An Interview with Nan Evenson
Nan Evenson has published three books. The first two in the Not Really series, Good Night (Not Really): Let’s Count Forward AND Backward and It’s a Terrible Day (Not Really): Let’s Count by Twos, are unusual counting picture books that have won several awards, making her Ukrainian illustrator and herself quite proud. The third book, Walk On, is a middle-grade/young adult historical fiction, Western-type adventure novel published by Atmosphere Press in 2025. She has also published and won awards for several short stories. Her love for young people, cultures, history, and the less well-known inspires her writing.
How did it feel when you first saw your book cover? Or when you first held your book in your hands?
Ronaldo Alves and his team at Atmosphere Press are outstanding in every way. I gave them some color category ideas and an overview of the book, and he listened to me, creating a beautiful cover. I had many questions and revisions, and Ronaldo was right there with me, modifying the cover until it was just right. The best thing about it was that through his vision, I could see the characters on the cover come to life.
What other professions have you worked in? What’s something about you that your readers wouldn’t know?
For seventeen years, I worked in business as a trainer and as an organizational development consultant with a specialty in groups and conflict. There are many work units that are in conflict, and it was an honor to give them the tools to make their work life better. For about fifteen years, I worked with teenagers, English as a Second Language Learners, and at-risk teens. It’s where I learned to love (and devour) MG and YA literature. I am grateful to have had work I enjoyed.
What was the most rewarding/meaningful part of publishing your book?
The most rewarding part of publishing has been having a team. Atmosphere Press, especially Elana Sederholm, has been a patient, competent, caring companion on this journey. My marketer and mentor mean so much to me and are always there for me. I have also written two award-winning children’s books with a young Ukrainian woman. She lovingly created characters in the middle of a terrible war, and I am deeply grateful.
What is one thing you hope readers take away from reading your book? How do you envision your perfect reader?
Walk On is an MG/YA story. It is set in a complex time in history, the Trail of Tears in 1838, but is primarily a coming-of-age story about two teenagers and their dangerous adventures. I would like my readers to know that history is messy and that there are good and bad people in all groups of people. I hope they take away that, although we cannot solve all problems or stop all evil, we are always empowered to do something good.
What creative projects are you currently working on?
I’m writing a second YA/MG historical fiction/time travel book. Brigit is a young girl who lives in Ireland during the Irish Potato Famine in 1845 and time-travels to Minnesota in the year 2030. It’s wonderful fun.
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