Chris Towndrow

Multi-genre author now writing romcoms as Chrissie Harrison
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Independent / self-published author, Novelist
Available for:
Mentoring

I’ve been a writer since 1991. I began with science fiction, inspired by Asimov, Iain M Banks, and numerous film and TV canons. After a few years creating screenplays across several genres, in 2004 I branched out into playwriting and have had several productions professionally performed. This background is instrumental in my ability to produce realistic, compelling dialogue in my books.

My first self-published novel was 2012’s space opera Sacred Ground. I then moved into the near-future sci-fi genre, and the Enna Dacourt pentalogy was completed in 2023.

I have always drawn inspiration from the big screen, and 2019’s quirky romantic black comedy Tow Away Zone owes much to the film canon of the Coen Brothers. This spawned two sequels in what became the Sunrise trilogy.

My first historical fiction novel, Signs Of Life, was published by my imprint Valericain Press in 2023.

I then returned to my passion for writing accessible humour and am devoting future efforts to romance & romantic comedies. The first of these, “Floored”, was published in April 2024 under the pen name Chrissie Harrison. The second book, a sports romcom “Match Daze” followed in October.
May 2025 sees the publication of “Wicket Maiden” a genre defining rom-com set in the world of women’s cricket.

I have a soft spot for stories with strong women and nerdy or hapless guys – and sometimes pathos or bittersweet vibes. I like the connection between my protagonists to be more than physical; a way for them to bond and help solve each other’s problems. I’m also keen to shine a light on mental health issues, especially anxiety and neurodiversity, as these are close to my heart.
My romcom novels – including those yet to come – are dual POV M/F stories, sweet rather than spicy, and often put a twist on genre staples whilst being centred on relatable relationships and situations.

I live on the outskirts of London with my family and work as a video editor and producer. I’m a member of the UK Society of Authors and the Romantic Novelists Association. Whilst I’m neurodiverse, I really enjoy meeting fellow authors and swapping insights about our writer careers.