Interview With Author Michael Evans

 

 

1. What inspired you to write this book?

I was in the process of writing my first book “In All Thy Ways” and I had a one sentence idea that I quickly scribbled down and tucked away in a drawer for a later date. After the first book was finished and in the process of being published, I stumbled across the paper, which simply read, “what about a pen that when used will cause to pass whatever is written down”. 

2. What exactly is it about and who is it written for?

As mentioned in the previous question the basis was about a pen that brought about whatever was written. It turned into a battle between two men’s control over the pen and their interaction in historical events over six centuries. I did not have any particular audience in mind other than myself; however, it is probably best read by older teens and upward.  

3. What do you hope readers will get out of reading your book?

It is written with a Christian theme, so my hope is that readers will get what I used to get from certain Christian fiction writers such as Charles Williams and C.S. Lewis which is a different view of Christian literature. 

4. How did you decide on your book’s title and cover design?

The title reflects the nature of the story. The cover originally was much more elaborate and was very frustrating, so in the end I went simple, using a picture that reflected an event in the book that symbolizes the transformations of one of the characters. 

5. What advice or words of wisdom do you have for fellow writers – other than run!?

First and foremost I'd say enjoy it, and if you have a firm idea of what you want to do then stay focused, but if you have just a rough idea then let the story lead you and throw away the rule book. 

6. What trends in the book world do you see -- and where do you think the book publishing industry is heading?

I don’t pay enough attention to notice trends, but I do think that with the current ease of self-publishing and increased avenues of showcasing one’s work that the traditional publishing company may have to make some adjustments. There are many stories of well-known authors who were rejected repeatedly until published. Now writers can avoid that if they are content to self-publish. People in the marketing business become like baseball scouts scouring the untraditional formats to find the diamond in the rough. That and the decline of the traditional book store coupled with the shortened attention span of the younger generation due to alternative modes of entertainment make for some interesting times ahead in the literary market. 

7. Were there experiences in your personal life or career that came in handy when writing this book?

The story, aside from some of the supernatural incidents, revolves around the redemption and transformation of the main character and I couldn't have written about that with any conviction unless I had not also experienced God’s redemption and transformation. 

8. How would you describe your writing style? Which writers or books is your writing similar to?

My favorite fiction writer is Charles Williams, who was a lesser-known colleague of C.S. Lewis and part of the famous Inklings group which included J.R.R. Tolkien. Williams was a little more “out there” when it came to incorporating the supernatural into a natural world setting and that for the most part is what I attempt to do in my writing. 

9. What challenges did you overcome in the writing of this book?

This book, which was based on a single sentence idea, could have gone in a thousand different directions, and so, for at least a quarter of the story I wasn’t sure what was going to happen and I had no idea how it would end until I wrote the last chapter. I guess in those situations you have to be patient and trust the story.  

10. If people can buy or read one book this week or month, why should it be yours?

I think that it’s different. The story line is unusual and fun. I’ve been told by people I trust who read a lot of fiction that the voice is unique. There are times when the same old, same old is enjoyable and relaxing, but it’s also good to venture out into something unexpected.

About The Author: I started writing novels later in life at 61. When I was much younger I wrote some short stories for small obscure magazines and then stopped writing for many years. I've published two books through Christian Faith Publishing and two books have been self-published. I have finished my fifth book and intend on self-publishing that one also. 

 

Need PR Help?

Brian Feinblum, the founder of this award-winning blog, with over 3.9 million page views, can be reached at brianfeinblum@gmail.com  He is available to help authors promote their story, sell their book, and grow their brand. He has over 30 years of experience in successfully helping thousands of authors in all genres. Let him be your advocate, teacher, and motivator!

 

About Brian Feinblum

Brian Feinblum should be followed on www.linkedin.com/in/brianfeinblum. This is copyrighted by BookMarketingBuzzBlog ©2024. Born and raised in Brooklyn, he now resides in Westchester with his wife, two kids, and Ferris, a black lab rescue dog, and El Chapo, a pug rescue dog. His writings are often featured in The Writer and IBPA’s The Independent.  This award-winning blog has generated over 3.9 million pageviews. With 4,900+ posts over the past dozen years, it was named one of the best book marketing blogs by BookBaby  http://blog.bookbaby.com/2013/09/the-best-book-marketing-blogs  and recognized by Feedspot in 2021 and 2018 as one of the top book marketing blogs. It was also named by www.WinningWriters.com as a "best resource.” For the past three decades, including 21 years as the head of marketing for the nation’s largest book publicity firm, and director of publicity positions at two independent presses, Brian has worked with many first-time, self-published, authors of all genres, right along with best-selling authors and celebrities such as: Dr. Ruth, Mark Victor Hansen, Joseph Finder, Katherine Spurway, Neil Rackham, Harvey Mackay, Ken Blanchard, Stephen Covey, Warren Adler, Cindy Adams, Todd Duncan, Susan RoAne, John C. Maxwell, Jeff Foxworthy, Seth Godin, and Henry Winkler. He hosted a panel on book publicity for Book Expo America several years ago, and has spoken at ASJA, Independent Book Publishers Association Sarah Lawrence College, Nonfiction Writers Association, Cape Cod Writers Association, Willamette (Portland) Writers Association, APEX, Morgan James Publishing, and Connecticut Authors and Publishers Association. His letters-to-the-editor have been published in The Wall Street Journal, USA Today, New York Post, NY Daily News, Newsday, The Journal News (Westchester) and The Washington Post. His first published book was The Florida Homeowner, Condo, & Co-Op Association Handbook.  It was featured in The Sun Sentinel and Miami Herald.