Today I interview Ryan Eidson, author of a great little book called A Couple with Common Cents.
The book is extremely short (80 pages), so you can read it in no time.
Read the interview and get a copy of Ryan’s book.
If you have questions for Ryan, ask them in the comments section.
Instead of asking, “what is your book about,” I’m going to ask the question that’s behind that question. And that unspoken question is, “how are readers going to benefit from reading your book?”
Ryan Eidson: When you read this book, your eyes will open to a new way of looking at your money. You will find ways to have healthy discussions with your spouse about family finances. You will be encouraged by the dialogue in the story. Most importantly, you will see another aspect of Christ that you may never have seen before.
Tell us a bit about the experiences that shaped the insights in the book.
Ryan Eidson: When my dad read the book, he said that he’d like to have half of the royalties because he thought that I based it on our family. A writer can’t help but write his own experiences and perspective into realistic fiction, right?
I grew up on a small family farm in Illinois. Both of my parents worked in non-farm jobs as well. I understood money and assets from an early age by keeping records of our crops and livestock through 4-H and FFA.
Since the time we dated, my wife and I have had many conversations about money and possessions. All the perspectives in the story come from our blue-collar backgrounds, experiences, and observation.
How is your book different from the many other books on finances and money management?
Ryan Eidson: Most other books on personal finances focus on principles derived from Scripture, investments, or record keeping systems. This book, however, is a story: a realistic fiction story that takes place in the American Midwest.
Tabitha and Jack, the main characters, are two young parents who go from struggling with their finances to working together as a couple on their money. How do they make the transformation? Well…you’ll just have to read the story to find out! 🙂 (You can read the first third of the book for free here: acouplewithcommoncents.com)
At the end of the book I provide access to practical tips and resources via an email course, “Seven Hindrances to Healthy Finances in Marriage…and What to Do About Them.” This helps to reinforce the message of the book after you complete the story.
I find that we don’t need more instruction manuals, but more stories that inspire us to take action and that open our eyes to see Christ in these daily aspects of life.
Give us two or three insights from the book that would be helpful to Christians.
Ryan Eidson: This story gives Christians a glimpse of Jesus as our true Abundance. The worldview constantly presented around us is one of lack and scarcity. This leads to fear and want. But when you encounter our Lord, a Person of Abundance who freely gives of Himself, you will see that He makes you and me complete. Then you can rest in Him.
Everything we need is already in Christ, and He belongs to us! We already have all the blessings in Him. (Eph 1:3)
Here is a practical way to do this: On a regular basis, write down what you are thankful for. Some people keep a gratitude journal every morning. When you focus on what you already have, instead of lusting for what you don’t have, your stress goes down and you can rest in His peace.
What has the response been to the book so far?
Ryan Eidson: For those who understand that this book is a work of fiction, and not a complete treatment of personal finances, the initial response to the book is encouraging to me. Early readers have appreciated the short and inspiring story. Some have told me they read the entire book during their lunch hour.
Even through it is a work of fiction, readers of A Couple with Common Cents have found “good actionable tips” in the “thought-provoking” book. They are rethinking their finances “to make positive changes.”
One reviewer wrote that we need more books like this. And there will be: this is just the first in the Copper Coin Chronicles series!
Order A Couple with Common Cents in paperback or Kindle
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