[author title=”Eva Marie Everson” image=”https://www.almostanauthor.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/Eva-Marie-Hi-Res.jpeg”]Eva Marie Everson is the best-selling, multiple award-winning author of works both fiction and nonfiction. She is the director of Florida Christian Writers Conference, the president of Word Weavers International, and the Vice President of BelieversTrust. Her latest novel, Five Brides, released in June 2015 (Tyndale). You can learn more about her at www.EvaMarieEversonAuthor.com. [/author]Author Specific Questions
Can you share a little about your recent book?
My novel, Five Brides, is based on a true event which happened in the early 1950s. Joan Hunt, at the age of 19, had moved from England to America to work and try to help her family. She moved into an apartment in the suburbs of Chicago with four strangers who she—on a whim—ended up buying a wedding dress with. This story tells their individual love stories and what led each of the roommates to wear the dress.
Why do you write? Do you have a theme, message, or goal for your books?
I write because if I didn’t, I’d burst. No real theme, no. I want my readers to understand that life, even for those of us who seem to have it all together, can be difficult. Decisions don’t always come easily, but with God’s guidance (especially through those He sends our way or through His Word), we can find and walk the right path.
How long have you been writing? And how long did it take you to get your first major book contract?
I started writing professionally at 40. I took a walk one day, a story came to mind, I came home and started writing. Two years later, after the book had been completed a year, I decided to get serious. I went to a book sellers convention, met an editor, and nine days later … I had a contract offer.
How long does it take you to write a book?
Depends on the book, really. I’ve written a novel in as few as 15 days. I re-wrote Five Brides in two months. But I usually ask for six … 🙂
What’s your writing work schedule like?
I don’t really have one. I try to write first thing in the morning before the world comes crashing in.
Do you have an interesting writing quirk? If so, what is it?
My house has to be in order or I simply cannot write.
What has been your greatest joy(s) in your writing career?
When I receive fan mail … gosh, I love that! I love knowing my work meant something to someone. That it moved them. But career-wise … there have been a few awards that I won which meant a lot to me, of course, but one of my greatest adventures was the work I did with Israel Ministry of Tourism.
What has been your darkest moment(s)?
In my life or in my career? In my life … the loss of an adopted child to mental illness. In my career … I cannot say I’ve had one.
Which of your books is your favorite?
Man! That’s a hard one. This Fine Life will always be special to me because my mother had such a role in helping me to understand the 1950s/1960s housewife. Shortly after the book released (and Mother read it), she passed away unexpectedly. So … Five Brides is special because of the story line, who it’s about, etc. Such a joy in getting to know the real Joan Hunt Zimmerman and her husband Robert. Reflections of God’s Holy Land is a nonfiction favorite because of what transpired in the writing … and my work within Israel.
Who is your favorite author to read?
Fiction: Lynn Austin, Tamera Alexander, Sandie Bricker (and they’re all so different!). Nonfiction: Robert Benson. Hands down. If the man wrote a grocery list, I’d read it.
What advice can you give aspiring writers that you wished you had gotten, or that you wished you would have listened too?
Enjoy the writing before it becomes all about word count and marketing. Enjoy it! Enjoy it!
What is the single greatest tool you believe a writer should have in his or her toolbox?
An eraser.
How many times in your career have you experienced rejection? How did they shape you?
A few … I just kept going, knowing the timing wasn’t right. Reflections of God’s Holy Land was turned down several times. Years later, an editor at Thomas Nelson, who’d just read some articles I written about Israel years earlier, came to me with a book idea … which was the same book idea I’d try to sell before and it hadn’t flown. Same with Five Brides. I sent it to one house. They said no. I sent it to another. They said yes … but before I could even write “Word One,” they ended their fiction line. I happened to mention the story line to a good friend who is an editor at Tyndale (not trying to sell it to her, just mentioned it), and she ended up taking it to committee and offering a contract. So, you see, you just never know.
Do you have a favorite character or scene in one of your books?
I adore Ashlynne Rothschild from The Road to Testament. And Mariette in This Fine Life will always be special to me. With Five Brides, it’s difficult to pinpoint which of the characters I loved most. Of course Joan, because I got to know her personally (the other brides are deceased now), but because I got to “create” the other four … well, I really had fun with them! Probably one of my favorite scenes I’ve ever written was when Ashlynne (The Road to Testament) fell down a ravine and had to be hauled out by her nemesis, William Decker. Every time I read that scene, I laugh out loud.
Where do you get your ideas?
Everywhere and anywhere. Be careful what you say around me!
What are common mistakes you see aspiring writer’s make?
Not knowing the craft well enough.
Where/How do you recommend writers try to break into the market?
Conferences! I’m the director of Florida Christian Writers Conference and I’d love opening a few doors for new writers.
We love helping your growing in your writing career.
3 Comments
Great interview! I love Eva Marie Everson and her books – have read every one of them. Was blessed to have her as my writing mentor through Christian Writing Guild. So excited to see there’s a new book out!!
Eva, You are a woman of intelligence and grace. Thank you for sharing with us here at A3. I wholeheartedly agree with your comment about writers breaking into the market. I have been writing for only 1 year. God gave me the ability to attend four writing conferences. In less than a year I won a book contract, obtained a position working at A3 publishing, and met many writers who are now my friends (that is the best part).
I enjoyed reading your interview, Eva Marie! I definitely want to read your Five Brides. I loved reading Lynn Austin’s Candle in the Darkness. Few books are written like that. Knowing that you find an eraser one of your greatest tools is comforting. And I think a true writer feels as you do – If they don’t write, they’ll burst.