My name is Chris Jennings Penders. I use C. Jennings Penders as my pen name. I’ve been writing since I was in middle school. Typically, Science fiction and fantasy. As I grew up in high school as with many in high school, life became a little more challenging and my writing took a turn to dark fantasy.

It was my way of working through what was happening in my life at the time. I figured it was better to find a creative outlet instead of what some of my fellow classmates chose. Drinking and drugging to mask what was happening is never a good thing. Destructive behavior is never a way to cope.

For ten years, starting in 2010 I blogged about spirituality and Law of Attraction. No longer feeling distressed as I had moved on, I wanted to let people know there was another way. That blog turned into one of my 2018 books called:

Taking Off a Coat. That book details my worldview on death and dying. A dark topic? You say. Maybe but I recommend reading the book. I think you’ll come away feeling enlightened.

Arrivals and Departures is my most recent book and it takes place on Block Island, my favorite place. The book is tied together with recurring characters and place. It’s my way around the issue I have with following one story line through an entire book. Two stories have direct sequels.

Being creative helped me get through that rough time in my life. I’ve always had a creative bent. I’m also a professional photographer and I’ve sold my prints across the country.  

Writing in my early youth helped improve my skills to the point where I’ve seen three books published. I’m currently writing a fourth, a sequel to my latest book, Arrivals and Departures.

I believe we all have a gift we are given upon birth, and it is our responsibility to discover that gift and use it to our advantage. Too many of us ignore this and people wake up one day and say:

Shoulda

Woulda

Coulda

I was not good to be one of those people. Through adversity from many people in my life I persevered. People said you can’t make a living doing that. Well, I’m not making a living writing, but I am still in the book business working at my local public library. I’m always surrounded by books whether my own or books that I read.

Life is good because I followed my bliss.   

What is your book all about?

Arrivals and Departures is collection of seven stories that take place on Block Island. Each story has recurring characters as a way to tie the stories together. There is a spiritual aspect to each story as well.

What inspired you to write the book?

Block Island has always been my favorite place. I visit every year.  That’s what inspired me to write this book. Due to the Covid 19 outbreak I did not get to Bock Island this year. By writing about it, it gave me the virtual opportunity to visit when I’m writing.

What is your target audience for the book?

My audience for Arrivals and Departures is fellow Block Island lovers, people who enjoy travel fiction, and anyone who doesn’t want to be bogged down by one linear story.

What do you hope readers could get out from your book?

Anyone who close enough to Block Island who hasn’t visited, I hope will get a flavor for the island and perhaps fall in love with it just as I did.

What are your future goals/plans for the book?

I’m writing a second book in this Block Island series. The next book is going to be more linear, following one storyline throughout each of the stories in the next book. I’m considering making this a series of four or five books.

And something more about yourself

I’ve been writing since grammar school, but it’s not the only creative outlet I have. I’m also a photographer having sold my photos locally as well as throughout the country.

Where are your books available?

You can purchase all three of my books at my website “books” page.