My name is Chris Jones. Here is one of the few photographs of me that does not make me look like a complete nerd. Just a nerd, but not a complete nerd.

I like writing dystopian and post-apocalyptic fiction and am currently taking classes online from Southern New Hampshire University in the Master of Arts in English and Creative Writing program. I hope to gain admission to SNHU’s Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing with an emphasis in Speculative Fiction after my next term is complete. I am taking my first two terms in the MA program to establish myself with the university and get my feet under me as far as their grading rubrics are concerned. I have not dealt with grading rubrics before, and I am nearing the end of my first term with SNHU. So far, so good. I have a grade of 99.5%—a solid A—that I am determined to keep and demonstrate again during my second term in my current program.

So, here is a little bit of background on me. I was Valedictorian of my high school class in rural Montana, served in the United States Armed Forces for three and a half years overseas, ended up becoming a 100% Service-Connected (Permanently and Totally) Disabled Veteran as a result, and then spent 16 years in higher education attempting to become an M.D. That did not work out, however, and I am now changing my focus to something I have always done and done well—writing. I have written for all these years and never realized that I could possibly make it into the kind of side-gig or possibly even a career that I seek for purpose in my life. I am turning 40 this year and starting over . . . again. That is okay, though. Life is a journey. I will be well-informed by the time it ends! I currently have two Bachelor of Science degrees, one in Biology and one in Psychology, and a Master of Science degree in Psychology. My goal now is to earn my Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing degree with a certification in either professional writing or online teaching. I have not decided for sure which I should go for, yet.

My main source of stress relief is rock climbing. Yes, I know. It seems unlikely, but it is the only thing that gets my mind in the moment besides writing. I find it to be quite calming. I have a climbing blog at http://www.climbing4therestofus.com if you want to check it out. There, you will find a variety of climbing-related writings from the last few years.

This pandemic has been rough on everyone. I have been going nuts because I have not been able to climb regularly (or at all) for months. Social distancing, isolation, and lack of contact all around have left me in sore shape. I know everybody is suffering in one way or another. This blog is going to be a variety of things for different people. For some, it will be something to laugh about. That is good. I like humor. For others, including me, it could be a way to vent and rant and rave about the injustices of politics, religion, and the government. Just warning you. I have my days, more often than not at present. Whatever it happens to be that you read on my blog, though, keep in mind that I am a human being, just like you are. I have good days, bad days, and ugly days, and that may well be reflected in my writing. I ask you permission, your pardon, and your patience as we get through this COVID-19 crisis and every other aspect of life together. The key word there is together. Welcome to my blog!