Author Interviewing Character: Kathleen Fox & Evie Walters

Evie Walters Takes The Wheel

In this warmhearted and witty debut, a mysterious gift spurs a widow to take a cross-country journey to find its sender—and along the way, she rediscovers herself.

Evie Walters has lived most of her seventy-one years according to others’ expectations. But on the day of her husband’s funeral, she receives an egret orchid. The same flower a Montana ranch hand once gave her decades ago—Novel Daniels, the boy she loved who thought she could do anything.

So now, at 71, she does.

Defying her children’s plans to move her into a retirement home, Evie buys a camper van and leaves life in North Carolina behind. Accompanied by her devoted dog, she heads west to find her cowboy, befriending an unlikely cast of characters along the way. Free-spirited young van-lifers, roadside waitresses, eccentric billionaires, and kindhearted widowers all show Evie a side of life worth living.

But Evie’s drive toward the future takes her back to the past, to memories of the family ranch and childhood dreams. Now, with a second chance as open as the road before her, there’s no telling who Evie Walters will become.

Author Kathleen Fox interviews protagonist Evie Walters

Kathleen Fox (voice memo app in hand) Evie Walters, you’ve had an epic 71st year. 

Evie Walters (sitting straighter) Had you said that to me several months ago, I’d really have nothing to share with you. I’d be a permanent resident at The Haven Retirement Home in North Carolina eating my prepared meals in the community dining room, swimming in the heated pool, and learning to play mahjong—not living with a stray dog in a camper van. 

Kathleen Fox (big toothy smile) Okay, lovin’ where this is heading. Please continue.

Evie Walters (hands folded in her lap) As you know, my husband of 52 years passed away, and my grown children thought it best to move me into a place where I’d be taken care of—much like my husband did during our married life. But then an anonymous exotic orchid arrived—an egret orchid—like the bird. It’s gorgeous winged-like petals took my memories back to 1972, to my family’s ranch in Montana and to the young man I’d fallen in love with  who’d grown such rare flowers. 

Kathleen Fox (leaning in) And that’s when you shocked everyone and bought a camper van to cross the country to find this ranch-hand first love of yours?

Evie Walters (holds back a giggle) Yes, Novel Daniels. His memory awakened a part of me I had left behind. But there were other factors. I met two adorable free-spirited young van lifers. I rediscovered a stack of worn postcards. And of course, there were my dear friends, the Birdies who needed to be part of an adventure as much as I did. 

Kathleen Fox (arched eyebrow) I must say, I loved meeting the Birdies. That’s a very feisty gang of eighty-year-olds you hang out with. Full disclosure,  Reta scares me a little. 

Evie Walters (laughing) She should! No one is fiercer. Be assured though, her heart is always in the right place. 

Kathleen Fox (nods in agreement) So, let’s get back to the road trip to Montana. That grin on your face tells me it must have been quite monumental. Time to spill the beans or maybe I should say time to hit the gas pedal on what happened!

Evie Walters (grin widens) Well, I was introduced to larva sip of mezcal and almost got arrested in Nashville. Then I got schooled on life by a billionaire who dressed like her parrot, and I lost most of my life savings in an unimaginable way. This, long before I ever made it to the Montana state line. I can’t divulge much more without spoiling it for readers. I’ll just say this, you never know what lies ahead when you take an unexpected detour—sometimes the detours are the best part.

Kathleen Fox (giving Evie a hug) That’s a brilliant way to end, Evie. And to anyone wanting to jump in the passenger seat and take this road trip, EVIE WALTERS TAKES THE WHEEL rolls into town on October 6, 2026. It’s quite a ride. 

BUY HERE

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Kathleen Fox is a wanderer, happiest when her van is packed, her dogs are snoring in the passenger seat, and the road ahead promises at least three good stories and one questionable decision. An explorer of backroads, small towns, and the wonderfully weird corners of the world, Kathleen’s fictional work is grounded in underrepresented rural voices and unexpected moments that only “van life” brings.

After years of writing educational material, Kathleen decided to take a journey of a different kind—into women’s fiction. Her debut novel, EVIE WALTERS TAKES THE WHEEL (Lake Union) hits the road October 2026!

When she’s not chasing horizons, Kathleen calls the coast of South Carolina home.

 

Tags: featured, women writers

Category: Contemporary Women Writers, Interviews, On Writing