Don’t Wait for Retirement to Write That Book, with Chris Shirley, Award-Winning Fiction Writer

Do you want to write a book, either now or in retirement? Rather than put off his writing dreams until retirement, Chris embraced the challenges through courses, mentorship, community, and self-education. He went on to write a debut novel and is working on his third book. 

Chris’s story offers inspiration, empathy, and encouragement for anyone who dreams of writing but doesn’t know where to start.

About the guest:

Chris Shirley writes contemporary fiction that blends emotional depth with high-stakes storytelling. His debut novel, Playing by the Book (Magnus Books), won a National IPPY Award in religious fiction, becoming the first LGBTQ coming-out novel to receive that distinction. His current novel, Bloody Hell, is an upmarket thriller set in the world of global pharmaceuticals. Before turning to fiction full-time, Chris Shirley led executive communications teams at three Fortune 500 companies—experience that informs the corporate realism of his work.

Links:

About Chris Shirley: https://www.schrisshirley.com/ 

Chris’ recommendations for books on writing: https://www.schrisshirley.com/books-on-writing 

The Writer’s Institute, CUNY: https://www.gc.cuny.edu/writers-institute