Be warned: today I’m writing about a great ape. One who does a lot for authors around the world, and accepts payment only in virtual bananas.
~~~
If you love books – reading them or writing them — you may have visited the Story Reading Ape website. It’s a treasure trove of books, authors from around the world and the craft of writing and publishing.
But the ape, aka Chris Graham, writes almost nothing about himself.
We know he loves books (“I don’t so much read books as devour them”), that author Terry Pratchett is a literary hero, and not much else.
I count Chris as a friend. I should. It’s partly because of Chris that the first Myrtle the Purple Turtle book was published, despite my lack of confidence. (It went on to win media headlines, an award, much praise from critics and bestseller status, and Chris has rejoiced with me at each achievement.)
But I don’t know what Chris looks like. He claims his only photos are on his driver’s license and passport.
Some apes — erm… people — are so darned difficult!
When pushed, Chris admits to being a retired mechanical / electrical consultant engineer, whose work took him around the world.
He and his wife now live in Hereford Cathedral City, Herefordshire, England, “in a small one bedroom 3rd floor apartment with a view of trees, rooftops and four small carparks”. He has a daughter and a younger sister.
I had more questions.
Q: What led you to start the Story Reading Ape?
A: I’ve always been an avid reader. After years of lugging books around various parts of the world, in December 2012 I bought an eBook Reader (a Nook). On it was a free app for Goodreads.
There, I not only recorded as many of the books I could remember reading, I learned the how and why of book reviews and started doing them, on Barnes & Noble and Amazon, as well as Goodreads.
However, I was shocked to see so many authors pleading with Goodreads members, to help them promote their books.
These were a different breed to the traditionally published authors I was familiar with; these were self-published authors.
To help out, I started reading and reviewing self-published books and I found that many of the stories were just as entertaining and well written as traditional versions.
However, as well as reviews, there were pleas for people to promote books on blogs, so I researched the hows and popularity of blogs, leading me to start one in March 2013.
Instead of blogging my book reviews, I decided to feature and promote authors (as well as their books), plus build up writer resources to help them hone and enhance their writing and provide book marketing ideas.
Q: How does it feel to realize the impact you’ve had?
A: I don’t think I’ve made any particular impact. There are thousands of blogs who do what I do, much better and more professionally.
(Cynthia quietly scoffs at this piece of modesty. The blog has more than 15-thousand regular followers, and many more visitors from around the world. Numerous authors have been helped by its articles.)
Q: What are some of the most surprising things that have happened since you started it?
Having people regularly follow, read, like and share blog posts garnered together by a great ape 😃
Q: What’s changed about Indie writing-publishing since you started the site?
A: It has to be the increasing popularity of self publishing, instead of going through the agonies of trying to get traditionally published.
Q: How have you personally grown/changed as a result of the site?
A: I’ve learned (and continue to learn) a LOT about what is involved in writing stories, poems, blogging and book marketing. I’m also pleased with my own efforts in book cover design (which I no longer do, due to time constraints).
I even managed to publish a book of my Mum’s poetry (I made the cover as well).
Q: What is your life like outside the site?
A: I alternate between reading, researching articles for my blog’s author resources, developing skills in graphics and animation.
My wife makes sure I get plenty of exercise by taking me for walks (the area being confined to around the cathedral city of Hereford at present, due to the COVID-19 restrictions).
Q: And what are your hopes for yourself and the Story Reading Ape?
A: A long life, health and continued enjoyment blogging.
Thanks, Chris — you reluctant hero, you!
he’s great!
Many thanks, Beth, you have helped and supported me by calling over and following my blog almost from the start of my blogging journey 🤗🦍
I helped raise you )
YEP 👍🤗❤️🤗
Thanks for introducing me to a most literary ape.
🤗🦍
Nice interview Cynthia. I wondered about the man behind the blog. Chris sounds like a caring book and author enthusiast who helps many people. Kudos Chris.
Yes, you have that right, Brad. He’s a good egg.
Many thanks for your kind words, Brad 🦍
You’re welcome Chris.
First time I’ve encountered the literary ape, Cynthia. Thanks for the introduction. I’ll be joining his huge band of followers 😊
Many thanks for your interest, Sandra, and welcome to TSRA Community 🤗🦍
Fascinating, Cynthia. Thank you.
Thank you, Derrick 🦍
Reblogged this on Chris The Story Reading Ape's Blog and commented:
Many thanks to Cynthia for her patience (and perseverance) in gathering and posting this article 🦍
YOU are a STAR, Cynthia 🤗❤️❤️❤️🤗
If so, you helped bring about that outcome, Chris. Thank you.
❤️❤️❤️
Great interview, Cynthia and Chris. Lovely getting to know so much more about this great literary ape. All the best to you both 🙂
Chris does wonderful work, and I’m personally very grateful to him for his many kindnesses. Kevin
It’s my pleasure, Kevin – you inspire me.
Thank you, Chris. I am humbled by your comment. All the best, Kevin
A fitting tribute to the most helpful and caring person I have ever met on the internet!
Long may he continue to be a valuable part of our blogosphere!
Many thanks for your kind words, Jaye 🤗❤️🤗
Only the truth, Chris…
❤️
Great interview Cynthia! and many thanks Chris. Nice to get a glimpse of the man behind the great ape!
Many thanks for your kind words, Felicity 🤗❤️🤗
I’ve been wondering about the person behind the literary ape! Thank you for introducing him to us with a great interview.
Glad you enjoyed reading it, Liz 🤗❤️🤗
A lovely interview with Chris, Cynthia. He has a wealth of information on his blog. I love the writing tips especially. It was fun to learn a little about him. Thanks to you both. 🙂
Poor Cynthia had to almost duct tape me to my tree and pull my fangs to get this interview, Diana 🤗❤️🤗
Chris is a blessing to all of the writers and readers. After all, if he didn’t encourage us, what would readers have to read? ❤ you, Chris!
It’s my pleasure, Annette, and with supporters like you, my posts go far and wide 🤗❤️🤗🦍
Thanks for this heartwarming interview, Cynthia.
Glad you enjoyed it, Kim 🤗
What an amazing man this Literary Ape. So good to know more about him by way of your delightful interview. Chris: thank you for your many kindnesses.
It’s my pleasure, Diane 🤗❤️
Wonderful interview with Chris, Cynthia. Well-deserved shout-out for The Literary Ape! 🙂 xo
Glad you enjoyed reading it, Bette 🤗❤️
I appreciate all that Chris has done. Keeping this blog together takes a lot of time and effort, I am sure.
Much to my surprise he posted something from me!
I always look forward to these varied and interesting posts.
Thank you, Chris, and thank you, Cynthia, for some background info. It was delightful.
Cheers!
Of course I did, Ellen, it was (and still is) an interesting article – it’s at: https://thestoryreadingapeblog.com/2018/08/10/adding-a-video-to-your-books-amazon-sales-page-by-ellen-l-buikema/ 🤗❤️🤗
Wow, great interview. I love this guy’s curiosity and attitude. Thanks for bringing the blog to our attention!
Glad you enjoyed reading the article, Lisa 🤗
I love the interview and am convinced I am overdue to discover his site for myself.
You’ll always be welcome in the TSRA Community, Pat 👍😃
Thanks. I joined. 🙂
GREAT 👍😃
Thanks for the introduction, Cynthia. Chris sounds like an Ape/Angel. Will certainly check out his site. A lovely interview.
You may be on to something there, Paula. We can call him an angel ape, perhaps?
If you have food, you can call me anything, Cynthia 😂
Apes can be little devils, mischief-wise, Paula 🤗🦍
I’ve only been blogging for a little over a year, but not a day goes by when I’m not reading something valuable from Chris’s site. He has introduced me to some fabulous resources/bloggers that I knew nothing about. As a long time teacher, I had my share of students who preferred to fly under the radar. I’m pretty sure Chris fits that profile. Thanks for diving in a little deeper, Cynthia, to help us get to know The Story Ape.
Thanks, Pete, for replying to the post about the elusive ape. The one additional thing I can say is that those are really Chris’ arms holding the eReader. Or so he says! I did ask him to have his wife take said photo, so we must thank her for that.
My arms – confirmed, Cynthia 🤗
I’m glad you’re enjoying my posts and finding them useful, Pete 👍🦍
So now we know–thank you, Cynthia.
Glad you enjoyed the interview, Rae 👍🦍
Makes me want to pound my chest in honor of the help he provides authors, Cynthia! Chris sounds like a good man. –Curt
Pound your chest, for sure! Thanks for your reply, Curt. Hope you and your wife are both keeping safe and well.
We are working hard at being safe as we make our way across the US, Cynthia! Thanks. –Curt
Take time to breathe between chest pounds, Curt 😂🦍
Laughing. Will do. Tarzan was my hero as a kid.
👍😂😂😂
A lovely insight to a well known but private primate 💜
A fascinating interview, Cynthia. I will explore further. 🙂
Chris has done a lot for for other people. I am glad to see him interviewed here, and to learn more about the man behind the Story Reading Ape.
Aaaa lovely interview with the world’s greatest ape. 🙂🧡
Chris, though clearly modest, should give himself a pat on the back of his alleged hairy shoulders, because clearly he has helped a lot of people. And. now thanks to you, I’m going to go check him out!
Oh, good!