About the Author
CHRISTOPHER & SHADOW
A Writer & His Dog
With a broad area of interests, Christopher loves to capture the most important parts of this world through the eyes of a writer; and with Shadow his black Labrador retriever by his side, life just got a whole lot more slobbery.
Whether it's leading international writing camps or writing snarky opinion pieces about useless politicians, the pair aim to do it all with a sense of fun, love, and joy. Join them as they navigate the world of writing with a wagging tail and a mision to write something that's worth reading.
My Own Epic Story
I've always loved writing and telling stories. I've wanted to write books and be an author ever since I can remember.
Growing up across the cities and farmland of South Africa, I was always inspired and enthralled by the landscape and scenery. Following my immigration to southeastern Australia, I wrote my first "proper" story (which I intended to publish) when I was eight, and I still haven't finished it. I took English as a subject in high school, and throughout my education years, despite finding other interests I always returned to writing.
I joined Virtual Epic Patriot Camp 2022 having no knowledge or experience in American history. This guidance and mentorship under Jenny L. Cote and Libby McNamee was the turning point for my writing life. Waking up at 4am in the winter each Thursday to collaborate with twenty-five other writers (all based in America) became a highlight of each week, and Epic Patriot Press published The Epic Story of 1776 in September of that year.
I eagerly returned for Virtual Epic Patriot Camp 2023. My curious obsession with flooring companies led me to becoming "CEO of Next Steps" for heading up the marketing and proofing efforts for publishing The Epic Story of 1777-79, which released September 2023. This new position saw me launch my first author website, newsletter, and blog.
Latest Projects
Two years later I hosted Virtual Epic Patriot Camp 2025: INDEPENDENCE alongside my author friend and previous camper Ella Quill. Unlike the previous two camps, EPC 2025 was an opportunity exclusively for camper alumni to return and complete the American Revolution trilogy. Spanning six weeks, the course allowed for the writers to showcase their skills and maturity by writing and publishing the third and final book: The Epic Story of 1780-1783.
I am now exploring journalism, commentary, and modern-day history for my blog and newsletter while working on independent projects of my own.
“So that you would not be forgotten, as soon as you are dead and rotten; either write things worth reading, or do things worth the writing.”
BENJAMIN FRANKLIN
Christopher’s Writing Desk
Notebook
Full of nonsense and old ideas that aren't helpful.
Books
Supposedly for reference, but currently just clutter.
Reliable Pen
Always there... except when it's needed most.
Snacks
Preferably a muffin, but anything tasty will do.
Extra Notes
Reminders that'll probably be forgotten for weeks.
Tennis Ball
Hidden diligently from Shadow's seeking nose.
Laptop
Typing new ideas onto a fresh, new document.
Hot Chocolate
...Or water; whichever will compliment the muffin.
Meet Shadow
A young and spritely black Labrador retriever who keeps Christopher company and provides him with an endless source of entertainment, love, slobber, and inspiration.
Following her first appearance as a British spy alongside fictional magpie Nimbus in chapters of The Epic Story of 1776, Shadow's legacy continued through the series. Christopher says that, while she's camera shy, she adores all the attention she receives.
Full of fun, Shadow also loves outdoor adventures ("walk" is a forbidden word in the Watt household—say it, and chaos will ensue!), food of any kind, belly rubs, and attention. Also stolen shoes.
THE MONTH'S DIGEST
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