by Christopher Ryan

I keep thinking of a line from a cult classic movie as I watch updates on the long-delayed return of astronauts Butch and Suni (Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams) to our shores after nine months in space.

Just think for a second how much has changed during those nine months. What will they find when they land? A country where either or both could be looked at as DEI hires instead of heroes. A country where things cost more and their investment portfolios are worth less, where education is weaker, the prospect of not having Social Security, Medicaid, or Medicare so billionaires can get a bigger tax break. Where the country they call home is called an enemy by our allies, and openly mocked around the globe. Where a Gulf has been renamed, and our country is mumbling about wanting to take over entire countries.

So much of our culture has been upended, that movie line might be the most logical thing for Butch and Suni to cry out:

“You maniacs! You blew it up! Ah, damn you! God damn you all to hell!”

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Hi, I’m Christopher Ryan, a hybrid author with forty years of experience in journalism, education, sketch comedy, indie film, unions, community service, parenting, public speaking, acting, fiction writing, and podcasting. I’ve experienced a modicum of success in all of these, but I’m pushing to be more, to become one of the oldest breakout authors in the business. Together, let’s see whether I can get there.

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NEWS:

An essay I’ve written on a famous character created by an absolute legend has been accepted and complimented. For an ancient emerging writer that feels great. Expect it out around June. I can’t say more right now — and love that I am starting to climb up to that level in the industry. LOL, what silly things we use to keep us going as creatives!

OTHER NEWS:

After re-airing a couple of classic episodes following our 350th episode, Alex Simmons and I are back with new discussions on our podcast/YouTube show Tell The Damn Story. Episode #354, featuring long time friend for the show, great Ohioan, writer, and publisher Jim Beard joining us going deep on all things procrastination.

Here’s the link:

OTHER OTHER NEWS:

Promotion continues for my crime novelette Mallory and Gunner RIVALS from my own publishing imprint, Seamus and Nunzio Productions.

This time around, the NYPD detectives are just trying to enjoy a night out with friends at the game, but crime finds them in a most painful way. Now they have the last few innings to sort through over 50,000 fans and find the culprit before the games end and their would-be killer goes free amid the exiting crowd. Twists, turns, some humor and lots of drama, all in a one-sit read.

Here’s the link: https://a.co/d/3bc7V4T

UPDATED NEWS:

My debut as a published poet happens on March 31st from Alien Buddha Press. It’s Been a Privilege is a horror story told in verse. Here’s advanced praise from award-winning author Teel James Glenn:

NEW NEWS:

This week I’ve been editing Sherlock Holmes and the Hands of Othello by award-winning author, longtime friend, and podcast partner Alex Simmons. The play has been published once before, as part of the anthology Black Thunder where it was featured alongside August Wilson and others. However, I always thought it deserved a chance to stand on its own so Seamus and Nunzio Productions will be putting that out in May.

In signature Alex Simmons fashion, the play starts off with intrigue and builds throughout. Simmons not only captures Holmes in all his cerebral grandeur, but he takes the sleuth into new territory as the case deals with racism. An intriguing read that deserves renewed attention and a new production.

CURRENT OBSESSIONS:

MUSIC:

I was listening to some political podcast (yes, I need a twelve-step program) and the guest was asked what he was listening to lately and he recommended a performance by The Last Dinner Party on the Brit Awards of their hit “Nothing Matters”. I was pretty obsessed with that song last year and immediately viewed the clip. They perform it even better now.

Here’s the clip:

And, like so many others, I am still obsessed with two German bands joining up for a genuinely cool version of “Tom’s Diner” to the point of even watching reaction videos of others watching this video.

Here’s the original clip:

TV:

My wife Glorious and I finally watched Paradise on Hulu. Twists and turns and great performances. Recommended.

BOOKS:

I’m going through one of those periods when I’m reading a whole bunch of things because nothing is really grabbing me. Hopefully, a book will emerge from the pack by next week.

FREAK OUT

I will admit that these days I am constantly battling to stay away from the news because 1) the things our government are doing are outlandish and seem designed to ruin the country I love, and 2) it is too easy to go down a rabbit hole of politics on TV, social media, or news outlets. I have a means to express what I am experiencing and that will be announced soon.

Meanwhile, I keep quietly freaking out that history is once again way too much like my allegedly far-fetched near apocalypse thriller A Simple Rebellion.

Here’s a link to that:

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Thanks for coming by. Talk atcha soon.