A Letter from Chris – A New Year '24

Hello dear reader!

I hope you had an excellent new years eve!

A year in review

2023 was, altogether, an incredibly tumultuous year for me, full of some of my life’s highest highs and lowest lows. But of that roller coaster ride the two highest points were undoubtedly the publishing of my debut novel and meeting Vallis Alps. I don’t know how I’ll top those!

I learned a lot about the self-publishing process especially this year. For those of you interested in pursuing your own books, I’ll give you a heads-up: it costs money. Book cover artists, editors, ISBN numbers, marketing – everything. But with the way the market is now it seems like you almost need to self-publish while also seeking out representation through literary agents. In the past publishing was largely dependent upon literary agents alone, so its honestly rather nice that POD (print on demand) services exist at all.

In other news, I’m back to writing, though trying to return to a regular rhythm after the holidays has been difficult. I’m still working on the sequel novella to The Dance Between, but I’ve also been pursuing another storytelling project – one which involves streaming, short stories, and a whole lot of research.

Unfortunately, still no audiobook. We’re close – very, very close – but the person I have voicing it is a perfectionist and, alas, he’s sick. More on that to follow next month.

Finally, as a little treat to celebrate the new year, I’d like to share a quick short story of mine that I’m particularly fond of with you. I hope you enjoy it!

The Sea Cave

There is a cave many miles from here where the sea meets the land that is heralded for its beauty. Crystals of every color, formed over millions of years, sprout from the walls like flowers. The song of hundreds of breakers fill its caverns, harmonizing with the drippings of dozens of stalactites clutching its ceiling. Natural windows carved so carefully and artistically by wind and water turn beams from the sun and moon into liquid light, and the sound of a stray breeze into an opera. And when the full moon shines through all crystal, rock, and water are swathed with the deepest, bluest indigo.

A painter spent a day and night in the cave. When they emerged, they told all who would listen, “I have never seen such beautiful colors, such pleasing shapes, such dazzling light, such pools of shadow, and such rich composition in all my life. To think something so majestic could be made so naturally. No matter what I paint from this day forward it will always pale in comparison to what I saw.”

A songwriter was the next to stay in the cave. When they emerged, they said, “I have never heard a song in my life until now, for all of my attempts have been as grating and ugly as a rooster’s crow when compared to the song of that cave. I only hope that I may weave a single strand of those harmonies into anything I compose henceforth.”

A fisherman was the last to stay in the cave. When they emerged, they said, “I didn’t get a single bite. That cave sucks.”

Happy new year!

Christopher

The Dance Between is out now! Buy your copy here! You may also find me on Twitter or Instagram at @ChrisWritesNow

A new word that found me: Cattywampus: something that is in disarray or is askew.