Picture an American storyteller who turned a heartfelt Christmas tale for his daughters into a global phenomenon—meet Richard Paul Evans! From an advertising executive to a #1 New York Times bestselling author, Evans’s journey is as inspiring as his stories. His debut, The Christmas Box, captured hearts worldwide, blending family values with emotional depth, and his philanthropy continues to uplift countless lives.
Born in Salt Lake City, Utah, Evans never planned to be a writer. Yet, his knack for storytelling and a passion for meaningful narratives led to a career that’s touched millions. With over 35 million books in print and translations in more than 24 languages, his work resonates across cultures, proving that simple stories can spark profound change.
The Making of Richard Paul Evans
Richard Paul Evans was born on October 11, 1962, in Salt Lake City, Utah, where he grew up in a close-knit family. A member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, his faith shaped his values and storytelling. After graduating from the University of Utah in 1984 with a B.A., he worked as an advertising executive, honing skills that later helped market his self-published debut. His early life wasn’t without challenges—Evans has shared stories of a troubled childhood, including bullying and a depressed mother, which fueled the emotional authenticity of his writing.
Evans’s writing career began unexpectedly. In 1993, he penned The Christmas Box as a gift for his daughters, printing 20 copies to share with family. The story’s heartfelt message spread rapidly, with those copies passed around over 160 times. Local bookstores clamored for more, and Evans’s life changed forever when the novella became a local bestseller, paving the way for a historic publishing deal.
Richard Paul Evans’s Unforgettable Stories
Evans’s bibliography boasts over 40 novels, with 41 consecutive New York Times bestsellers. His debut, The Christmas Box (1993), is a tender tale of love and loss, following a family discovering the true meaning of Christmas through a mysterious box. Its success led to a 1995 TV movie starring Maureen O’Hara and Richard Thomas, and it remains a holiday classic.
Evans’s Michael Vey series, starting with The Prisoner of Cell 25 (2011), marks a thrilling shift to young adult sci-fi, centered on a teen with electric powers. The seven-book series has won over a dozen awards and a passionate fanbase, dubbed “Veyniacs.” Other notable works include The Noel Diary (2017), adapted into a 2022 Netflix film with Justin Hartley, and A Christmas Memory (2022), a deeply personal novel inspired by his childhood. His style—gentle, Christian-themed, and focused on family and redemption—offers readers emotional journeys that linger long after the final page.
Evans’s versatility shines in his ability to craft both heartwarming holiday tales and action-packed adventures. His stories often explore moral dilemmas, relying on kindness and hope to resolve conflicts, making them accessible to adults and teens alike. Whether it’s the poignant Timepiece (1996) or the romantic Mistletoe Promise (2014), his work consistently uplifts and inspires.
Why Richard Paul Evans Matters
Richard Paul Evans’s impact extends far beyond his books. His stories, steeped in compassion and faith, have brought families closer and reminded readers of life’s deeper values. His ability to turn a self-published novella into a global sensation is a testament to his storytelling prowess and marketing savvy, inspiring aspiring authors to persevere.
Through The Christmas Box House International, founded in 1997, Evans has helped over 125,000 abused and neglected children with shelters and services in Utah and Peru. His humanitarian efforts earned him the Washington Times Humanitarian of the Century Award and the Volunteers of America National Empathy Award, cementing his legacy as a beacon of hope. Despite controversies, including 2018 allegations of misconduct at a convention, Evans’s contributions to literature and charity remain undeniable.
- Birth Date: October 11, 1962
- Key Works: The Christmas Box, Michael Vey series, The Noel Diary
- Awards: American Mothers Book Award, Romantic Times Best Women’s Novel, Washington Times Humanitarian of the Century
Ready to cozy up with a heartwarming story? Snag The Christmas Box or dive into the electrifying Michael Vey series to experience Richard Paul Evans’s magic for yourself!