An Interview with Evelyn Fisher
Evelyn A. Fisher is an emerging children’s book author dedicated to crafting stories that spark curiosity and wonder in young readers. Oliver’s Garden is her debut book.
A lifelong adventurer and avid gardener, Evelyn finds inspiration in the vibrant natural world surrounding her home in the forest. When she isn’t at her desk spinning new tales, she can usually be found with her hands in the dirt tending to her garden, lost in the pages of a good book, or traveling the globe to explore ancient sites.
She lives in Northern California in a very busy house filled with her husband, their three sons, and several furry friends.
Tell us the story of your book’s title. Was it easy to find, or did it take forever?
The book title was one of the easiest parts. Oliver, my dog, loves the garden more than anywhere else.
How did it feel when you first saw your book cover? Or when you first held your book in your hands?
Since my middle son, Declan, did all the artwork for the book, I knew what the cover art would look like, but when my editor, Dakota, added the title and our names, it felt real. And holding that first proof copy in my hands left me rather emotional.
Who/what made you want to write? Was there a particular person, or particular writers/works/art forms that influenced you?
When I was very young, I would write fun, made-up stories, but I never really thought about being an author. But when Oliver came into my life, the story wouldn’t leave me alone. I had to write about him and his love of the garden.
What other professions have you worked in? What’s something about you that your readers wouldn’t know?
I was a wedding planner for about thirty years, and I loved it! I keep saying I’m done, but there are a few people in my life that I look forward to helping with their weddings. I have also officiated three weddings.
What was the most rewarding/meaningful part of publishing your book?
Since Oliver’s Garden was “in the works” for about five years before I started submitting the manuscript, that first phone call with Trista Edwards from Atmosphere was the most rewarding because she really understood the book’s subtleties.
What is one thing you hope readers take away from reading your book? How do you envision your perfect reader?
I really hope children will fall in love with Oliver, which will lead them to want to spend more time outdoors, try new foods, and learn that not everything comes quickly. I have always envisioned this as a read-aloud book for children aged zero to six.
What creative projects are you currently working on?
Oliver has a friend named Eleanor, and she is a cat. My next book will be about unlikely friends and acceptance of those who may be different from us.
How was working with Atmosphere Press? What would you tell other writers who want to publish?
Overall, it has been a good experience. I would definitely tell other writers that having a team’s support is much better than trying to go it alone.
Are you a writer, too? Submit your manuscript to Atmosphere Press.
Atmosphere Press is a selective hybrid publisher founded in 2015 on the principles of Honesty, Transparency, Professionalism, Kindness, and Making Your Book Awesome. Our books have won dozens of awards and sold tens of thousands of copies. If you’re interested in learning more, or seeking publication for your own work, please explore the links below.