And so it begins…

My intent, and no doubt life will modify it with all due haste, is to update my journal and subsequent website about once a week.  Why anyone will want to drop by and read it may very well remain a question for the ages, but two possible answers are they are related to me and/or I paid them to do so.  Far less likely is that you’ve heard I’m writing a fantasy series and wanted to see what the fuss, such as it is, is all about.  So far…not much.  In contravention of most good writing advice here’s what happened before you got here:

The day I successfully defended my MA thesis I went home and started writing a fantasy novel…naturally.  That was nine years ago.  Between then and now I attended Clarion East, the science fiction and fantasy writing workshop for aspiring writers, took second place in the Toronto Star Short Story Contest, was hired by Del Rey Books to edit military history and science fiction and fantasy, went to Europe several times as a historian on battlefield tours, was hired by Stackpole Books to edit military history, history and current affairs and conflicts, wrote another fantasy novel, some short stories, started a couple of other novels, tried speed dating, took up running (it’s not sex, but you do wind up sweaty and wanting a snack,) and watched every episode of the Sopranos – marone!

  1. stillnotbored

    Because I always do what Charlie says (just ask him *g*) I just added you to my friends list. No obligation to friend back. 🙂

    While I don’t remember you specifically, I started on the workshop back in the old Del Ray days. I like finding out people who started when I did are making it. It alternately gives me hope and depresses me. *g*

    Anyway, welcome to LJ. It is a cool place .

    Reply
    • admin

      The Del Rey days seem like a lifetime ago now. I think, and still do, that it was a great idea and I’m glad to see OWW still going strong.

      Thanks for stopping by!

      Cheers,

      Chris

      Reply
  2. aliettedb

    told all us OWWers to come and say hi, so:

    *waves hello*

    I write historical fantasy, so your blog sounded like a good place to stop by…

    (and thanks for telling us What Went On Before 🙂 )

    Reply
    • admin

      *Nods and smiles in return*

      I took a look at your profile and saw the Darkwing Duck image! I love that cartoon. Do you ever get to Normandy? I’ve been over there a lot for battlefield tours and we often fly into Orly and spend a day in Paris.

      Cheers,

      Chris

      Reply
      • aliettedb

        Darkwing Duck is pretty funny–in a completely wacky sort of way. It’s not my favorite Disney show (that would have to be Ducktales), but it’s one of those I do enjoy very much.

        I’ve been to Normandy a couple of times (I have a friend who lives near Rouen, and I’ve got to Caen as well–to see the battlefields, surprise surprise…).

        If you do fly into Paris in the future and want to meet for coffee, keep me posted 🙂

        Reply
  3. lanyn

    I also came looking because Charlie said so, but I’m friending you because I love military history (particularly WWII) and “The Iron Elves” sounds exactly like the kind of story I will really enjoy reading! Congrats on getting it sold!

    Reply
    • admin

      Thanks!

      Like you I am fascinated by history, especially military conflicts and the Second World War in particular. I’ve been fortunate enough to travel over to Europe several times with veterans on battlefield tours and publish a lot of their accounts. I suppose it stands to reason my fiction would mirror that.

      Cheers,

      Chris

      Reply
  4. therinth

    Hey Chris — i, too, am here at Charlie’s behest.

    But i’m also slacking off and reading stuff online while at Clarion West.

    Obviously you need to make more posts, so i can slack more effectively ;).

    Reply
    • admin

      How is Clarion West? Even though it was only seven years ago, my time at Clarion East seems like a lifetime ago. I did enjoy it and made some great friends. I hope you have a similar experience.

      Cheers,

      Chris

      Reply
  5. silk_noir

    Hi, Chris! Charlie told me to come say hello to you.

    Best advice? Always come check on my blog, as I’m like a Delphic oracle or something.

    ;P

    Reply

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