Blog #153; Give Aways for REDEMPTION: STORIES, a compact collection of ground-breaking fiction from Chris McClelland

 For a limited time, June 1-3, a free giveaway of my latest collection of stories will be available to be read without charge.  Recently, my most popular novel thusfar had a giveaway that surpassed all previous ones.  Now, see my most recent stories and enjoy the tales of competitive swimming and other stories with military themes.  Later this year, I will release a novel called CONTRITION about the life and times of a unique Mormon serviceman.  Be sure not to miss these fiction books of mine in the near future as they continue to grow in popularity!!

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In honor of the veterans who have sacrificed for our country, I am offering free copies of the war novel, IN LOVE AND WAR during Memorial Day Weekend. This is by far my most popular book and is a favorite of my fans.

 In honor of the veterans who have sacrificed for our country, I am offering free copies of the war novel, IN LOVE AND WAR during Memorial Day Weekend.  This is by far my most popular book and is a favorite of my fans.

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Blog #152; Some Random Thoughts on Religion

 Shortly after I came out here to Utah, I began a process that led to my converting to the LDS (Mormon) faith.  It was a gradual experience rather than an intellectual exercise.  From speaking to neighbors, my bishop, missionaries, I slowly absorbed the faith and mindset of the Mormon faith.  It is hard for me to put into words.  For one, Mormons are less rigid in ways that aren't important to me, but more strict when it comes to following Christ to the best of your ability.  Mormons (as I understand it) do not insist on conversion per se, but rather are convinced that given enough time in the afterlife, most everyone will convert.

Blog #151; I'm going to Disney World!

 What do you think of when you hear the words "central Florida" or more specifically, "Orlando"?  These are synonymous with Disney World.  The vacation capital of the world.  And how could it not be, with "It's a Small World"? and Epcot?  It is where people go to feel good about being a part of a small world.

We are all in it together, whether we like it or not, and lately, it seems like the world gets more and more crowded.  But at the same time, we are closer together and in communication.  I live on the far side of the country from my parents, and yet I still find time to talk to them just about every single day.  Like the old commercial used to say, "I am just a phone call away."  Ironically, I am the closest I have ever been emotionally to my parents.  Pretty amazing.

Blog #150; Keep the Hope Alive

 There is nothing quite so heart-breaking as an ambitious person who has lost hope.  I think of Scott Fitzgerald, and how he was treated at the end by the literary community, and how that must have affected him.  He was one of his generation's best writers and yet today he is only known as the author of THE GREAT GATSBY, a high honor, to be sure, but he was so much more.  An outstanding short story writer, an excellent author of many novels, not just GATSBY, a genius with the English language.  I wish he could have kept his hope and belief in himself alive, because I wonder if he ever did?  His is a cautionary tale, not to compare yourself with others in a way that short changes you.

Blog #149; Performance

 I was thinking today about a dramatic theatrical performance of Cyrano that I attended years ago in Orlando.  The main actor was intense and mesmerizing and I was sure that something vital was at stake in that performance.  The whole cast was acting their hearts out, but Cyrano was incandescent.  I believe the production was about to be shut down if they couldn't keep it alive with donations and good faith.  They passed around collection plates like beggars, sold overpriced apples, anything.  That was the most moving dramatic performance I had ever seen.

Blog #148; On My 60th Birthday

 Exactly sixty years ago today, I was born.  Kind of hard to believe I am this old, because I never thought when I was younger that I would survive to this age.  But like my wife likes to remind me, "It beats the alternative."  Or as my friend the nonagenarian Wid used to say, "At least I am still vertical".  Sixty!  I never thought I would make it this far because a lot of my adult life I was doing very self-destructive things.  Smoking like a chimney.  Drinking like a proverbial fish in college.  Eating junk food like no tomorrow.  But I treasure life too much now.  My family.  My activities and the things I love to do!  Swimming.  Going to the airport and watching planes.  Playing video games with my son Liam.  Sleeping in with my wife.  Life is so beautiful, and precious and I pray I get a lot more time on this planet.

I had many friends now who have met untimely deaths.  A musician named Mike.  A counselor named Ron.  A writer and poet named Philip.  A writer named Joe David.  So many good friends who are no longer with me.  But in my belief system, I am sure I will see them all again.

To celebrate my birthday, I am making a book available for free this week.

Be well!

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