Susan Coolidge (Cleveland, Ohio, 1835-Newport, Rhode Island, 1905), pseudonym of Sarah Chauncey Woolsey, was born into a wealthy American family. She worked as a nurse during the Civil War and later began her career as a writer. Her editor was also editor of Louisa May Alcott, who was very successful with her novel Little Women. He suggested to Susan that she try writing that family history class, and from there came her three books on the irrepressible Katy Carr. Susan Coolidge dedicated her life to literature and social activities. In addition to children's books, she wrote poetry and edited the correspondence of Jane Austen and Fanny Burney.