Welcome, Everyone! And Welcome, Author Bonnie Mae Evans!
This week we chat with author Bonnie Mae Evans who hails from the Maryland Eastern Shore. Let’s form a friendly circle around Bonnie and give her a hearty readers’ welcome!
Bonnie’s offering a signed and personalized copy of her debut novel, The Trees Will Clap, to someone who comments below.
7-26-17: Woo Hoo! The winner of the drawing for Bonnie’s novel, The Trees Will Clap, is Wilma Bates! Congratulations, Wilma. You’ll be hearing from Bonnie about how you want the book personalized and to give her your mailing address.
Pre-Author Life of Bonnie Mae Evans
I was raised near the town of Berlin on the Delmarva Peninsula—the Maryland Eastern Shore, in the late 50s, through the 60s. It was, and remains to this day a very unique and rural area. My family was made up of quirky, hard-working, country folk. We lived plainly, but rich in family traditions and church activities. It was a carefree time for the most part, although race relations and the Vietnam War rumbling in the background created turmoil. This distinctive
background inspired my book, but not until decades later. I realized with nostalgic remorse that this type of lifestyle was quickly disappearing.
Power of the Written Word: Bonnie Mae’s Inspiration
One of my favorite activities on those long, hot summer days growing up in the country was reading. Waiting with eager anticipation for the Bookmobile to arrive, I checked out as many books as allowed and escaped for hours on end between the covers of those books. It was magical. This is the same feeling I hope to capture between the pages of my own book and pass on to future generations.
In school, I excelled in English and reading classes. But, once I took a course called, Creative Writing, I was amazed at the power of the written word. On more than one occasion, I got into a scrape because of my imaginative writing.
College & Adult Life for Bonnie Mae Evans
But, alas, there was little time to pursue such “frivolous” things, as my upbringing called me to find a suitable career for a woman. I was the first in my family to attend college, where I became a nurse.
My hubby and I married young and started our family late. We moved to the big city of Baltimore, which may as well have been a foreign country to me. My grandmother wrote me long letters in her beautiful cursive handwriting, describing every detail of life back home. I, in turn, wrote to her of my strange new life in the city. We were prolific letter writers. She often encouraged me to write a book, but I never found the time.
A Family of Bonnie’s Own
Then our daughter was born 15 years into our marriage and our son in time for our 20th anniversary. I first began to put together thoughts for my book on scraps of paper. My children attended high school and college at the time. Two years after my dear grandmother passed away, I realized the notes were actually taking the form of the book she had hoped I would write.
Debut Novel for Bonnie Mae Evans
The Trees Will Clap is my debut novel published by Fruitbearer Publishers. I actively wrote it for 5 years, critiquing and tweaking with the help of my writer’s group for another 6 years.
However, I made a HUGE mistake immediately after finishing my book. Being new to the world of writing, I was anxious to get my masterpiece out there. I submitted it to a contest without editing (other than mine). It was the Women of Faith contest sponsored by Westbow Press. When it placed in the second round of finalists—top 30 of 750 entries, I was greatly encouraged, but quickly realized my mistake. I continued to try and edit it with the help of my writers group. I submitted to 2 more contests, placing in the top 10 finalists in Crossbooks Inaugural Writing Contest and Deep River Books Writing Contest.
Time for Growing
Something more was needed. The competition was tough. It was during this time I pursued publishing by attending conferences and making personal contacts. I was blessed to have several well-known authors and agents ask to see my manuscript. They gave me wonderful advice and I accepted almost all of it.
And the journey continued. I received several rejections because of my literary writing style. I was once told, “We’re writing for the ADD generation. They don’t want descriptions of the setting, etc. They want a quick read.” That’s just not my style and I believed there were still serious readers out there who wanted a book they would remember long after putting it down because they had been there. The story drew them in, and they smelled the smells, heard the rustle of the leaves, felt the heat of summer on their necks, cried with the broken hearted and most of all, remembered with nostalgic fondness and maybe pain, their own childhoods.
Some Advice & Encouragement
First, it’s impossible to read the unwritten word. (Tweet That!) A sequel has been beating around in my head since I finished The Trees Will Clap. It hasn’t made it to the pages of my computer yet. I intend to start it soon.
You see, writing consumes me so that I disappear from life for long periods of time. You miss a lot like that. It’s a real sacrifice. I have however, continued to be a contributor to the devotional blog of my writers group, Mountain Christian Church Writers—Portions of Grace at portionsofgrace.blogspot.com. I’ve been committed to this for many years.
Writers who raise families, keep a blog and engage in other interests while churning out book after book amaze me. I guess they have found the key of balance. Hats off to them!
Finally, I advise a writer to be true to your own voice. Listen to what your heart is telling you to write and get it down on paper. Never be discouraged by advice other writers offer. Be enlightened. And lastly, I will say again, do not abandon your unique voice. It is a gift given specially to you.
How to Find Bonnie and her book
Facebook: @thetreeswillclap
Amazon
Twitter
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Lord, You amaze us by giving each person his or her unique gifts. With the gift of writing, Bonnie wrote an inspirational story that honors her upbringing—and You. You blessed her with tenacity and faith, as well. Bless Bonnie’s every word for You. ~ For Jesus’ sake
Thank you for sharing your writing journey. I am writing my first Christian fiction novel and wow, what a process! I appreciate the wisdom of other writers. 🙂
Hi, Melissa. Love your comments. Thank you. May the Lord bless your writing journey in untold ways!
Welcome Melissa!
That is wonderful to hear. I pray you will find joy in the journey of writing your first novel.
Blessings!
This sounds like something I would love. Descriptive books that have some meat instead of fluff…..❤️. Enjoyed the interview. I’m a WV neighbor. Have a blessed and happy day.
Hi and welcome, Lucy from beautiful West Virginia!
I’m so happy to hear from you. I hope you will enjoy my story and be blessed as you journey back to the 60s with Lacey.
God bless your day!
Hi, Lucy. How wonderful to read your comments. Thank you for taking the time to encourage Bonnie (and me, too!).
I feel the same. If I can’t surround myself and get lost in the story, I struggle to keep reading. I try to give readers what I enjoy, but it’s truly the only way I know to write.
Thank you so much for your good wishes!
Hello Victoria,
I feel the same. If I can’t surround myself and get lost in the story, I usually struggle to keep reading. I try to give readers what I enjoy. But, it’s truly the only way I know to write
Thank you so much for your good wishes!
Thank you for taking time out of your day to chat with your readers. I am new but really excited about your book . I saw a post about your book on a facebook Christian fiction readers group . I really enjoyed your interview . I love to follow you on twitter and facebook . God bless ,;)
It’s a pleasure having the chance to chat with readers. Thank you for taking the time read the blog post and comment. I am truly honored knowing how many are out here to choose from! I will look forward to seeing you on FB and Twitter. God bless you as well, my dear.
Hi, Victoria. I loved hearing from you on this blog. Bonnie is a dear, and I know your words have encouraged her too. Your name’s in the hat!
Your book was a great read. I loved the vocabulary. It kept me wanting to read more. I will be praying for you & your second book.
Thanks for your kind and encouraging words! I’m so happy you enjoyed it. I so appreciate all your prayers. If not for many prayers and God’s direction none of this would be possible!
Blessings!
Hi, Mary. So good to hear from you in this blog chat. Your comments bring a breath of fresh air our way.
Bonnie, I just followed you on Amazon and discovered that you wrote a book used by WGM missionaries. My husband is a minister, and we have had numerous WGM missionaries in our home across the years. Our son has a dear friend who is presently serving with WGM in Uganda, along with his family.
Dear Evangeline,
First of all, bless you and your family for showing love and hospitality to WGM missionaries. I too have a deep affection for Africa, its people and the missionaries that serve there. We have had a sponsored son there for many years. Thank you for your comments.
God bless.
Our two daughters were born on the eastern shore of Maryland, but we now live in NC. You are a new author to me, and I would love to read your book. Thanks for the chance to do so.
Wow! It sure is a small world. Some of my story will probably be familiar to you. I would love for you to read my book. I hope it blesses your heart! Good luck with the drawing!
Evangeline, you and Bonnie make me want to visit the eastern coast of Maryland! Thanks so much for joining in the conversation. You’ve encouraged both of us. You’re entered!
Thanks! 😊
You’re welcome, Evangeline. Please come back next week for another author.
Bonnie has already been kind enough to sign a book for me at one of her book signings, so I don’t need to be in the drawing – I just wanted to say how much I (and everyone I’ve given this book to as a gift) love her book!
Hi Jill,
Thank you for your kind words. I am always happy to hear when someone has enjoyed my book!
Blessings!
How wonderful to hear your comments, Jill. You have encouraged Bonnie—but me too.
It’s refreshing to hear of your style. I enjoy books that make me see, feel & smell. Being “in” the setting is pkeasant.
Hello Lisa,
Thanks for your comment. I agree and it’s always pleasant to hear from readers who enjoy escaping into a good book!
Thanks for participating in the conversation, Lisa. Bonnie and I both appreciate it very much. Your name’s in the hat!
Hello Bonnie and nice to meet you! I enjoy reading Christian fiction very much. You are new to me so I haven’t read any of your books yet but I will look them up.
Hi Wilma,
It’s great to hear from you. Christian fiction is one of my favorites also. I would be thrilled to have you read my story. My book is available in kindle, paperback and Large Print versions. But, don’t rush to buy it, just in case you win the drawing!
Thanks so much for joining our chat circle, Wilma. You’ve encourage both of us by doing so. You’re entered in the drawing!
I was raised in the same generation and remember the “Bookmobile” so well!
You stay true to your style – I enjoy reading books where I can feel myself there (scents, sounds, etc) and become a part of the story.
Good luck on your future successes!
Hi Victoria,
Whoops! I think I pressed comment instead of reply. It was a “Bonnie” glitch. Lol! My original reply to your comment ended up at the top.
I’m copying it here just to be sure you see it.
Hello Victoria,
I feel the same. If I can’t surround myself and get lost in the story, I usually struggle to keep reading. I try to give readers what I enjoy. But, it’s truly the only way I know to write
Thank you so much for your good wishes!