ERIC CHRISTIANSON

Eric Christianson is a writer and author based in Blue Eye, Missouri, whose work combines storytelling, historical reflection, and nonfiction. He earned his bachelor’s degree from Buena Vista University in Storm Lake, Iowa, in 1980 and later earned a Doctor of Philosophy in Nutritional Science from the Life Science Institute. In addition to his writing, Christianson has worked as an online tutor with Huntington Learning, helping students prepare for the SAT and ACT while developing their writing skills.

Eric’s most significant writing project is South Bend to Spring Valley: The Davids-Sims Story, a nonfiction work that explores a remarkable friendship between two families during the social and political upheaval of the 1960s. The story centers on his wife Joyce’s family, the Davids, and the Sims, a Black family from South Bend, Indiana, whose relationship with the Davids grew through correspondence, faith, kindness, and a shared commitment to seeing people for their character rather than the color of their skin. Joyce experienced the events chronicled in the book as a child, and it was her dream to one day write their story. However, after becoming seriously ill, she was unable to complete the project and passed away before realizing that dream. On her deathbed, Joyce asked her husband to “finish what she started,” and he vowed that he would.

Although Eric began writing the book in January 2024, the project had begun many months earlier with Joyce typing up the handwritten correspondence exchanged between her family and the Sims. When her health issues prevented her from continuing, Eric stepped in and took over the project, carrying forward the work she had begun. He drew on the families’ letters, history, and personal connections to preserve a story of friendship and racial harmony that he believed deserved to be shared. Published in March 2025, South Bend to Spring Valley reflects Eric’s interest in preserving meaningful stories and exploring themes of faith, friendship, human connection, perseverance, and the power of relationships to transcend racial and social divisions.

Eric has described perseverance as central to completing the project, crediting both his faith and his determination with helping him fulfill the promise he made to Joyce. Today, he continues to pursue writing and nonfiction storytelling while also supporting students through online tutoring, using his experience as an educator and author to encourage strong communication and a deeper appreciation for the stories that shape people’s lives.