We were lucky to catch up with Christopharo recently and have shared our conversation below.
Christopharo, we are so appreciative of you taking the time to open up about the extremely important, albeit personal, topic of mental health. Can you talk to us about your journey and how you were able to overcome the challenges related to mental issues? For readers, please note this is not medical advice, we are not doctors, you should always consult professionals for advice and that this is merely one person sharing their story and experience.
Thank you for this opportunity to tell my story here. I can tell you that my life has certainly been an exciting journey. A journey that was literally to the other side of the world and back, as well as to the darkest corners of the subconsciousness. It’s a journey that’s been riddled with challenges. For the most part, my mental health challenges were something I considered to be an inconvenience. However, for my desire to be a writer, my mental health unfortunately is much more than an inconvenience. I never intended on becoming a self-published author, mostly because of mental health issues (for as much as I hate to admit it). So, originally I took on a much different path than writing (I’ll talk more on that later). I set my sights on becoming a visual artist. For over 20 years I was a professional Illustrator & Designer in the toy and entertainment industries and produced work for brands associated with companies such as NBCUniversal, MGA Entertainment, Van Group, Marvel Comics, and Starz Encore. Recently I decided to retire from hired Illustration so I could focus on some of my own projects, writing in particular. However, in spite of my love for writing, the thought of having my work published seems like such an intimidating thing. I like the comfort of my own little world. Plus promoting is something I’ve never really been that good at, so I’m trying to learn how to be more effective and I’m always open to suggestions.
Another reason I wasn’t looking to put my book into the public forum is because—it’s very public. To me the word public equals an unsavory chaos I generally try to avoid. I’m not suggesting I have animosity towards others, but the outside world can be a very daunting place for a person such as myself that’s neurodivergent. Many people don’t know what being neurodivergent is or the struggle one has being neurodivergent. For my perception, I can sum up what being neurodivergent by simply stating that my own mind works against me. Therefore, if I’m not careful, it can be alienating. I don’t want to be alienated. That’s why I made the choice to publish my book. I feel that an artist has the responsibility to share their work with the world. Since I myself have been touched by other people’s works of art and literature, I feel it would be an act of hypocrisy if I, too, didn’t share what I’ve created. It’s a beautiful thing connecting with others. I would be a coward if I let my fears get in the way of that now.
I think my biggest fear right now is that when I publish my book, Arcade Dawn this summer, no-one will see it. The idea of something I’ve worked on so hard and for so many years to go unacknowledged, that’s terrifying.
Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
Certainly, I’m an author and illustrator of fantasy stories that revolve around the human condition with themes of love, diversity, equality, mental illness, self-discovery, and empowerment. Like many others, Fantasy is a passion of mine. It’s no mystery why people gravitate to fantasy stories—the world can be a bleak and scary place. It can be very lonely as well and people have enough of their own complicated issues to deal with without turning on the news and seeing that it’s filled with even more depressing and scary stuff. As a result, so many people want an escape. So, if someone takes a chance on my work for their inner journey get-a-way, I want to make it worth their time. I feel that if I can inspire someone, that’s where the true magic is. I also like stories that feel like there is a whole history of things going on before the plot begins. So even if the main conflict had never started, the people and environment would still be intriguing. Those are the sort of things I strive to include in my stories. I also like to introduce topics or social commentaries and challenge people’s views about them.
I’ve experienced a great deal of challenges and hurdles myself. Writing is a deep passion of mine. Ever since I was a child, I loved hearing and telling stories. However, struggling with Dyslexia and ADHD made it difficult for me to read and write. It wasn’t until after I graduated high school, when personal computers became more accessible, that I began dabbling into writing. I found writing with a computer so much easier than an unforgiving typewriter. Spelling and grammar checkers were very helpful in assisting me to overcome my dyslexia. I began to have a passion to write. I had stories in my head that had to be told. That’s why much of my work revolves around passion and how it drives or consumes us. It’s what I relate to. Probably because I come from a family of crazy Italians and I’m a Pisces sign on the cusp of Aries.
My latest work is a story called Arcade Dawn and the Curse of Redgrave. What makes Arcade Dawn unique from other fantasy stories that are out right now is that it’s so much more than a typical coming-of-age love story. It revolves around a magical arcade and takes place in the 70s. It’s the kind of story where the leading lady (named Selene) is more the rescuer type than the rescuee. She, like the other main characters, are relatable and flawed, dealing with their own set of problems and social pressures. In addition to the character’s own personal conflicts, there’s an ominous threat of a supernatural apocalypse that escalates the story. The main characters are forced to learn deeper things about themselves and each other, as well as their place in the world around them when they encounter a new world of magic and mythical creatures.
Arcade Dawn is written for young adults, but I think older adults will enjoy it as well. It’s a nostalgic story that can help bridge the gap between parents and their young adult children as there’s plenty of good conversational topics each generation can share their viewpoints on, with each other.
So far, I’ve noticed people that are fans of Netflix’s Stranger Things and Ghostbusters: Afterlife, really enjoy Arcade Dawn and the Curse of Redgrave. But you can judge for yourself if you visit: www.ArcadeDawn.stream
Writing Arcade Dawn has been a labor of love. Throughout the course of writing it, so much has happened in my life. Now, four years and a baby later, I’m proudly embracing my roles as a father and an author. My novel, Arcade Dawn and the Curse of Redgrave is slated to be published this coming midfall.
I’m also excited to mention that I have a new audio and readable series that’s based on my novel. It will be featured as episodes that you can experience on my website. The first season will be featured for free, and it’s scheduled to debut this May of 2024! Just imagine, meeting the person of your dreams… but there was a fantaclysm that only you and your friends could stop. Would you choose love or what’s expected of you? To learn more, visit https://www.arcadedawn.stream
I’m also planning on creating a ‘choose your own adventure’ type of short story that people can experience. It’s written in the second person and people can comment, like, and share their experience with their friends. Imagine you are endowed with powerful magic and your heart was just broken by someone, should you curse them? Cast a love spell to get them back? Or help them stop an oncoming magical apocalypse? To learn more, sign-up at https://www.christopharo.stream
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
Three important things that have been instrumental on my journey in life have been my ability to adapt various situations, to deconstruct ideas and make them into something that makes better sense to me, and my ability to tap into an unlimited wealth of creative potential. My advice to those that are early in their creative journey is to follow your bliss. If you love what you’re doing, you’ll want to improve and you’ll find your own way. It doesn’t matter if you make money by doing what you love. But if money is important, then learn what you can about business and promoting yourself. Learn about your demographic and gear your efforts to that one direction.
How can folks who want to work with you connect?
As many are aware, it is very difficult to self-publish one’s first book. With that said, I’d like to reach out to other fellow authors looking to publish a book soon and invite them to join me on a book release campaign. Also, I’d like to reach out to any interested Podcasters and social media influencers that might be interested in helping create an awareness of my upcoming book release. You can always reach out to me at [email protected]
One of the things I enjoy about being an author and artist is connecting with people. Especially those in the fantasy and science fiction world. The wealth of kindred people from so many walks of life is always fascinating to me.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.christopharo.stream
- Other: https://www.ArcadeDawn.stream
Image Credits
Photograph of Christopharo by Samantha Villalobos
