Begun in 2010, this blog offers analysis and reflection by Susan Bailey on the life, works and legacy of Louisa May Alcott and her family. Susan is an active member and supporter of the Louisa May Alcott Society, the Fruitlands Museum and Louisa May Alcott's Orchard House.
Beginning the book on Elisabeth Sewall Alcott, and taking you on the journey
I have begun work on a biography of Elisabeth Sewall Alcott and will be sharing updates and thoughts the writing of this book through this special blog dedicated to Lizzie. I invite you to subscribe to the blog — click “Subscribe” located on the menus at the top of the page.
I have begun work at last on a biography of Elisabeth* Sewall Alcott; she is best known as the real life prototype of Beth March of Little Women, written by her older sister, Louisa May Alcott. After spending nearly 8 years researching her life, I am ready to write about it.
Diary of a biography
Writing such a book can take years to complete and the enormity of the task is overwhelming at times. This plus the fact that I am learning so many interesting aspects of writing biography inspired me to create this diary so that you can share in the experience. As I work through the steep learning curve of writing this book, I am hoping these posts will offer information that aspiring biographers will find helpful. It is also a way to hold myself accountable to you – to work in a disciplined manner and to…
2 Replies to “Beginning the book on Elisabeth Sewall Alcott, and taking you on the journey”
As an Alcott collector, I commend you for taking on this project. I disagree with the agent who said there’s no story there. If nothing else, most people remember Beth’s death as a defining event in the book. Doesn’t everyone say, “Oh, I cried when Beth died.”? Her death represented a loss of innocence. I imagine you have read other major biographers to study depth and style such as Doris Kearns Goodwin, Ron Chernow and David McCullough. If you haven’t already read it, i recommend Waldo Emerson by Gay Wilson Allen because it is comprehensive and engaging, well written and of course because of his connection to the Alcotts. I look forward to following your journey and reading your biography.
Writing such a book can take years to complete and the enormity of the task is overwhelming at times. This plus the fact that I am learning so many interesting aspects of writing biography inspired me to create this diary so that you can share in the experience. As I work through the steep learning curve of writing this book, I am hoping these posts will offer information that aspiring biographers will find helpful. It is also a way to hold myself accountable to you – to work in a disciplined manner and to…
Louisa May Alcott is My Passion 
As an Alcott collector, I commend you for taking on this project. I disagree with the agent who said there’s no story there. If nothing else, most people remember Beth’s death as a defining event in the book. Doesn’t everyone say, “Oh, I cried when Beth died.”? Her death represented a loss of innocence. I imagine you have read other major biographers to study depth and style such as Doris Kearns Goodwin, Ron Chernow and David McCullough. If you haven’t already read it, i recommend Waldo Emerson by Gay Wilson Allen because it is comprehensive and engaging, well written and of course because of his connection to the Alcotts. I look forward to following your journey and reading your biography.
Thank you, great referral! And thanks for your interest.