Chris McClelland, Author

  I am a fiction writer, and have been for over thirty years, and a member of the LDS church.  I think for any writer striving to create a work of ethical relevance, the beliefs of Joseph Smith, Jr., founder of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints and its first Latter Day Prophet, are significant.   “If there is anything virtuous, lovely, or of good report or praiseworthy, we seek after these things.” –Joseph Smith Jr.  But this quote is not just for Mormons; I believe any writer or artist of any kind can learn from this 13 th   Article of the LDS faith.  I often ask myself if my fiction writing is virtuous, lovely, of good report or praiseworthy, and if the answer is no, I know I have some work to do.   Many Mormon fiction writers use this particular quote for guidance, and the doctrines of the LDS Church, but wrongly assume that this limits them as creators to produce exclusively Young Adult novels or books.  Surely, a mature LDS person is interested in reading the same wo

  Hello, all: Welcome to a rare treat.  In addition to the giveaway of UNDER OLD GLORY, we are furnishing on this blog a sneak peek of the novel, and a particular character who plays a profound role in the narrative.  As you read this excerpt, keep in mind it is happening four years after the battle, and Hyrum has been facing his demons all that time.  Also, while reading, feel free to ask me any questions you may have, especially around the supernatural elements of the story.     A Mysterious Stranger               After their wedding, Bill and Sariah left on a year-long honeymoon across the West and the United States.   Bill would do some barnstorming work and take people on joy rides to spread news of the wonders of aviation.   They would live a nomadic life, and be free.  The day they left the little airstrip in Provo and took off in the Jenny, Hyrum followed the plane with his eyes as it slipped upward into the clouds.             “There they go,” said Leigh.             “It’s goi

We creative writers especially, rely on our government to encourage and enforce the spirit of the Constitution, which provides for, within a modicum of reason, the freedom of expression, including the freedom of the press.  A book or film might be disagreeable to my point of view, but I will defend to the death, if necessary. your right to express yourself freely. Does this allow for irresponsible journalism, the so-called fake news?  If fake news is used for satire or to point out the flaws of those in power, probably not.  If misleading news is meant to distract the public from the truth, from either side of the political spectrum, then we have a big problem in this country. To remind you of the kind of sacrifices our forebears made so that we could stand at this juncture in history, re-visit my UNDER OLD GLORY, if you already have it.  If you don't have it, get your copy for FREE from Jan. 14 thru 16. Click here

  Most artists, and fiction writers included, have a vested interest in the freedom of expression guaranteed by our constitution.  Without this freedom, discourse on matters of the day, and more perennial matters, would be constrained and this would allow tyranny to gain a foothold, regardless of the intentions of the government. We value free discourse because we see we can arrive at truths otherwise not accessible.  Do you agree?  Should we ban speakers from college campuses, regardless of their political stripe?   Perhaps the "fighting words" and "rabble rousing" limitations may have to come into effect, but otherwise, why can't calm rational people from differing points of view come together to hash out those differences? My brother, when he was at law school, taught me about the best way to win an argument: find the values that you and the other side have in common and build from there.  Find ways to appeal to shared values and ideals.  Work towards them. 

  Hope everyone had a good time ringing in the new year.  At the McClelland household, things were pretty quiet.  And this time of year seems to be the time to reflect, and to look ahead.  More often than I'd like to admit, I worry about the amount of books I sell or give away, and worry about what other writers think of me.  I worry about what YOU think.  About my books.  About me. As some of you may know, a while ago now I converted to the LDS (Mormon) faith, and a big part of that faith is using the gifts and talents we have been given for the greater glory of God and above all to make the most of our talents.  I have striven for over 30 years to do that with my writing, and I want to focus more on that in the coming year.  I want God to be pleased with me, and I want him to be pleased with the work I create because he has bestowed upon me these gifts or talents.  We all have them.  I remember one time, at a writing gathering, many of the people there were either graduates of, o