Q: First tell us something about yourself ?
My name is Dr. Evona Lee Smith and I am a wife and mother of five children and a native of New Orleans, Louisiana. I received a Bachelor of Science degree in nursing from Dillard University at New Orleans as well as a Master of Science degree in nursing and a Doctor of Nursing Practice from Loyola University at New Orleans. I practiced as a registered nurse since 2003 and a family nurse practitioner since 2009.
Q: How and when your journey started as a writer?
In 2015, I was struck with a disabling condition which halted my career as a family nurse practitioner and I was no longer able to practice. At this time I was led to reinvent myself and pursue my love for writing.
Q: When did you write your first story? Is it published or not?
I wrote my first story in 2018, a book of life lessons for young women; however, this story is not yet published. My second book was written at the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic and published in July 2020. “Sophia’s Pandemic World” is a short story written to assist children in coping during a pandemic. This is the first book in the “Sophia & Friends Series”. The second book in the series is “Breathe,” a short story written to assist children in coping with social injustice, published in October 2020.
Q: Tell us something more about your books?
I am the owner of Strength Builders Publishing LLC and I am committed to writing books that assist children in coping with challenging issues. The goal of my books is to empower children with information that assists them in navigating through difficult circumstances.
Q: Why do you choose kids as your reader ? is there any specific reason?
I choose kids as my readers because children often have difficulty articulating their feelings and emotions. Literature assists in initiating difficult conversations and provides a venue for children to express themselves, utilizing characters that they can relate to.
Q: How did these stories and characters come to your mind?
These stories and characters are based on my children and other children who have been a part of my life. Observing challenges that my children face assists me in developing the characters in my stories.
Q: Do you want to give any message for your readers?
I would like to let my readers know that they can overcome any situation. I was disabled after I had worked hard to create a successful career and I was very upset. However, through all of my challenges, I found the strength to recreate myself and become a published author. Despite how impossible challenging situations may seem, you have the power to press your pain and conquer.
