us a little about that?
KG: I love telling little-known stories about unlikely people coming together to instigate an important change for the better. Both of my books have that aspect. I wish there was a secret to this issue—ugh! Where do ideas come from? In my case, I read a single comment when researching something else that led me to Susanna Salter. It gelled so much with my background in politics, so it was an instant “Yes, I have to write this.” For me, the key is to find topics that I am passionate about, but inspiration can come from anywhere. The only challenge is that not all interesting topics can fit the genre, so I do have a list of ideas I’m especially interested in that are on the backburner for when and if I choose to go the MG route.
EL: What inspires you?
KG: Everything?! I can be inspired by a word, an image, a one-line comment (as in what led me to Susanna Salter’s story) …even memes sometimes send me on an Internet spelunking trip!
EL: I am now picturing you spelunking around the internet. But sometimes, as we all know, the right words don’t come. What do you do when that happens?
KG: I take a break and usually read something for pleasure that has nothing to do with what I should be hard at work doing…or I make a Canva IG post, search for a new font, etc. I have the same process for creating art that I do for writing—I get an idea and keep working it out in my mind (for weeks, sometimes) until I feel that it’s ready to be created. Doing anything art-oriented is how I meditate.
EL: Thank you so much for being with us today, Karen. I hope you all check Karen’s wonderful website out at https://Karengreenwald.com. It is chock full of great info!
And now, of course now a…
Karen has agreed to offer a PB critique to one lucky winner. All you have to do is comment on this blog. Please let me know if you’ve shared or are a subscriber to get an extra chance to win.
Until next time,
Ellen
Interview with Nonfiction Picture Book Writer (and Story Detective!) Karen M. Greenwald
March 5, 2024 Hilary Margitich Book Reviews, Book Reviews - Picture Books, educational, Events & Announcements, featured, Illustrating, Inspiration, Interviews, Interviews - Authors & Illustrators, Online Events, Publishing - Marketing & Publicity, Publishing - Social Media & Websites, Uncategorized, Writing, Writing - Picture Books, Writing - Tools, Tips & Resources 38 comments
I’m thrilled to have Karen M. Greenwald as my guest today, a talented nonfiction picture book author, and an incredible “story detective” of sorts. She has a knack for finding, unearthing, and bringing to life true and little-known tales of unsung heroes. As a nonfiction lover/writer myself, I have an immense amount of respect for her thoughtful approach to her research, and her love and respect for her subject matter.
By day, Karen’s an award-winning brand strategist. She brings this branding expertise to the kidlit community, helping children’s authors build their brands through various platforms (something we all know is SO important).
Did I fail to mention that she also runs the #SunWriteFun writing contest for kidlit authors, which has helped get much-needed books in the hands of underserved children for years? Karen is a force of good in our kidlit community, from her spirited and supportive social media presence to her tireless work as a Nonfiction Elf for the 12×12 Picture Book Writing Challenge.
Karen’s brand-new book, The Mud Angels: How Students Saved the City of Florence, releases next month with Albert Whitman & Co (you can preorder it now). It vividly chronicles the 1966 Arno River flood in Florence, Italy, which left the city in a mud bath and threatened to destroy priceless historical artifacts! It took an army of brave college students from all over the world, or “mud angels” as they were later called, to salvage them. I love all the sensory detail Karen weaves through the text, as it transports me right there to the scene with them! This is a one-of-a-kind story with themes of cross-cultural friendship and teamwork, bravery and persistence, and the importance of preserving human history.
Cover art for The Mud Angels
Hilary Margitich: Karen, it’s such a pleasure to have you here today on Writers’ Rumpus. Welcome!
Karen M. Greenwald: Thank you so much, Hilary! I absolutely LOVE Writer’s Rumpus—have been a big fan for years—and am so honored to be included!
HM: To start off with, let me tell you what a beautiful story you’ve written with The Mud Angels! Florence, Italy is one of my favorite cities in the world, but I had never heard of this huge flood, or the amazing rescue and cleanup efforts of these brave international students. How did you first come across this story, and can you tell me about your process for uncovering it in such depth?
KMG: Thank you so much! What a kind thing to say😊. The short answer? My college roommate, who is my critique partner (though she doesn’t write kidlit). We were talking, and I said I wanted to find something that incorporated many of the topics that I am especially passionate about– international relations, the environment, fine art, and history. She said, “What about the Arno Flood of 1966?” From the moment I looked it up, I knew it was a story that I had to tell!
I began by doing the standard research approach. But after I feel relatively schooled in the history of the topic, I love connecting with people who are part of the story. For A Vote for Susanna, it was Susanna Salter’s great granddaughter (who became a dear friend!) and in the case of The Mud Angels, it involved reaching out to Mud Angels, themselves, and Italian experts about the flood.
HM: That’s very resourceful and smart of you! And something I love about this book and A Vote for Susanna, which you released in 2021, is how instead of simply narrating in the third person, you choose a character to narrate that is tied to the story in a clever way. In The Mud Angels, it’s the great-great-great-granddaughter of the author of one of the books in the city’s Central Library, and in A Vote for Susanna, it’s Susanna herself (although we don’t learn that until the end). Is this angle something you decide right off the bat, or does that come as you’re drafting the story?
KMG: For A Vote for Susanna, I actually did not decide that until I had written a few versions. It took one and a half years of research until I was able to access personal ephemera of Susanna’s. Once I did, it changed the entire manuscript. Reading her thoughts, in her own words, by her own pen (and/or typewriter) put me in the heart of the story I wanted to tell. For The Mud Angels, I interviewed 16 of them, but I didn’t really want one of their experiences to tell the story for everyone. It just seemed like someone who observed them, a real person who had lived among them during that time-period, would be the perfect entry point to guide the emotion.
Cover art for A Vote for Susanna
HM: Both narrations are so powerful. I’m also interested in how you balance both the research and writing processes. How do you decide how deep a research dive to do? And how do you know when you’ve gotten enough to write the story you have in your head?
KMG: I often wonder if I go too deep! (One of the Kansas State Librarians recently told me I’m a research librarian at heart!) I always thought research would involve sitting alone in the back of a library, listening to the whirring of a microfiche machine. Instead, it has been incredibly social, intriguing, and completely unexpected in terms of its path to finding key “ingredients” of the story. Nothing is more exciting than discovering one piece of history that nobody knew existed. I had that experience with A Vote for Susanna and it just gave me chills! Finding Susanna’s agency was a near impossible challenge. No newspaper or other document included it. When I finally found proof, I am sure my neighbors heard me cheering!
I also feel like when presenting to kids, I want to be prepared to answer any question that comes up. My mom was an incredible teacher. If I read the wrong homework assignment, she would say, “Learning is never a waste!” I think that explains a lot about me!
For The Mud Angels, it was all about the voluminous (no pun intended) details, from the environmental aspects to the social interactions. Along with my normal overly deep dive into the facts in written content, I was incredibly lucky to connect with 16 Mud Angels. Most of the initial interviews were several hours long and they put me in that place and time. That kind of contextual information is priceless. Each gave me their own perspective which was extremely meaningful. In writing the story, I wanted to honor who they were and what they did.
Interior pagespread from The Mud Angels
I also connected with a host of figures in Italy, from adults who were children at the time to conservation experts. This book is my love letter to the Florentines, the unbelievably selfless and brave Mud Angels (many of whom became dear friends), the Italian officials/experts, and all the librarians around the world who have so generously helped me on each of my research journeys.
HM: What a labor of love this was for you, I can tell! Karen, you are a nonpracticing lawyer and a brand strategist. Have you always had dreams of writing children’s books, and when did you decide to pursue that?
KMG: In fourth grade. No joke! I decided I wanted to write a book and even gave it a title. I will say though, I also announced that I wanted to open an art supply store and came up with what I still think is a fabulous name! (I was a brander way back then😊) You’ll have to get back to me on the store’s status in a few years…not feeling like that one will happen. Lol!
Fast forward to law school, of all places. Part of Georgetown’s requirements included two paper classes. I took a new one in its inaugural semester called Literacy and the Law. We discussed book banning (at the time, we laughed about how that would never happen today…), the constitutional right to become literate, and looked at the dualities in picture books—how they can teach children things like the scientific method without young readers realizing it.
We had to tutor a child in a subsidized housing community, write a picture book, and an analytical paper about it. I was hooked! Fast forward again to 2023. The professor has long been a supporter of mine and in October, I spoke to his Literacy and the Law class about my books and writing career. What a feeling to have my book on their syllabus!
HM: That’s incredible. Now, what would be your piece of advice for aspiring or established authors reading this who want to build a strong brand for themselves?
KMG: I would say the foremost thing is to know who you are as a writer. Be consistent with this. Make it your mantra.
HM: I know we’re several months away from summer, but many of our readers love entering kidlit writing contests! Can you tell me a bit about #SunWriteFun and what we might be able to expect this year?
KMG: Absolutely! Ironically, I was just discussing this year’s possible theme with author Jenny Buchet, who cofounded it with me. I can’t believe #SunWriteFun is turning five! When we started it, we were the only online kidlit nonfiction writing contest. At the time, everyone seemed to be struggling with the pandemic, isolation, losing creative mojo, et al. I hoped the contest would create a sense of community and inspire. Central to this was finding a way for donors, entrants, and supporters to benefit—which is why we have a point system for grand prize eligibility. It takes the singularity of entering and turns it into an online party!
The other important opportunity that I saw possible with this was the chance to help a kidlit charity each summer. I became partial to one that donates new books to under-resourced school libraries. But it is not a requirement to donate. I would never want it to be a barrier against participation. Entrants submit a 200-word nonfiction or informational fiction story.
Every summer, I’m awed at the incredible industry support the contest gets, from editors and agents offering “out of the slush pile” reads, to organizations (like the VERY generous Julie Hedlund’s 12×12 Picture Book Writing Challenge, Picture Book Summit, et al!) and authors. For year five, I think you can expect awesome prizes/opportunities, a super-fun theme, and merch (which I have been asked about for a few years!).
I get personally invested in the success of those who enter. We’ve had several people use their entry to get an agent or a book deal. Wait until you read Steena Hernandez’s debut—it began its life as a #SunWriteFun entry! I’m so proud! Previous year’s contest information can be found at: https://www.karengreenwald.com/sunwritefun23-rules.
HM: Can you share any details about what you’re working on next and where we can follow you on social media?
KMG: Last year, I decided that for Women’s History Month and Read Across America, which happens every March on Susanna Salter’s (A Vote for Susanna) birthday, I wanted to do something that would last beyond reading a book to students on one day. So, I launched a book donation raffle for under-resourced school libraries. Nancy Churnin and Aimee Bissonette joined me in hosting it. The kidlit community really showed up in force like they do each summer for #SunWriteFun (love this community!) and a large number of brand new, gorgeous picture books were sent to libraries in Connecticut.
I’m doing it again this March, and am thrilled that Nancy (and you, Hilary!) are joining me. Entrants will mail their book donations directly to the Red Lake Nation (MN) high school, but they will be used in their elementary school. We’ve got amazing prizes to raffle off, and opportunities for entrants to increase their chances of winning. Again this year, Nancy and I will donate a book for every one of ours donated–up to ten books total for each of us. You can read the official “BE A #BOOKHERO RAFFLE” rules and learn about the Red Lake Nation at: https://www.karengreenwald.com/bookhero. Be sure to check out the awesome prizes, including a $50 Gift Card for famed author Jeff Kinney’s indie bookstore!
I am also very focused on The Mud Angels virtual book launch on April 4th at 6PM EST. I’m excited to be joined by two of the Mud Angels that I interviewed. More information to come…
You can find me online at:
karengreenwald.com
IG: @karenmgreenwald
Bluesky: @karenmgreenwald
Youtube: @karenmgreenwald
HM: Karen, thank you for spending this time with me today. It’s been such a treat! And I’m absolutely thrilled to be part of your #BOOKHERO book donation raffle this year. I’m going to let you go, since I know you are a busy woman and have stories to discover and bring to life. Please come back soon and visit us here on the Writers’ Rumpus blog!
KMG: Hilary, thank you so much for this opportunity to chat with you about my books, writing, and helping under-resourced libraries! Writer’s Rumpus is an incredible resource and I am truly honored!
Karen is generously offering a signed copy of her brand new picture book The Mud Angels to one lucky reader! To enter, comment on this post! If you share this interview on social media, mention that in your comment and you’ll get another entry. Giveaway closes in one week. US and Canada only.
Karen M. Greenwald is an award-winning children’s author. Her book, A VOTE FOR SUSANNA, THE FIRST WOMAN MAYOR (Albert Whitman), was named a Kansas Notable Book in 2022. Kansas chose it to represent their state at the LIBRARY OF CONGRESS NATIONAL BOOK FESTIVAL and in the LIBRARY OF CONGRESS’ GREAT READS FROM GREAT PLACES initiative. THE MUD ANGELS: HOW STUDENTS SAVED THE CITY OF FLORENCE (Albert Whitman) launches in April of 2024. It is currently available to purchase on pre-order.
Karen co-founded the #SunWriteFun writing contest, which raises money and book donations for under-resourced school and public libraries. Professionally, her strategic branding efforts have earned seventeen international awards, including a 2023 Platinum MEA. She is a Phi Beta Kappa graduate of Georgetown University and holds her JD from Georgetown University Law Center.
The Burbank Group Wins a 2022 Platinum Summit Marketing Effectiveness Award.
ROCKVILLE, Md., Feb. 16, 2023 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- International award-winning brand strategy boutique, The Burbank Group, LLC., wins a Platinum in the 2022 Summit Marketing Effectiveness Award (MEA) competition. Founder/author Karen M. Greenwald's win celebrates her non-traditional marketing approach for her picture book, A VOTE FOR SUSANNA, THE FIRST WOMAN MAYOR.
"History essentially ignored Susanna Salter's world-captivating triumph for over a century," Greenwald said. "I strongly believed the unknown details could galvanize important conversations between and among children and adults. Having the prestigious Summit judges honor my educational marketing with a Platinum MEA is an incredible endorsement, especially given the impressive and extensive international competition. I am also proud that everyone from the Kansas State Library, the Library of Congress Center for the Book, to women mayors across the country have supported, shared, and emotionally connected with Susanna's story through my book and strategic initiatives."
According to Tom MacDonald, Director of Sales & Marketing of Albert Whitman & Co., "Karen was essential to the book's success. She raised awareness of Susanna's unique place in U.S. history. We commend and thank Karen for her dedication to sharing this story and inspiring young girls to make a difference in their communities."
The Summit Awards organization is an international arbiter that celebrates companies and individuals whose creative efforts and marketing acumen stand out for their ingenuity and success. To win a Summit Marketing Effectiveness Award, winners must excel in changing, influencing, and/or reinforcing audience knowledge, attitudes, or beliefs.
"The Marketing Effectiveness Award competition is rigorous. A Platinum Award for Karen M. Greenwald's debut book shows her agility, strategy, and delivery skills in a crowded market," said Jocelyn Luciano, Executive Director of the Summit Awards.
This year's competition received submissions from 1900 companies. Entrants ranged from small and mid-sized agencies to large entities such as Bank of America and AmericanEagle.com, to name a few. Enterprises hailed from Australia, Austria, Canada, Columbia, India, Kuwait, Philippines, the Republic of Korea, South Africa, Spain, Taiwan, the United Arab Emirates, the United Kingdom, and the United States.
"Winning a Summit Creative Award is a significant accomplishment in one's career. With vetted judges, tough judging criteria, two-phase blind judging processes, and strict bylaws limiting winners, only deserving entries receive recognition," said Luciano. "The creative work this year was outstanding. Watching the judges debate the details of individual entries in the run-off for the top spots was inspiring."
ABOUT KAREN M. GREENWALD
Karen M. Greenwald's debut, A VOTE FOR SUSANNA, THE FIRST WOMAN MAYOR, was named a Kansas 2022 Notable Book. The Kansas State Center for the Book honored it as their Library of Congress Great Reads from Great Places selection. Greenwald's book represented Kansas at the 2022 Library of Congress National Book Festival. It also appeared on A Mighty Girl's 2021 Books of the Year list. Greenwald has been admitted to The Children's Book Guild and belongs to SCBWI and 12Èù12. She co-founded #SunWriteFun, a popular nonfiction writing contest raising money for/awareness of minority kidlit charities. Her next nonfiction book launches in 2024. Professionally, Greenwald is a brand strategy boutique owner whose work has won numerous international awards for STEM creative, writing, video, rebranding, and self-promotion. She is also a non-practicing attorney with extensive government experience.
Learn more about Karen M. Greenwald's books or #SunWriteFun at http://www.karengreenwald.com
ABOUT A VOTE FOR SUSANNA, THE FIRST WOMAN MAYOR
Published by Albert Whitman (2021), this multi-award-winning book is the first and only one written about Mayor Salter's 1887 election. In 1887, the state of Kansas gave women the right to vote in municipal elections. However, some men in the city of Argonia, Kansas didn't think women should have a say in choosing their next mayor. So, they put a woman on the ballot--as a joke--but soon they would find the joke was on them. Narrated by a grandmother who remembered what happened on that election day, this is the true story of a woman who stood up for her right to vote and accomplished so much more. Readers learn about Salter's tension-charged journey, the international attention her ceiling-breaking victory garnered, and the impact it had on the fight for women's equality (most notably, in Kansas). Karen M. Greenwald's research included personal ephemera, which allowed her to share insight into the mind of a forgotten heroine.
A VOTE FOR SUSANNA can be purchased at Amazon, Barnes and Noble, or wherever books are sold.
For more information or book guides, visit: http://www.karengreenwald.com
ABOUT THE BURBANK GROUP, LLC.
Located outside Washington DC, The Burbank Group is a premier brand identity boutique. We've won 17 international awards for client work. Our fresh, imaginative solutions memorably define, strategize, and deliver your message via award-winning creative print, digital content, brochures, websites, media work, logo design, advertisements, and marketing counsel. From the entertainment, event, and hospitality industries, to the tech sector, law firms, and educational institutions, The Burbank Group gets clients the attention they deserve.
For more information, visit: http://www.burbankgroup.net
Media Contact
Liza Fleissig, The Liza Royce Agency, 212-722-1950, pr@lizaroyce.com
SOURCE The Liza Royce Agency
Copyright: COPYRIGHT 2023 PR Newswire Association LLC
http://www.prnewswire.com/
Source Citation
Source Citation
MLA 9th Edition APA 7th Edition Chicago 17th Edition Harvard
"A Picture Book Marketing Victory For A Vote For Susanna, The First Woman Mayor." PR Newswire, 16 Feb. 2023, p. NA. Gale General OneFile, link.gale.com/apps/doc/A737450322/ITOF?u=schlager&sid=bookmark-ITOF&xid=b5b6e1d9. Accessed 17 Sept. 2024.
GREENWALD, Karen M. A Vote for Susanna: The First Woman Mayor. illus. by Sian James. 32p. (She Made History). Albert Whitman. Oct. 2021. Tr $16.99. ISBN 9780807553138.
Gr 2-4--Ed wants to know if boys can bake cakes, too, or if baking is only for girls. His grandmother Dora tells him the story of Susanna Salter, a woman who defied the gender norms of her era and became the U.S.'s first female mayor when she was elected in Argonia, Kansas in 1887. The book ends with a surprising twist. Students will appreciate the straightforward language and engaging images. The colorful illustrations are appealing enough to intrigue curious readers. Historical details in the images support comprehension of the narrative and anchor students in an unfamiliar place and time. Teachers will appreciate the author's message and theme. There is also a clear application with social studies and history standards. The book is based on solid historical research and the research method is discussed in the back matter; librarians even get a mention! The back matter also includes images of and more information about Salter. VERDICT An engaging work of narrative nonfiction that has clear applications in classrooms and school libraries. Recommended for elementary collections. --Christina Salazar, Mesquite I.S.D., TX
Copyright: COPYRIGHT 2021 A wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
http://www.schoollibraryjournal.com/
Source Citation
Source Citation
MLA 9th Edition APA 7th Edition Chicago 17th Edition Harvard
Salazar, Christina. "GREENWALD, Karen M.: A Vote for Susanna: The First Woman Mayor." School Library Journal, vol. 67, no. 12, Dec. 2021, p. 110. Gale General OneFile, link.gale.com/apps/doc/A686052360/ITOF?u=schlager&sid=bookmark-ITOF&xid=57d5dc37. Accessed 17 Sept. 2024.
Greenwald, Karen M. A VOTE FOR SUSANNA Whitman (Children's None) $16.99 10, 1 ISBN: 978-0-8075-5313-8
A grandmother remembers when Susanna Madora Salter was elected the first female mayor in the United States.
In 1934, Dora asks her grandson, Ed, to help her bake a cake for her birthday. Though proud to help, Ed worries what his friends will say, since "only girls bake." In response, Dora tells Ed about a girl named Susanna living in Argonia, Kansas, when only men could vote and make laws. Then in 1887, Kansas becomes the first state to enact a law allowing women to vote and run for office in their city elections. When several men warn Susanna that "women should stay out of politics" as she and other women prepare to endorse a candidate for Argonia's local election, she ignores the bullies. Next, townsmen create a prank ballot listing Susanna as a candidate for mayor, and she surprises them by running and winning by a landslide. When Dora finishes her story and cake, she has a surprise for Ed. As Dora tells Ed this true story of her election as first female mayor in the country, she shares historical information about women's limited role in politics along with personal details of her own experience, providing an accessible introduction to a landmark event. Simple, colorful illustrations follow Susanna's political journey in 1887 and her later role as cake-baking grandmother in 1934. All characters present White.
Factually accurate and accessibly told. (author's note, research note) (Picture book/biography. 4-8)
Copyright: COPYRIGHT 2021 Kirkus Media LLC
http://www.kirkusreviews.com/
Source Citation
Source Citation
MLA 9th Edition APA 7th Edition Chicago 17th Edition Harvard
"Greenwald, Karen M.: A VOTE FOR SUSANNA." Kirkus Reviews, 15 Sept. 2021, p. NA. Gale General OneFile, link.gale.com/apps/doc/A675150098/ITOF?u=schlager&sid=bookmark-ITOF&xid=18947eab. Accessed 17 Sept. 2024.
Greenwald, Karen M. THE MUD ANGELS Whitman (Children's None) $18.99 4, 4 ISBN: 9780807552780
Students in 1966 brave noxious mud to save precious books.
Attired in conservative skirts, heels, and jackets, American study-abroad students switch gears to help rescue books and manuscripts buried by the devastating Arno flood. The mud was full of adulterants, especially fuel oil. Adding a fictional detail, the author gives the Florentine child who narrates the story an ancestor whose "hand-printed, older-than-old, one-of-a-kind book" is imperiled. Despite the danger, the students work to save the texts. It's a heartwarming but only partially told story. Though the angeli del fango came from across Europe, Japan, and several U.S. universities, the text refers to "American students," while the author's note focuses on the work of the Florida State University Mud Angels. Vague passing reference to "other students" and to helpers coming "from every direction" still leave the misleading impression that FSU students were the main heroes--an omission that's unfair to the many other angels, whether anonymous or known. Engaging color illustrations do portray Florence's famous Ponte Vecchio but mainly focus on the books and mud. Several students are depicted as Black or brown.
A heartfelt yet incomplete account of bravery and cooperation. (Picture book. 4-8)
Copyright: COPYRIGHT 2024 Kirkus Media LLC
http://www.kirkusreviews.com/
Source Citation
Source Citation
MLA 9th Edition APA 7th Edition Chicago 17th Edition Harvard
"Greenwald, Karen M.: THE MUD ANGELS." Kirkus Reviews, 1 May 2024, p. NA. Gale General OneFile, link.gale.com/apps/doc/A791876769/ITOF?u=schlager&sid=bookmark-ITOF&xid=60f87858. Accessed 17 Sept. 2024.