Author Interview: CHRISTINE EVANS

Kicking off the new week with a fab new author interview and OMG THIS CHAPTER BOOK SERIES LOOKS SO GORGEOUS! 

The Author...

​Christine Evans is the author of The Wish Library chapter book series (illustrated by Patrick Corrigan, Albert Whitman, 2021). She has also written two picture books, Evelyn the Adventurous Entomologist illustrated by Yas Imamura (Innovation Press, September 2019) and Emily’s Idea illustrated by Marta Álvarez Miguéns (Sounds True, March 2020). 
She is represented by Elizabeth Bennett from Transatlantic Agency. Christine is also the co-Regional Advisor for the San Francisco/South region of SCBWI.

Christine has jumped out of a plane once, windsurfed once, and water skied once. She much prefers books and writing to adrenaline sports. She is a British expat and has lived in California for eight years with her husband, two young daughters, and her tiny Yorkshire terrier.

​Christine's Links! 

Website: pinwheelsandstories.com
Twitter: Christine Evans (@ChristineNEvans) / Twitter
Instagram: Christine Evans (@christinenevans) • Instagram photos and videos
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The Books...

When Raven leaves for vacation, Luca finds himself on his own again. As the new kid at Lincoln Elementary, he’s tired of getting told what to do by everyone around him. So despite his best friend’s warnings, Luca visits the Wish Library and asks to be the one in charge. But even rule makers need to compromise sometimes.
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Raven is having the worst week ever. Her best friend Belle has just moved away, and tomorrow is Voices of History Day. Raven and Belle were working on their project together, and now Raven has to present alone―in front of the whole class. But when Raven stumbles upon the Wish Library and asks for school to be canceled, she faces a whole new challenge―and finds that just maybe she had the bravery she needed all along.

Order The Wish Library here!

The Interview...

Did you always dream of being a writer/illustrator?

I’ve loved creating things my whole life and was always making something as a kid. But writing children’s books wasn’t something I really thought about until I had my own kids and started reading beautiful picture books to them every day.


When did you start pursuing publication of your work? 

About five years ago I decided to enroll in courses and really take learning the craft of picture books seriously. I joined 12x12 (a picture book challenge run by Julie Hedlund) and SCBWI. I went to conferences and met critique partners. And then I started collecting rejections! 


How long did it take from that first thought to release day?

My first picture book, Evelyn the Adventurous Entomologist, came out in September 2019 so that was about four years after I’d started on my journey to publication. I’d got the idea to write about Evelyn Cheesman around two and a half years before it became a book. Now I’m releasing a chapter book series The Wish Library which is such a dream come true! 


What's been the hardest part of publishing a book so far?

Putting a piece of my heart into the world and getting rejections has been super hard. And since being published, marketing during a pandemic has certainly been “interesting”!


And the easiest, or most enjoyable?

I’ve loved meeting readers! School visits are a part of the job I didn’t really think about pre-publication but they’re one of my favorite parts now. 


What's next for you?

Book 3 in The Wish Library series is in the works and it was even more fun to write than the first two. 


What's one piece of advice you'd give to writers just started their pursuit of publication? 
​
Keep going! I’m a firm believer in perseverance being one of the main factors in becoming a published author. And don’t be afraid to put your work out into the world.


Last book you just read?

The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue


What book are you reading now?

Maybe a Mermaid


Best book you've ever read?

I can’t choose just one! Salt to the Sea, The Nightingale, The Girl Who Drank the Moon, and The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue are all up there but my favorites change all the time.


Fave author?

Again, don’t make me pick just one! I love Kristin Hannah and Ruta Septys as they both write books that make me cry. In KidLit my critique partner Vicky Fang writes and illustrates fantastic books.


Best moment of your writing life?

My first book launch.


Name of your newest WIP?

Together Forever


If not an author, what would be your dream job?

A librarian. Any career involving books is a dream for me.