We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Chris Bannor a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Chris , thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Can you open up about a risk you’ve taken – what it was like taking that risk, why you took the risk and how it turned out?

As artists, we put ourselves out there every time we show our work to someone. I had wanted to be a writer for most of my life, but I was always afraid I wasn’t good enough. I didn’t know enough. I didn’t have enough experience. So, when I started writing later in life, I still struggled with those same questions. I took small steps, working into short fiction and writing in anthologies with small book publishers. This was an amazing way for me to grow as a writer and hone my skills in the non-creative aspects of the writing business. The biggest risk I took though was when I decided to start publishing with Kindle Vella. I couldn’t hide behind the name of the publisher or the other authors that had made the anthologies. My success as a writer was entirely dependent on what I wrote, and how I put myself out there. It was incredibly nerve=wrecking and I agonized over whether it was the right time, or if I had the right story for it. In the end though, putting my work out there, with just my name, has made all the difference for me. It’s changed my way of looking at my work, and myself as a creative business.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

Storytelling has always been a part of my life. I can remember sitting with my family and being absolutely fascinated as my mother and grandfather told stories. They weren’t tales of far lands and dangerous beasts. They didn’t dream up ships to fly across the galaxy or worlds with seven moons. They told stories about life and family. And I could never get enough. As I grew older I became a storyteller too. My stories do take off to the stars and fall into magic portals. They cross deserts on great ships and fly in air balloons to strange destinations. That’s what I do and what I am. But my stories are rooted in that love of life that my mother shared, in the people that make our lives worth living.
It is as simple and as complicated as that. I write stories about realistic characters in fantastical settings making the world go round.

Looking back, are there any resources you wish you knew about earlier in your creative journey?

I remember trying to figure out how to break into the writing world when I was younger and being afraid to ask other writers. If there was one thing I wish new writers understood it is that the writing community is extrememly encouraging and helpful. I have been embraced by the writing community in San Diego and in communities I’ve found online. For every question I have, I find that tossing it out there to other writers will bring me a wealth of information, experiences, and sympathy for whatever stumbling block, insecurity, or obstacle I face.

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

The most rewarding aspect of being an author for me is hitting that publish button! Don’t get me wrong. I love the feedback from my readers and I love connecting about character and story. I love being in a community with other writers and sharing our bad days and our triumphs. But for me I still get that thrill each time I finish a project and know that I’ve put something out into the world.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.chrisbannor.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chrisbannor/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/chrisbannorauthor
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/BannorChris