Born in Barnet, Hertfordshire, Barry Eva, also known as “Storyheart,” left his beloved England in 2000, moving to the USA to be with the woman he’d met and fallen in love with on the Internet.
Perhaps better known for his short romance stories, both on the net, and in his book Stories from the Heart. Barry is popular for narrating his stories on local TV or as a guest on other media stations, where his whit, oratory, and old-fashioned English charm make him a popular interviewee. At present, Barry is living in Connecticut, with his wife and two children.
Barry will be on virtual book tour in February ’09 to promote his latest young adult romance novel, Across the Pond. We interviewed him to find out more about his wonderful new book.
Q: Thank you for this interview, Barry. Can we begin by having you tell us why you chose young adult to write?
A: When I was much younger I wrote a few songs and even a couple of small plays for children, then went on to start writing my short romance stories. Across the Pond is a mix of the two, a novel for young adults, which includes romance, education, humor and adventure.
While it was written for a young adult audience it seems to be being enjoyed by all ages, the young and the young at heart.
Q: Did you outline before you wrote your book or did you just go with the flow?
A: I had a story line idea, and wanted to have the language difference as a thread throughout the book. Once started though and getting past the first few opening chapters and the numerous re-writes, it just started to flow. I think the short story background helped me with hooks at the end of each chapter so that many find they can’t stop once they start reading the book.
Q: Who was your favorite character in Across the Pond and why?
A: Oh without a doubt Fred. They say write about what you know and there is much of me in Fred, all be it many years younger. Some of the situations and issues I have run into since moving “across the pond” I have written into Fred’s adventures.
