Escapist Reads

Ask the Author: Chris Whitaker

“Ask me a question.” Chris Whitaker

Answered Questions (19)

Sort By:
Loading big
An error occurred while sorting questions for author Chris Whitaker.
Ok. I will "ask the author". I have just started reading "We Begin at the End", and I can't figure out who Dubois is. It's right here on page 2. It says: "Walk stared at Dubois, head down..." It didn't mention a Dubois on page 1, and it hasn't mentioned a Dubois since. I asked my phone about it, and the AI answer ( it's 2025 now) told me that there is NO Dubois. So, is 'Dubois' a mistake?
Chris Whitaker Hi, Chief Dubois is mentioned on page 1, 3, and again in chapter 35. Could you let me know what version you're reading? Thanks
flag
Good Afternoon Chris, I have just finished reading 'We Begin at The End'; I found it compelling reading and the plot intertwined to get my brain matter on full bore. I live in Herefordshire and always keen on the Herefordshire/Hertfordshire confusion. I did notice at the back of the book - your bio says 'Chris lives in Hertforshire with his family - the d had been missed out? Best Regards Jayne
Chris Whitaker Thank you very much, Jayne. They actually dropped the 'd' to confuse all of my stalkers.
flag
You’re my favorite author. Thank you Chris. Please write me 200 more novels? I’ve told everyone about your books. I gave it to a girl in Target today and told her she needed to buy it. She did. It was the last one. We love you in California. Thank you. Susie❤️
Chris Whitaker I can absolutely do that, Susan. I just need a remote cabin and a locked door and I'll get on it!

Thank you very much for the support. Excellent sales skills! I'll be coming to California the second I'm allowed so that I can thank all the lovely readers and booksellers in person.
flag
So. I finished We Begin At The End at the end of August last year. I have since thrown it at pretty much any customer who has asked for a recommendation. We're up to 284 copies sold and counting, and it has been in the store Top 10 for almost 8 months. I'm aiming for 500 by EOFY. Think I can do it?
Chris Whitaker Mel!!! I'd say thank you but it doesn't really seem adequate here. I couldn't be more grateful for your amazing continued support of me and this book. Those numbers are staggering! I have total faith in your skills (although 284 is already mindblowing). If you DM your details I'd like to send you a special edition :)
flag
I just finished we begin at the end and thanks for completely crushing my heart haha! but it was an instant new favorite and I'm obsessed. that being said do you think you will ever visit these characters again? maybe when duchess and Robin are older?? cause I'd be willing to give you my kidney for it, I have two, I don't need both lol!
Chris Whitaker Thank you very much (and sorry about that heart crush). I'd never say never but your kidneys are safe for the foreseeable...
flag
Chris, when did you realize yourself as a writer? After writing first book, publishing , success or …? You know this feeling inside «I am truly a writer»
Chris Whitaker I'll let you know when it happens, Mariia!
flag
What's your next novel Chris? Can't wait. Just finished We Begin at the End.
Chris Whitaker I'm writing the new novel now and it should be with you in 2023. Thanks for the support.
flag
Your a Brit??!! I thought you must be an old West soul. Really just wanted to reach out and say how much I loved the book. I fell in love with and thought about Duchess, Walk, and Robin when I couldn't keep reading--kept me up worrying. I will not forget these characters. I think this may be one of my favorite books....ever. Brilliant. I don't want to read another book for a while just to let it soak in.
Chris Whitaker Thank you so much, Julie. I'm thrilled you enjoyed the story so much, and felt so connected to the characters.
flag
Just finished We Begin at the End and really enjoyed it. I was surprised to read from your bio that you live in the UK. Did you write/research on the CA coast, in Montana, or any of the locations you mention in the book? I grew up in CA and you nailed the setting. Duchess reminded me of a much edgier Hailee Steinfeld from the movie "True Grit." Loved these broken, complex characters. Perfect title. Well done!
Chris Whitaker Thank you very much, Rebecca, that's the ultimate compliment from a CA native! I love True Grit so much!
flag
Hi Chris. A little off the beaten path here. My maiden name is Whitaker, ancestors came from England. Since I do genealogy research, I’m curious, do you happen to know anything about your ancestors? Thanx!
Chris Whitaker Hi Cindy, I'm afraid I don't know an awful lot (about anything). I'm kind of hoping we're related!
flag
Loved the audio version of the book "We Begin at the End". Great choice of narrators with George Newbern. Do you have plans to publish your other books in an audio version? I have little time to sit and read, but love to listen to a good book while at the gym, walking the dog or working in the yard. I really enjoyed your writing style and character development.
Chris Whitaker Thank you, Annette. George Newbern did such a wonderful job. My first two books are available through Audible UK :)
flag
I just completed We Begin At The End at 3 am this morning and I found it to be that rare book that will stay with me. Not one word of this book is unwarranted or irrelevant. I fell in love with the characters and while I knew I would miss them when the story came to an end, I also breathed a sigh of relief because their woes hurt my soul. Thank you, I look forward to reading all your stories. What is next?
Chris Whitaker Thank you very much for the support, Ki. I'm thrilled you enjoyed it. I'm working on the new book now!
flag
This isn't a question, but an answer! Amazing book Chris, haven't cried in 40 years.....? Won't let me post without a ?
Chris Whitaker Thank you very much, Gary!
flag
I just finished We Begin at the End. Well done. I’m not a mystery fan, but this book may sway me over to that genre! Your writing is wonderful and I felt I was in every scene and knew every character. Will there be another book soon? I also read your article in the December 2020 issue of The Guardian. I’m sorry you’ve had so many troubles, but glad to read that your writing saved you and that you continue to write.
Chris Whitaker Hi Judy, thank you for such a lovely message, it's very much appreciated. I'm working on the new book now and we're aiming for a 2023 release.
flag
I just finished We Begin at the End and.... wow. Just wow. I loved it! Your descriptions of the scenery of some of the places in this book were lyrical at times. I see that you live in the UK - have you ever been to the States? If not, how did you capture these details?
Chris Whitaker Thanks so much! I've been a couple of times when I was much younger so I try and capture the details through research. Working at a library helps!
flag
Hmmm, I am one. Did I drop off your list as you were delivering? 😃
Chris Whitaker I sensed you'd prefer a hug to an envelope stuffed with cash so you'll have to wait till I head stateside!
flag
And it’s a doozy!! Enjoyed every page of We Begin at the End! Your pacing is spectacular and character development is so good that I’d already know these people if we ever met! Do you think this might be your breakout novel? Kudos! Nancy
Chris Whitaker thanks so much, Nancy. I've been bribing booksellers with hugs/cash so fingers crossed...
flag
I hope my son grows up to be like Manny - he's half way there with the swearing (was it something I said??). A book that gets John Travolta's strut was worth the asking price alone (albeit I didn't buy it in Australia so got it half price from UK). I very much enjoy the way you write women and anti-heroes; have you read Steve Toltz's 'A Fraction of the Whole'? Kind regards, Cat Campbell.
Chris Whitaker thanks, Cat, that made me laugh. How old is your son? The world needs another Manny! I do have a copy of Steve's book but haven't read it yet. I've heard amazing things so am very much looking forward to it.
flag
Eagerly awaiting the next book. Can you give me an idea when this will happen? Are you writing it at the moment? Where is it set?
Chris Whitaker Thanks so much, Birgit. I can confirm that I am writing a new one and that it will be out spring 2020. It's set in California and Montana.
flag
Chris Whitaker
8,559 followers
To ask Chris Whitaker a question, please sign up.

About Goodreads Q&A

Ask and answer questions about books!

You can pose questions to the Goodreads community with Reader Q&A, or ask your favorite author a question with Ask the Author.

See Featured Authors Answering Questions

Learn more