The Renfrow Story

I’ve been thinking about this project for a while. There are lots of ways that one can go about doing something like this. While I absolutely believe that Edith’s story is one that should be shared far and wide, I also want to write it to and for Grinnellians – those who are/were residents of Grinnell, Iowa and those who are alumni or have other ties to Grinnell College. It’s not that I don’t think the story has a wider appeal, but working with an editor or publisher would influence and possibly change how the story is told, and I don’t want to do that.

It’s also possible I just have control issues. I want to be able to work with the illustrator to visually portray the story in ways that are true to to the place of Grinnell and to the person of Edith Renfrow Smith. Erica, the illustrator, is very talented and has been great to work with for the initial drafts. I am confident she will be able to convey the spirit and likeness of the community and people of this story. I want to be involved at a level that I don’t think would be possible with a traditional publishing path.

And, let’s be honest, it would be a lot of work to pitch this project and there’s no guarantee an editor/publisher would choose to publish it in the end. So, instead, I am leaning in to the incredible network of support and fans of Edith and taking matters into my own hands .

I’ve spent much of the last year researching and sharing Edith’s story and have seen the kind of enthusiasm and love that surrounds her and the message of hope, healing and optimism that she represents. I have every reason to believe that this project will be embraced by many who will help make it a reality.

I am working to put together a Kickstarter campaign to launch probably in April. It will include various levels of support that I hope will give anyone interested the ability to join the project.