Story & Lesson Highlights with Chris Widdop of Tallahassee

Chris Widdop shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.

Hi Chris, thank you so much for joining us today. We’re thrilled to learn more about your journey, values and what you are currently working on. Let’s start with an ice breaker: What is something outside of work that is bringing you joy lately?
The J-pop/metal band Babymetal has brought me lots of joy lately. They’ve helped fill a void in my life, and have acted as a source of creative inspiration behind a number of my most recent projects.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Chris Widdop, and I am the author of the Velcro the Ninja Kat series. After coming off a few years hiatus, I have recently returned with new projects, including the fandom-based memoir Down the Fox Hole, and the children’s illustrated chapter book, Ninja Kitties.

Thanks for sharing that. Would love to go back in time and hear about how your past might have impacted who you are today. Who were you before the world told you who you had to be?
Before I ever put my thoughts into action, I was a dreamer. When I was younger, I always dreamed of doing the things that I’m doing today, and I believe that life put me on this journey to tell my stories and share them with the world to help shape things in a positive light.

What fear has held you back the most in your life?
Fears brought on by my mental illnesses. But after years of hard work through various forms of therapy, I’ve reached a place where I have learned how to not allow those fears to control my life, so that now I can return to working towards my creative aspirations again, and hopefully inspire others to conquer their own fears in turn.

Next, maybe we can discuss some of your foundational philosophies and views? What’s a belief or project you’re committed to, no matter how long it takes?
I am presently working on a project to help out those who have dealt with the sorts of debilitating mental illnesses as I have. This project is very personal to me, and it’s the sort of thing that I feel could have served as help and inspiration to my own self when I was struggling the most. I want to help those who are struggling get to a better place like I’ve been able to do.

Okay, we’ve made it essentially to the end. One last question before you go. If you laid down your name, role, and possessions—what would remain?
The work that I’ve crafted and put out already. I hope that work leaves a lasting impression, and affects the world in a positive way. I recently ran into a fan who told me that reading my work inspired her to begin her own writing journey, and that’s the sort of positive effect that I would love to leave behind.

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Image Credits
Chris Widdop

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