Author Karen M. Greenwald on Research Sudoku- PLUS A GIVEAWAY!

Hello world!!

Welcome to my blog, Blissfully Bookish. I’m so excited to introduce my next guest who’s a personal friend of mine. We work together in our promo group PBSpree, but also, this year we share a book birthday!! Please welcome Karen M. Greenwald as she chats about her new nonfiction picture book THE MUD ANGELS: HOW STUDENTS SAVED THE CITY OF FLORENCE, illustrated by Olga Lee and published by Albert Whitman

BUT first- YAY! Karen is generously giving away a FREE critique of a picture book. To be eligible to win, please enter the Rafflecopter contest by clicking HERE. Contest ends April 19, 2024.

Please describe the journey to publication for THE MUD ANGELS: HOW STUDENTS SAVED THE CITY OF FLORENCE. I started working on this during the pandemic. My mom was an absolutely incredible teacher and art/art history lover, so the topic is in her honor. She instilled in me her love of learning and of art at a very young age. I think it took less than a year to research and write it. Albert Whitman purchased it and then, five months into edits, et al, my editor left. I was switched to Sue Tarsky, who I can’t say enough about! Her enthusiasm for the manuscript matched my own and she shared my vision for the book. It was so enjoyable working with her on it. The switch meant that a different artist had to be hired (the book release was moved from 2023 to this April). I admit, I was disappointed at first to have a date change, but Olga Lee did such a beautiful job, how could I not celebrate every step that led us to this specific book?

When did you first learn about how the Arno River flooded the city of Florence back in 1966 and what made you want to write about it? I first learned about the flood three years and two months ago! Lol! Seriously! My college roommate/cp and I were talking. I said I was looking for a topic that included all the things I am passionate about, from environmental issues to art, with a humanitarian bent. (One of my mentors was international human rights activist, Father Robert F. Drinan). She mentioned the Arno flood and from the moment I began reading about it, I was hooked!

I love how the book not only chronicles a historic event but also includes the story of how students from around the world helped save the town’s rare treasures. How did you craft the hook of your book? Writing this book was such a pleasure! I can’t explain it other than the words just came, and I typed them. The hook felt clear to me from the beginning—but I still did try a few other ways of telling the story. However, I kept going back to this version, I think because I connected with it the most. It just felt right.

Please paste a short and compelling excerpt.

Mud, mud, mud.

Slimy, sticky, stinky mud.

Everywhere.

Everything covered in mud.

How did you go about researching this topic and what were your primary sources? I have a name for my own research style—Research Sudoku. I am extremely persistent and do not give up when I find a barrier to getting information I feel is necessary to tell the story. I also love using primary resources and connecting with actual human beings, as opposed to just looking in documents and books only. However, I would caution that this doesn’t necessarily work in all cases. I have definitely had to navigate around research hurdles at times!

Please share your favorite books from 2022-3 that inspired you. Like the students in Florence from around the world who exhibited a most admirable diplomatic behavior, I am going to refrain from just one (because I honestly could fill your blog with titles). I think a good place to find inspiration is in the booklist from my marketing group, PB Spree! Such beautiful books!

What is the best piece of advice you would give to other writers? Write about things you believe in and have a passion for because hopefully you will be sharing stories about them for many years! Would you have wanted to read this book as a kid? If so, that is a great place to start!

And a bonus question just for kicks! What was your favorite book when you were a child? That’s like asking me what my favorite flavor of ice cream was growing up! Pretty much everything I read!

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BIO

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. It also took center stage at several events of the National Women’s History Museum. 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 holds book drives for underserved school libraries and cofounded popular kidlit contest, #SunWriteFun, which also raises money (or book donations) for under-resourced school and public libraries. Professionally, her strategic branding efforts have earned 17 international awards, including a 2023 Platinum MEA. Prior, she practiced international environmental conservation law. She is a Phi Beta Kappa graduate of Georgetown University and holds her JD from Georgetown University Law Center.

LINKS
Website: JenMalia.com
IG/Blueky: @karenmgreenwald

YouTube Channel: www.youtube.com/@karenmgreenwald