You will find peace of mind

If you look way down in your heart and soul

I don’t hesitate ‘cause the world seems cold

Stay young at heart ‘cause you’re never old at heart

-Earth, Wind & Fire

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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, podcasting, but most often writing fiction, poetry, and pop culture essays. Now I’m working to discover what more I can achieve and share with the world, and whether an older author can find a place in the storytelling business. Together, let’s see if I can get there.

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NEWSish Stuff

Upcoming live events

• Thrills and Chills Book Fair, Middletown, NY, July 12, 2026

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Work commences on the next Soul Scream Antholozine

Summer’s almost here and that means Soul Scream Antholozine #8 is coming. Lots of new writers and some old friends deliver thrills, chills, and a few smiles. Gateway horror, author interviews, a few panels, and more are all on the way this July.

We might even do a cover reveal in next week’s newsletter. Stay tuned.

Meanwhile, here’s a hint about something else that is coming soon:

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This week’s Tell The Damn Story focuses on conquering Impostor Syndrome at StokerCon!

After episodes where we explored the struggles I was having with impostor syndrome and how it was endangering my attending StokerCon in Pittsburgh, and then the last episode, where we chronicled what was giving me hope, finally we get to show what happened when I faced down perhaps an author’s greatest nemesis – impostor syndrome. Lots of fun, pics, video interviews, clips from panels, and other positive aspects of getting out there and participating.

Here’s the link:

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ON WRITING: There is no overwhelmed, just a need for strict scheduling opportunities

So I came back from StokerCon feeling more confident and ready to tear through my WIP…only to discover I have not one, not two, but five WIPs currently cooking, all at the same time.

This can happen to the best of us, and can easily lead to feeling overwhelmed and unable to move forward on any of them. What can an ambitious but swamped writer do?

Try scheduling. I know it sounds obvious but sometimes we need to remind ourselves of the obvious to get ourselves moving.

First thing to consider is deadlines. What is due first, second, etc.? If you have a deadline breathing down your neck, focus on that one exclusively, get it down and out, then move to the next deadline, of course.

But if you are your own boss and you did this to yourself, it might be time for a meeting. Call yourself in your office and ask yourself:

Publisher me: What the hell were you thinking?

Writer me: I was thinking of being creative for you, ya ungrateful bastard.

Publisher me: No need to take that tone, I appreciate your efforts—

Writer me: Then why am I in a meeting when I could be writing?

Publisher me: Um, to commend you on all your ideas and ask you how you plan to get all these great projects done.

Writer me: Damn, didn’t think you’d turn the tables back on me so easily.

Publisher me: Just one of the many skills you need to develop in this job. Just like you need to—

Writer me: Get writing. Got it boss.

Publisher me is never as helpful to writer me as he thinks he is. Which leaves me to fend for myself with scheduling. I am finding that these days, early in the morning is the most productive, so my most demanding work is scheduled then, followed by a second session after Glorious goes to work, and editing when the creative energies are lower. Not trying to denigrate the creativity needed for editing, I just find I can meet those needs later in the day while writing original stuff doesn’t tend to happen in the afternoon or evening.

That’s what works for me. To find what works for you, get a planner or even a blank piece of paper, write the times when you can write (whether it be a full at a desk writing session or typing into your phone on your commute to and from work) and test what works best at the times available to you. The idea is to create an achievable schedule not a Herculean task that temps failure.

Schedule toward success and you’ll keep moving forward.

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And now a look at a handsome fella

While writing this my head of security, Sonny Mehlman, keeps watch to make sure no one absconds with the author. Here’s his pattern of protection:

He always keeps an ear out for trouble…

…then there is the standard visual check…

…and at the first sign of trouble, he moves to close body work to keep me safe. Badass!

BONUS PIC – how I wrote this issue:

Isabella Crumple will not be denied.

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POP CULTURE FUEL

Books

Yes, it won the Pulitzer (reportedly the first time a horror novel has done so), and yes, that’s why I read it. And I am so grateful that I did. You should treat yourself to this incredible classic.

I followed up the Pultizer winner with an emerging writer’s triumph. I’ve been a John Collins fan for awhile and this short story collection rewards my faith. Great stories by a superb storyteller.

Music

This has been on my turntable since it arrived as a pre-order. A three-sided double album (perfectly Peter Gabriel), it chronicles a great concert during one of my favorite times to see him live.

TV

Knicks, baby.

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That’s the way of the world

Plant your flower and you grow a pearl

Child is born with a heart of gold

The way of the world makes his heart so cold…

-Earth,Wind & Fire

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Awright, thanks for stopping by. Talk atcha next week.