… AND INVITES COMMENT
The cycle of a writer’s life is best described as long periods of time underwater with an occasional surfacing to discover the world is still there. The underwater time is spent in solitude making something that can only be created alone—some poems, a few stories, a novel. And once that creation is finished and ready to be shared, the writer reluctantly steps onto land to announce his project done and introduce it to the public.
It is at this moment that the writer feels most exposed. Exposed, that is, to whatever critical reception his creation will enjoy or suffer. In any case, endure. It is a time of uncertainty, anxiety, even fear. What has been private is now revealed for all to see. Though of course the writer’s first concern is that the now-completed work be seen at all. That it be published, that it reach an audience. That it be read.
I am somewhat surprised, then, to be overtaken by these same feelings at the completion not of a collection of stories or a novel, but at the unveiling of a website. Well, it has been a long time coming. Years, really, if one considers the thinking behind it. And months of actual work in executing its design and content.
And now, finally, it is launched into the wider world. Here it is. You are reading its first blog entry. And what can I say? I hope you like it? I hope you explore it? I hope you find it interesting?
I hope you do all those things. And toward that end, I’ve included some material not normally found on a fiction writer’s website: magazine articles I’ve written, and newspaper dispatches filed over the years; also, poems and philosophical writings. The predictable material is here, too. The information on my books, especially the e-books that have been such a focus for me these past six months. Eight of them in all, counting foreign language editions, along with some book reviews. And some photographs you may find interesting. Eventually, there will be some videos, as well.
As I look now at the website, I am most struck by one thought: How could it take so much work to finish what is, in the end, not quite as impressive a creation as I’d first imagined? Then I remember: This is always the case with anything we make. No one else knows what went into the undertaking. What finally shows is but the tip of the iceberg, and only the creator knows what remains underwater unseen, unfathomed, forever unknown.
So do please just take my word for it. Creating this website was a chore, getting it into shape to be seen has been a feat, I am relieved to have it done. And I hope you will find the effort worthwhile. Feel free to leave comments, tell me what you think of the work you find presented on the pages of the site. You also can use the contact button to send me a note. And if you like what you see, you can click on the orange button above the Amazon panel at the right and sign up to receive an email notice whenever I add something new to the site.
What else? I suppose you could buy one of my e-books. That would be nice. After all, it’s how I earn my rice bowl: writing things, and people paying to read them. It finances all that time I spend underwater, alone, in a solitude to which I became accustomed long ago. Still, I do plan to surface every now and then to write another personal blog entry for the website. Not every day, but at least once a month.
Until the next time, do take time to read the other material I’ve posted here on the site. There’s a quite a lot of it, and quite a variety, too. I do hope you enjoy it and take time to comment.
As ever,
Christopher
It looks great Chris. Looking forward to discovering all the treasures on the site!
Thanks so much, Simon. I hope you will free to comment on individual postings if you feel the impulse. And if you should run across a typo, do let me know, s’il vous plaît!
Christopher
bravo. bon voyage. yahoo.
Thank you so much, J-Man. I am relieved to know it passes the Dude Test. One does worry about such things, after all.
C
Like the look, have read Robbers and Storm and I am now reading Screendoor stories.
Thanks for a concise way to view all of your work.
Thanks, Chuck. That means a lot coming from someone who’s been there, done that. Hope you take the time to look through some of the magazine articles, newspaper dispatches, poems, etc., on the website when you have time. All best, pardner.
Christopher
Thank you Christopher for sharing your literary gifts with the universe,
I will read your every word, anticipating your next post.
You have provided me with hours of fine reading, I appreciate
your brilliant talent and will pass along your site on the superhighway.
Great way to start a New Year!
Bonnie Forbes
Bonnie, you are so kind. Thank you! And all best for the coming year…
Christopher
Hi Chris,
The website looks wonderful. Looking forward to reading one of the books as soon as we get our catogue written.
Sher and Jon – Sunshine Farm Kelowna
Well, hurry up! And send me a copy. (I love your website, by the way.)
Been a while since I saw you in Oaxaca, but good to stay in touch. Y’all take care, stay warm.
As ever,
Christopher
Dear Christopher,
This is a beautifully designed website, and I–an avid reader of your books–especially like how easy it makes it for me to find them. I’ll be using it over and over, and recommending this site and your writing to my clients. Best!
Eva
You are great, Eva. So glad you took time to comment. And a million thanks for the recommendations. Always appreciated.
As ever,
Christopher
Christopher, thank you for putting this GREAT site together….I DO know how much work this can be…trust me, it will be worth the effort, especially if folks like us spread the word!
All the Best for the coming year,
Jim
Muchas gracias, Jim. Glad you like the site, pleased you understand what it takes to get one together. All best to you in your writing this next year. One word at a time…
Christopher
When I first saw the caption, “The Writer Exposes Himself”, I thought, oh no, not that. Then, I was pleasantly surprised not to see a physical exposure. Thank you, sir.
Wow, all things Christopher Cook on one website. I’m loving it. Well done, my man. You rock. Give me more, give me more, ’till I’m rolling on the floor!
You are funny, you Crazy Cajun. Really glad to hear you checked out the site, hope you got past the exposed part. There’s pictures… and, well, the videos are coming. Promise. But I know you like poetry, too. Right? So, something to help you pass the time up in those Arkansas woods. You’re the best, Sonny.
Later gator,
Christopher