Christine Evans: Kicking Your Story Forward
KidLit Craft is back with another Snack-Sized Author Interview. In this series, we ask authors five quick questions that give us insight into their craft and process. Today we’re talking with picture book and chapter book author Christine Evans.
I met and became friends with Christine Evans when she first attended our SCBWI annual regional conference, back when she was just learning the craft of writing for children. Since then, not only did Christine serve as one of the leaders of our SCBWI region, but she also became a multi-published picture book and chapter book author. Christine writes stories with empathy, warmth and a charming sense of humor that never fail to delight me. —KidLit Craft Co-Founder Kristi Wright
Welcome, Christine!
Question 1: What's your writing superpower?
I think my writing superpower is the ability to take complicated information and make it accessible and, most importantly, interesting for kids.
Question 2: What’s an element of craft you explored in your latest project and what tips can you share with other authors for growing in their use of that particular element?
I'm currently applying something I learned from Anne-Marie's wonderful novel writing class, which is using a kicker at the end of a scene. The idea is that it's a line that hooks your reader and makes them want to turn the page to the next scene or chapter to find out what happens next. I'm enjoying trying out kickers in my scene endings in my latest revision of my MG novel.
Meanwhile, in my middle grade nonfiction (an unannounced book that will hopefully be out in 2026), I'm exploring using humor techniques to up the kid appeal and keep readers engaged. I wrote more about using humor here.
Question 3: If you could travel back in time, what advice would you give yourself as a new author?
Well, as a fan of time travel, I love this question. I would probably go back and say: there's no rush. Take your time to make your work the best it can be before sending it out.
Question 4: What inspires you as a writer?
So many things! I especially get inspired by other creators. Spending time with the KidLit community always refills my creative well and inspires me to get to work.
Question 5: What’s one book you think every kidlit author should read?
I'm not sure I can think of any one particular book. I always think it's a good idea to read widely and keep on top of what is selling right now. My favorite current middle grade, which also happens to be the Newbery winner this year, is The First State of Being by Erin Entrada Kelly.
A book I love reading for writerly inspiration is Big Magic by Elizabeth Gilbert.
Bonus Question: What can fans look forward to next?
I'm excited to have my middle grade nonfiction debut in the works, and I'm working on a middle grade novel right now too. Stay tuned to see if I ever finish it!
Christine Evans is the author of picture books including Dear Mr. G and Evelyn the Adventurous Entomologist, and the chapter book series The Wish Library. Her books have been translated into Korean, Chinese and Turkish (so far!)
Christine is an experienced and popular speaker who has met thousands of children in-person and online all over the US and the world. She’s also spoken on panels and presented at children’s book conferences and events.
Christine is a Brit living in beautiful California with her family. She loves walks by the ocean, skiing in the mountains, and spending plenty of quality time in libraries and bookstores.
You can find her online on her website and on Instagram: @christinenevans
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