Evelyn Skye. Photo Credit: Russell Baer
New York Times bestselling author Evelyn Skye spoke about her new book “The Incredible Kindness of Paper,” which came out today.
This book tells the story of two childhood friends who reconnect in the most unexpected way—through magical origami messages.
It’s a poignant feel-good, end-of-summer, comfort read about human connection, hope, and the quiet magic of small acts of kindness.
How did “The Incredible Kindness of Paper” come about?
The idea for this book began when I noticed this strange contradiction—everywhere I looked, people were talking about how divided and angry our world had become, but in my actual day-to-day life, I kept witnessing these quiet moments of human decency, like a stranger helping someone with a heavy suitcase or a cashier taking extra time with an elderly customer.
I was obsessed with this question: what if someone decided to deliberately add more of these moments to the world?
That wondering became Chloe, a woman who folds paper roses with uplifting messages and leaves them in random places for people to find, never knowing how far her simple gesture will travel.
What inspired you to write it?
I’ve always been fascinated by the idea that our smallest actions can have consequences we never see.
There’s something almost magical about how kindness moves through the world—you do something nice for someone, and they’re a little happier, so maybe they’re a little nicer to the next person they encounter, and on it goes.
I wanted to write about that invisible network of human connection.
What motivates you each day as an author?
I love the puzzle of taking the imaginary people in my head and figuring out how to translate them into words that will make readers care about them too.
There’s this moment in every book where the characters start surprising me—where they do things I didn’t plan—and that’s when I know the story has taken on its own life.
After publication, my energy shifts entirely to connecting with readers. Once I release a book into the world, it stops being just mine and becomes this shared experience where every reader brings their own interpretation and emotions to the story.
How does it feel to be an author in the digital age? (Now with streaming, technology and social media being so prevalent)
Technology has transformed how writers and readers can find each other, and I enjoy that. Through “CREATIVE. INSPIRED. HAPPY” (my Substack.com and podcast), I get to have real conversations with both readers and fellow writers about the creative process.
It’s a space where I can dive deeper into topics that fascinate me—what it means to live creatively, how stories shape us, the daily realities of a literary life.
The beautiful thing is how these platforms allow for genuine relationships to form.
Readers become invested in my creative journey, and I get insight into how my stories land in their lives, creating this lovely feedback loop of connection.
What is your advice for young and emerging authors?
Writing careers are built book by book, reader by reader, over years and sometimes decades. The authors who build lasting careers are the ones who learn to find satisfaction in the daily work itself, not just the external achievements.
Focus on getting better at your craft, on writing stories only you can tell, and on slowly building relationships with readers who genuinely connect with your work.
The glamorous moments are wonderful when they happen, but they’re brief. What sustains you is falling in love with the process of creating something new every day.
How does it feel to be a New York Times bestselling author?
The New York Times bestseller list is a wonderful validation, and it certainly opens doors in the publishing world.
What stays with me even more is the reader who reaches out to say my book helped her through her divorce, or the book club that spent two hours discussing my characters like they were real people.
The recognition of a bestseller list is gratifying, but it also reminds me that with any platform comes the responsibility to use it thoughtfully—to write stories that contribute something meaningful to readers’ lives.
What does the word success mean to you? (My favorite question)
Success is building a creative life that doesn’t require me to sacrifice my values or my well-being. It’s the luxury of waking up excited about the work I get to do that day.
For me, it looks like having readers who trust me enough to pick up my next book, the freedom to write stories I’m genuinely curious about, and knowing that somewhere, someone is having a better day because they read something I wrote.
What would you like to tell our readers about the book? (What’s the one thing you want them to get out of it)
I want readers to finish this book feeling like they’ve just spent time with dear friends who reminded them that the world still has plenty of good in it. The Incredible Kindness of Paper is ultimately about the courage it takes to stay open-hearted in a world that sometimes makes that feel foolish.
Chloe chooses to believe in people’s fundamental goodness, even when life knocks her down, and I hope readers will be inspired by her example.
Whether you’re someone who already looks for ways to brighten others’ days, or you’re feeling a bit cynical about human nature, this story will make you consider how your own small gestures might matter more than you realize.
It’s my love letter to anyone who’s ever wondered if kindness is still worth it. I think it is!
To learn more about bestselling author Evelyn Skye, follow her on Instagram.