ABOUT

Carissa smiling, holding an air freshener, at an outdoor market

Hi, I’m Carissa! Welcome to my little corner of the internet!

So, Carissa’s Chronicles started because I wanted a place to chronicle my life in my own words, without trying to fit into a box. I’m gonna be honest with you when I say that I don’t have a niche, and I don’t believe that writing should have a niche. Because of that, you’re going to find all sorts of things here! From stories about my Jeep named Tank and random weekend adventures, to thoughts on writing itself, and whatever else feels worth writing down that week.

Which brings me to the question—why my own website? Well, I started out publishing on Tumblr several years ago (2021). I already had a Tumblr at that time, so I figured that sharing my writing there would be a great way to start. Eventually, I moved on to Substack. Substack was great and I loved it, but there was still something missing. I was getting caught up in what everyone else was writing about, and I felt myself starting to lose sight of what I wanted to write.

Ever since I started sharing my writing on the internet, I’ve wanted my own space. After about two years on Substack, I began looking into website options. I wanted a space that was completely mine—total control, no algorithm deciding who sees what, just a place that I could call my own.

I was definitely nervous, though. Setting up your own website and acquiring a personal domain aren’t exactly free, so I had to invest some money into myself in order to see my dream finally come to fruition. For me, it comes down to one word: independence. This space is mine, and nobody can take that away from me.

I started my weekly Journal because I was tired of writing for other people, and I wanted to write about the things I actually wanted to read. Then came the Questlist, and the Chronicler’s Club for members, and somewhere along the way, this little website turned into something I really love tending.

I’m still figuring it out as I go, honestly. I try new things, I write about what happens, but most of all, I keep chronicling. That’s the whole deal, at least for me.

If any of that sounds like your kind of thing, then welcome! I’m glad you’re here. And if you ever want to chronicle alongside me, well, that’s what this space is for.