Author Chris Vanjonack Released New Story Collection
The Denver-based writer launched his latest collection, Out of Body, featuring tales set across Colorado.
Updated on Sept. 22, 2026 in Seasonal Events
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Denver writer Chris Vanjonack has released his new short story collection, Out of Body. The book features stories set within the Denver area, including specific references to Cheesman Park and the city history of the 1880 anti-Chinese riot.
Why it matters
The collection draws significant inspiration from the COVID-19 pandemic and the personal experiences the author gathered while living in Fort Collins. These narratives aim to capture a sense of displacement and local history that resonates with the regional audience.
The collection includes a piece titled There's Clowns in the Woods, which begins on October 31, 2016. The author composed the first draft of the story Invent Everything using a phone notepad application.
The players
Chris Vanjonack
He is a Denver-based writer and Littleton native who authored the short story collection Out of Body.
The details
The book explores regional themes and incorporates historical events such as the 1880 anti-Chinese riot in Denver. Drawing from his background as a Littleton native, Vanjonack has already begun planning his next novel to be set in the city of Denver.
Timeline
The anti-Chinese riot in Denver occurred in 1880.
The story There's Clowns in the Woods begins on October 31, 2016.
Out of Body officially hit bookshelves on September 22, 2026.
The Denver launch event at Ratio Beerworks begins September 23, 2026, at 7:30 p.m.
The Fort Collins reading at The Forge Publick House is September 24, 2026, at 7:00 p.m.
Industry Dynamics
This release follows a growing trend of regional authors leveraging specific historical events to anchor contemporary fiction. It positions local writers to capture niche market interest by bridging the gap between historical awareness and modern storytelling.
Readers interested in the new collection can attend launch events scheduled in Denver and Fort Collins. Accessing the author’s work in person offers a chance to engage with the themes that shaped the collection during his time in Colorado.
The takeaway
Authors who ground their fiction in specific local settings and historical events can foster a deeper connection with their community. Prospective writers can find inspiration in their own daily lives, just as Vanjonack utilized mobile tools to draft his narratives.
Further reading
For more on local cultural happenings, visit the Seasonal Events section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Denver Westword.
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