Meet Eva Marie Everson

Today we get to meet Eva Marie Everson, a Christian author I met while reading one of her books she offered free on Kindle. It was so good, I ordered a couple more.  (By the way, the book I read is the one she is offering free to the winner this week!)

Q: Hello, Eva Marie. I’m so glad to welcome you to my blog today. I hope all the blog readers enjoy meeting you and learning about your books.

A: Me, too! J (Hello, readers …)

Q: The first thing that really impressed you was when you talked about your relationship with the Lord. Please tell us about your salvation experience and your decision to write Christian books.

A: I grew up knowing the Lord. There was never any question for me. Of course I had the “break away” during my teen years, and a pretty discouraging event in my late teens that hardened my heart. But God wouldn’t let go. I rededicated myself to the Lord at about age 21 but had my “real Come-to-Jesus” meeting when I was probably in my mid to late 20s. Closer to late. Everything changed for me in one night. Everything became more real. He became more real. I learned to listen for and hear His voice.

When the door to publishing opened (I was over 40 by this point), I walked through, knowing God had my hand. Writing for the Christian market wasn’t a decision I made. There simply wasn’t a decision to be made.

Q: I am always thrilled to hear authors tell about the time they came to know Jesus. It is so important to have a personal relationship with Him. Another big impression was when I read that you really love the Old Testament. I do, too. I just completed a Bible study about many of the Old Testament characters. I know many people say they don’t understand it or don’t know anything about it. Why do you like the Old Testament so much?

A: Well, I’d better like it; I’m working toward my Masters in OT Theology. I like the Old Testament because our Christian faith is built on it. It’s the root of our faith. Listen, Jesus (Y’shua) didn’t think of the OT as the OT. He thought of it and called it “the Scriptures.” What He talked about, what He taught from … where the Jewish Scriptures and the culture of their day. When we learn it … truly learn it … our eyes are opened to the completeness of Jesus Christ.

Each week I attend a class at a shul (Jewish congregation) on Jewish Life. I am amazed at what I’m learning about the Christian faith!

Of course, you may know that I wrote a book with Miriam Feinberg Vamosh called “Reflections of God’s Holy Land; A Personal Journey Through Israel.” This book, published by Thomas Nelson in 2008 (the 60^th anniversary of the statehood of Israel) won an ECPA Silver Medallion as well as some other awards. But it was the writing of it, the walking the land with my Jewish friend Miriam, the photographing of the land and of the sites that will always stir my heart. I laid on a large rock at the brook where Gideon separated the soldiers as the ones who would fight from those who would go home … I placed my hand in that cool water … and watched the ripple. What an effect it had on me! I stood where Elijah called down fire from heaven and, after a few minutes of standing on Mt. Carmel alone (and I do mean ALONE), I cried like a baby. I went with Miriam by IDF protection to where Rachel is buried … in a bus with a few dozen Orthodox Jews who take their lives into their hands every day just to pray! I have so many amazing memories …

Q: Tell us a little about your family and your hobbies.

A: I married my husband nearly 35 years ago and he “gifted me with two children” right away. I love my stepson and stepdaughter dearly!! Then we had a child, a daughter—a gifted writer and editor in her own right. They are all married, all have kids now, and my husband and I are “empty-nesters” unless you count the two dogs who pretty much own us. As for hobbies, I love walking/hiking, photography, ancestry, knitting and … I’ll be honest … shopping. Of course reading and writing …

Q: I noticed that you have a seminary degree, something few women possess. What made you decide to go for this and which seminary did you attend?

A: My first trip to Israel. God had been nudging me anyway … I went to Andersonville Theological Seminary where I am still enrolled!! One day!! I. Will. Get. That. Final. Degree! My friends tease me that when I’m done with my Masters I’ll go for my Doctorate. But … no.

Q: I’m married to a preacher, so I worked while he attended seminary and typed all his papers. I only got a “Putting Hubby Through” degree along with my “MRS”. But I enjoy studying the Bible.

 Did you ever think about writing a novel based on the life of one of the Old Testament characters? If so, who would it be?

A: No, I haven’t … so, there’s no answer to the second part of that question.

Q: Has your writing career been a life-long one, or did you take it up later in life?

A: Like I said, I was 40. But as soon as I could hold a pen, I started spinning yarn … If I couldn’t write them, I told them.

Q: And I’m sure you attended Writers’ Conferences and studied about how to be a better writer. What importance do you place on these kinds of activities? Tell us about your speaking and writing life.

A: I attended my first writers conference as faculty, but I wouldn’t suggest that. I’m not the director of Florida Christian Writers Conference and I cannot say enough about “sharpening your skills as iron sharpens iron” type of thing. I’m also the president of Word Weavers International, Inc, which is an international group of writing critique groups. I worked with Jerry Jenkins for years as a mentor (Christian Writers Guild) … so yes! I think this is important. I spend at least a little time every day learning more about my craft, not just for myself but to pass along that knowledge to others.

Q: If I could start over, I would study journalism in school and focus on writing. But we don’t get a second chance at life. What would you say to women who wish they had become a writer early in life?

A: Well, I think we do get second chances. We cannot go back but we can start right now. Listen, if you want to go back to school, go back to school. (But, you say, it will take four years to get a two-year degree. Okay, I say, so four years from now you can either stand with a diploma in your hand or nothing in your hand. Doesn’t matter. Four years will come no matter …) So, if you want to be a writer … write! Come to conferences. Join groups like Word Weavers. Take some classes at a nearby university or online university. But don’t just sit there wishing …

Q: Thank you so much for visiting with us today. I just wish it could have been face-to-face. I hope to read many more of your books.

A:  I’d like that, too! And be sure to tell me what you think!

And now readers, you can comment and enter your name to win CHASING SUNSETS (BOOK 1 IN THE CEDAR KEY SERIES). I have read this one and loved it! I know you will too. Be sure to leave your email address so I can notify you if you are the winner.