Literarily Speaking

The Inspiration Behind 'Evan's Gift'

—Karen Charles

I didn’t start out thinking, I want to be an author. I started as a teacher and a listener. For years, I worked with children during moments of real upheaval, social unrest, trauma, fear, and uncertainty. I saw how deeply children absorb what’s happening around them, even when they don’t have the words to express it.

Writing became a way for me to make sense of those experiences and to offer stories that could help others do the same. Whether I’m writing for adults or children, my goal has always been to tell stories that heal, that open conversations, and that remind us of our shared humanity. Evan’s Gift came from that same place, wanting to reach children early, before the world hardens them.

Evan’s Gift is based on my experience as a kid earning my own bike, growing up in Africa.

The idea came from watching how children respond to kindness, both when they receive it and when they give it. I’ve seen classrooms change because of one child’s gentle act or quiet courage.

Evan’s Gift grew out of the belief that kindness is not small or passive; it’s powerful. I wanted to create a story that shows children that they already have something meaningful to offer the world, simply by noticing others and choosing compassion. Evan doesn’t have superpowers; his “gift” is something every child can access, and that was very important to me.

Evan is a thoughtful, observant child. He’s not the loudest or the most outgoing, but he pays attention. He notices when others are hurting or left out. Evan represents so many children who feel deeply but don’t always know how to express it.

What makes Evan special is that he learns his kindness matters, that even small actions can ripple outward and change how people feel about themselves and each other.

The other characters are the people in Evan’s world, friends, classmates, roommates, and adults, who are affected by his kindness. They’re intentionally relatable so children can see themselves and their communities in the story.

Each character reflects a different emotional experience, helping young readers recognize feelings like loneliness, gratitude, and connection in a gentle, age-appropriate way.

Kindness and empathy are skills we have to nurture, especially in children. Evan’s Gift opens the door to meaningful conversations at home, in classrooms, and in counseling spaces about how our actions affect others.

It’s a story that reassures children that they matter and empowers them to make a difference simply by being who they are. In today’s world, that message feels more important than ever.

About the Author

Karen Charles grew up in West Africa and traveled to countries in Africa, the Middle East, and Europe. Her rich background and lifetime experiences are reflected in the depth of her writing. In her stories, she transforms real-life narratives into gripping fiction thrillers. Her novels intricately weave the threads of truth into a tapestry of suspense, intrigue, and riveting storytelling. She is the author of two children’s books, “Freeman Earns a Bike” and “Evan’s Gifts,” and three thrillers based on true stories. “Fateful Connections” takes place in the aftermath of 9/11, and “Blazing Upheaval” takes place during the Rodney King riots in Los Angeles and the Northridge earthquake. “A Glimpse Too Far” offers all the mystery and heart-pounding suspense of a psychological thriller and is based on a true story.

Karen Charles has two businesses—a global company that trains international teachers to teach American English and an Airbnb on a beautiful bay in Washington State, where she currently resides with her husband.

Visit her website at www.weaveofsuspense.com.

Connect with her on X, Facebook and LinkedIn.

About the Book:

When Evan trades his dream of a new bike for compassion, he discovers the greatest gift of all—helping others. Perfect for classrooms and families, “Evan’s Gift” celebrates empathy, courage, and the beauty of giving in a warm, uplifting story about generosity and the power of choosing kindness.

╰┈➤Book Details

Genre:children’s fiction
Sub-genre:Social Themes / Friendship
Age Range (years):5 – 12
Language:English
Pages: 48
Paperback ISBN:9798317824341
Publisher: BookBaby

Ethan’s Gift is available at BookBaby.

╰┈➤Here’s What Readers Have To Say!

“What a lovely story! This is a life lesson wrapped in an engaging and beautifully illustrated package geared toward readers 5 – 12. Charles opted to provide an abundance of sensory details for her readers, so the younger ages might need assistance from a parent if they are not fluent readers. Middle-grade readers ages 8 – 12 will appreciate the additional details. Knowing this is inspired by a true story makes it extra special. With stunning artwork by Roger Feldman, Evan’s Gift is sure to delight readers with its touching story and expressive illustrations.” – The Children’s and Teens’ Book Connection

“Even’s Gift is a story that your youngster is able to relate to the characters. The message will stick with your youngster for a longtime after they’ve read the story. This story can be used by teachers or parents to help open conversations. The words are perfect for emerging and middle grade readers. Kids and adults will love this book. I love the discussion questions and activity guide at the end of the book. If you are looking for a book with the following themes then this would be a good book to read” – The Blended Blog

╰┈➤Read if you love…

Adventure

Empathy

Courage

Friendship

Generosity

Kindness

Today we are interviewing Trina Spillman, author of the political thriller/romance, A New Dawn.

Trina Spillman, who also writes under the pen name Selene Greenleaf, crafts both practical witchcraft guides and immersive works of fiction that span romance, magical realism, and contemporary thrillers. Splitting her creative life between Colorado’s mountain landscapes and a growing library of story ideas, she blends current events, folklore, plant magic, and real-world rituals to invite readers into transformative experiences. Under Selene Greenleaf, she’s the author of Witchcraft Essentials: A Modern-Day Guide to Spells, Herbs, and Crystals; Cupid’s Craft: Love Spells for Valentine’s Day; and her forthcoming Plant Magic Encyclopedia: Rituals & Remedies, resources designed to help modern practitioners weave intention and botanical wisdom into everyday life. Writing as Trina Spillman, she’s best known for her engaging fairy tale retellings. Upcoming projects include:

A New Dawn — a gripping political thriller of power, ethics, and love, to be released by The Wild Rose Press

Collateral Justice — the powerful sequel to A New Dawn, where a hidden alliance of the world’s elite blurs the line between justice and vengeance.

The Witches of Fablecastle — When a witch hunter’s mirror exposes her forbidden magic, Holly McCool flees through a portal to Fablecastle, only to learn she’s the one destined to stop him from tearing both worlds apart.

The Quantum Hitchhiker’s Guide to Escaping the Matrix — a witty, mind-bending manual on how to hack reality, rewrite your personal code, and manifest with humor, consciousness, and a touch of modern witchcraft.

Whether she’s exploring the ethics of power in a thriller or sharing herbal recipes for daily rituals, Trina/Selene’s work reflects her unwavering belief in the healing and transformative power of words.

Trina’s latest book is A New Dawn.

Visit her website at https://authortrinaspillman.com.

Connect with her on social media at:

➺ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/authortrinaspillman/

➺ Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/18389879.Trina_Spillman

Can you share a story about what brought you to this particular career path (becoming an author)?

At this stage of my life and career, I’m finally able to write what I want to write rather than what I have to write to pay the bills. Earlier in my career, writing was a necessity. I had children to raise, a mortgage to pay, and deadlines mattered more than passion. Now, with residual income and fewer financial pressures, I can focus on novels that matter to me creatively and intellectually. I can also travel to promote my work, which has been incredibly rewarding, though I’ll admit marketing myself is still the hardest part. Writing has always been my profession; now it’s also fully my choice.

Your latest book, A New Dawn, is about a pulse-pounding political thriller where love, betrayal, and democracy collide. How did you come up with this very unique idea?

I spent years freelancing within political circles, working with both Democratic and Republican organizations, and at one point even considered running for Indiana’s Eighth Congressional District. What I ultimately realized was that being a kingmaker was far easier and far more revealing than being the king. Watching politics from the inside made the manipulation impossible to ignore. I began asking myself what it would look like if we didn’t have to question whether our leaders were bought and paid for by shadowy interests. As long as money dominates U.S. politics, the country is effectively auctioned off every four years, and there’s no guarantee the highest bidder is even American. That question became the foundation for the story.

Can you tell us about the main character in the book?

Ian is intentionally ordinary at the start of the story. He isn’t a political insider, a strategist, or someone seeking power. He’s a capable, ethical man who is suddenly pulled into a situation far larger and more dangerous than anything he ever prepared for. What defines Ian is not ambition, but integrity. As pressure mounts and the stakes rise, he’s forced to make decisions that test his values, his loyalty, and his courage. His transformation isn’t about becoming powerful; it’s about refusing to surrender his moral compass when doing so would be easier and safer.

Can you tell us about the other characters in the book?

James represents the cost of secrecy. As someone who understands the political world far better than Ian does, he has learned how much of himself must be hidden in order to survive within it. His relationship with Ian becomes both a risk and a lifeline, forcing him to confront whether protecting the system is worth the personal toll.

Alex, on the other hand, is unapologetically strategic. She understands power, manipulation, and leverage, and she’s willing to use all three to dismantle corruption from the inside. Where Ian resists the system, and James navigates it, Alex exploits it. Together, these characters reflect different responses to power, secrecy, and integrity, and how each choice carries consequences.

What is the very first line of your book?

The explosion ripped through the hall like a hellish fireball, leaving chaos and devastation in its wake.

What is the main reason people should read your book?

A New Dawn challenges readers to look beyond the surface of modern politics and recognize how power truly operates, while still offering a story driven by hope rather than despair. It’s a reminder that systems may be corrupt, but people don’t have to be, and that integrity, love, and courage still matter even when the stakes are high.

You are a person of enormous influence. If you could start a movement that would bring the most amount of good to the most amount of people, what would that be?

Remove money from politics. Until elected officials are no longer financially beholden to corporations and special interests, true representation is impossible.

A catastrophic explosion at a New Orleans convention hall critically injures presidential nominee James Sinclair and ignites a national crisis. Attorney Ian McCullough soon uncovers evidence tying the attack to Vice President Jay Buckley, who has orchestrated a false-flag EMP event to mimic a Chinese assault and destabilize the country for his own rise to power. With the economy collapsing, industries crippled, and global alliances shifting against the United States, Buckley intends to weaponize fear, chaos, and national confusion to consolidate control. Secret recordings obtained by Lee Chang confirm collusion between the administration, foreign officials, and powerful tech interests. The evidence is strong enough to expose the conspiracy if Ian can deliver it safely.

Determined to return to Washington, Ian turns to naval commander Sean Hennessey and asks for a plane. Their strained past reignites when Ian finally admits how deeply Sean’s emotional withdrawal wounded him, especially after concealing the deaths of Ian’s mother, brother, and sister-in-law. Despite the unresolved pain between them, Sean agrees to help. With presidential immunity shielding those in power and time working against him, Ian risks everything to expose the conspiracy, protect James, and prevent the nation from descending into manufactured chaos.

╰┈➤Book Details