Chris Whitaker didn’t come to writing the usual way. His path began with a series of harrowing experiences in young adulthood that left him searching for tools to process trauma and find peace. As a boy, he’d found comfort in libraries, and it was there he discovered a book on writing-as-therapy that encouraged him to fictionalize his pain and set stories in places of joy. Writing became a lifeline—and the foundation for the emotionally rich characters that define his work.

Chris’ personal story deeply informs his bestselling novels, including We Begin at the End and our July JHBC selection, All the Colors of the Dark, resonating with readers worldwide through their authenticity and heart.

Join us as we explore his remarkable journey—from pain to page—and the healing power of storytelling.

Thought-provoking Quotes:

“I didn't set out to write such a sprawling, massive book. I had a simple, top line pitch and then I began writing it and it evolved into like this just epic book.” – Chris Whitaker

“I thought the book's probably not going to fit neatly into a genre because life never does, you know? There might be a crime in it, but it's the least interesting thing in the book. It's going to probably be a coming of age story, definitely a story of friendship, definitely a look at family and first love and, and pirates and beekeepers as well. Obviously.” – Chris Whitaker

“I wanted everything to lead somewhere. Everything that you think is a throwaway in the story, every line that seems like it doesn't quite fit, it leads somewhere. The entire story is a network that is leading you towards the answer.” – Chris Whitaker

Resources Mentioned in This Episode:

Jen’s post about reading All The Colors of the Dark while on a ski trip – http://bit.ly/4kVA5qt

We Begin at the End by Chris Whitaker - https://amzn.to/4lrONFL

Amy Einhorn, Editor - https://www.publishersweekly.com/pw/by-topic/industry-news/people/article/93078-amy-einhorn-named-fiction-publisher-at-crown.html 

The Last Child: A Novel by John Hart - https://amzn.to/4nyXcsT

Nita Prose, author - https://www.nitaprose.com/

Tall Oaks by Chris Whitaker - https://amzn.to/40dYSOc

A Prayer for Owen Meany: A Novel by John Irving - https://amzn.to/4kb8UH9

Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow: A Novel by Gabrielled Zevin

Guest’s Links:

Website - https://sites.prh.com/chriswhitaker

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/chriswhitakerauthor/

Twitter - https://x.com/whittyauthor

Connect with Jen!Jen’s Website - https://jenhatmaker.com/

Jen’s Instagram - https://instagram.com/jenhatmakerJen’s Twitter - https://twitter.com/jenHatmaker/

Jen’s Facebook - https://facebook.com/jenhatmakerJen’s YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/user/JenHatmaker

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