Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I grew up in the Appalachian Mountains of Virginia. Though I’ve moved a few times and had the good fortune to live in several states, I always return to the Mountains. Nowadays I travel and visit new places as often as I can, but I love knowing that I can come “home.” I travel internationally whenever possible, and (as a Spanish teacher) I hope to see every Spanish-speaking country within the next 10-15 years (I’ve seen five so far).
I have written four books and have several more in the works. Dive Into Spanish was my first book (I wrote it in high school) and is a short self-taught Spanish course. Command Line BASIC is for hobbyists and others interested in learning to program in BASIC line by line (ideal for nerds like me). Mikao’s Journey: The Story of Reiki is a kid’s book that tells the fascinating story of Reiki’s discovery by Mikao Usui. Mastering Peace is a guide for finding (and keeping) inner peace.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My most recent book is called “Mikao’s Journey: The Story of Reiki.” As a Reiki master I really enjoy using Reiki and sharing it with others. There are thousands of Reiki books and resources for adults…but when I searched I couldn’t find very many “kid-friendly” Reiki books. So I wrote one that introduces kiddos to the wonderful energy that is Reiki and the person who discovered it, Mikao Usui.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Most of the time I like to write in bed and do best after 10 pm. When I can I also like to write in coffee shops or cafes — the ambiance always gets my creative energy flowing.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
There are so many more influential authors and books in my life than I could possibly name. J.K. Rowling (of course) showed me what’s possible to accomplish in book-form in a way that no other author had. If you’ve read the Harry Potter series, you know exactly what I’m talking about. C.S. Lewis’ Narnia books, which I later read, similarly impacted me. Others such as Bridge to Terabithia and A Wrinkle in Time were also formational. As I grew older I developed an interest in dystopian fiction (and “banned books” in general) such as Fahrenheit 451 (and more by Bradbury), The Handmaid’s Tale, 1984, and others. I see part of my responsibility as a writer as “telling the whole truth” as the authors of these books have done. The stakes are too high for anything less.
What are you working on now?
I am writing a short book for people in academia (PhD students/postdoctoral fellows/ABDs) who want to transition out of academia and into K-12 education. There’s such a need for public school teachers in this country and there are far fewer academic positions available than there are people to fill them. I transitioned from a PhD program to teaching in a public school, so I know firsthand what “to” and “not to” do to make the process go smoothly.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I have always done better with in-person promotions (approaching bookstores, event organizers, etc.).
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Don’t worry about perfection. Of the newspaper articles, magazine stories, and books that I have published…I can’t think of a single one that I didn’t look back on and say “wow I wish I could change xyz” or “I wish I had written abc instead.” There is no absolute perfection in writing or in life as we know it. If perfection is the goal, you’ll never finish or publish anything. Learn to see the beauty in imperfections.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Anne Lamott’s writing is full of wise advice. Her take on the importance of “shitty first drafts” has helped me and countless others embrace the writing-revision process. Yet her best advice to me (also found in the same book, “Bird by Bird,” and written much more eloquently by her than by me) is to write what I know and to write authentically. Sometimes young writers just need permission to be themselves.
What are you reading now?
I am reading Summer Sisters by Judy Blume, the Edge of the Sea by Rachel Carson, and Self-Inflicted Wounds by Aisha Tyler. I can’t read just one book at a time.
What’s next for you as a writer?
I am working on my first novel. I usually stick to non-fiction, so this is a new and exciting challenge for me! The book involves a shipwreck, a handful of crazy scientists, and lots of awkward situations.
If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho (to remind me that there’s a reason for this journey), some sort of field guide (to help me identify edible plants), and whatever Thich Nhat Hanh book was handy (to keep me centered).
Author Websites and Profiles
Chris Anama-Green Website
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