Background & Upbringing
Raised in Santa Barbara in a family known for philanthropy and community engagement, Chris grew up in a picturesque coastal environment. His parents, both involved in real estate and local civic leadership, often hosted fundraisers for arts organizations.
Education
Chris attended a private boarding school in Montecito, then pursued a degree in Environmental Studies at UC Santa Barbara. Later, he completed a Master’s in Creative Writing at Stanford.
Professional Background
After his undergrad, Chris joined an environmental consultancy before discovering his passion for writing narratives that fused ecological awareness with personal stories. He relocated to Santa Monica to be closer to LA’s literary and arts scene, where he now writes novels and essays highlighting the often unspoken intersections between nature conservation and human relationships.
Places Lived
Spent most of his childhood in Santa Barbara and Montecito, then moved to Palo Alto for graduate studies at Stanford. He currently resides in Santa Monica, where he enjoys the creative and cultural energy of Los Angeles while remaining close to the ocean.
Influences
Chris admires environmental authors like John Steinbeck and Rachel Carson, while also taking cues from California literary icons such as Joan Didion. Musically, he’s drawn to the laid-back California rock of the 1960s and ‘70s—The Beach Boys, Fleetwood Mac—and the contemporary indie scene. His notion of romance and sophistication is intrinsically tied to the West Coast ethos: a blend of environmental consciousness, cultural refinement, and a passion for coastal living.
