Calculating a Trilogy: An Accountant's Transformation into an Author

Eve Evangelista always loved to read, but she was never a writer.

That is, until 2008 when the Newark woman completed a 300-page novel — the first of her planned trilogy about eternal love.

It all began with a daydream that ran through her mind and transformed into her first book, Rise of the Sea-Landers.

Evangelista is not your average author. She did not study creative writing. Instead she holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration.

For decades, she worked as a certified public accountant, but her passion for writing strengthened after a trip to Greece with her son and daughter in 2005.

“There was something about it that changed us. It was so beautiful,” Evangelista said.

There has always been a creative side to her analytical side, but writing had to come at the right moment, she said.

Two years later, during an 11-week trip to Tahiti, that moment came.

And with inspiration – and peace of mind – she started and finished the tale that she describes as an epic love story, which follows a goddess who reunites with her twin soul as they discover the worlds together.

The sequels to Rise of the Sea-Landers have yet to be completed, but Evangelista said she plans to take another trip to Tahiti soon to write the second piece to the trilogy.

The message she hopes to convey in her writing is to take advantage of the thrills and opportunities life offers.

“I feel like people are in a cage, going through life not really knowing what they want,” she said. "It’s about going for your desires and what you want out of life.”

For Evangelista, getting what she wants in life is also about giving back.

For months, she has been planning a debut celebration for Rise of the Sea-Landers and on July 26 the novel will be presented in an online launch.

But the book won’t appear alone.

Individuals who want to learn more about Evangelista’s novel will also be exposed to other authors — both internationally known and local —by visiting one website: Sea-Landers Trilogy.

The idea behind the event is to bring authors together, she said.

“I would love to work with the community,” Evangelista said. “I just feel when you do something, it’s about giving back and asking for help. It’s that balance between give and take.”

That same day, local residents are invited to celebrate the online launch, learn about marketing techniques and talk with Evangelista about the trilogy at .

The celebration will be held from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. on July 26. Registration is required. To register, visit the information desk at the Newark Library or contact Barbara Telford-Ishida at 510-795-2627, ext. 20, or btelford-ishida@aclibrary.org.