LEONARDTOWN, Md. — When most people think of Navy veterans, they picture discipline, duty, and the open sea. But for Christopher Woolsey — known in the publishing world as Christopher and online as yigthewriter — service on the water eventually gave way to a different kind of voyage: diving deep into the dark, uncharted waters of horror fiction.
Originally from Texas, Woolsey has called Southern Maryland home for the past two years. Before that, his Navy career took him to California and Japan. He’s been writing for seven years, but it was three years ago that he fully embraced the horror genre. That leap came after winning a local writing contest during the height of COVID, while stationed overseas in Japan. His prize? A place in a horror anthology called “Uncle Aberrant’s Compendium of Cosmic Delights,” published by Aberrant Literature.
Now, Woolsey is celebrating the release of his debut horror novel, “The Wail,” a piece of cosmic horror and weird fiction that’s as raw as it is unsettling. The story follows Griever, a man whose grief and hopelessness drive him to leap into a blood-filled town well — only to find himself inside the belly of a monstrous, otherworldly whale. What follows is a surreal journey through bone, blood, and memory, as Griever and strange companions fight their way forward.
But at its heart, “The Wail” is more than just a horror story — it’s a metaphor for the painful but necessary process of healing from mental health struggles.
“I developed anxiety while on deployment,” Woolsey said. “The cut of therapy was more painful than suffering. We don’t talk about how difficult it is to heal. This story is my way of saying: It’s supposed to hurt, and you’re not alone. You might not come out without scars, but you will come out stronger. Healing is worth the pain.”
Woolsey didn’t make “The Wail” alone. Staying true to his community-first approach, he worked with local editor Austin Garza and illustrator Damian Modena to bring the book to life. “I was so excited when I first saw the cover,” he said. “It was like — wow, I wrote this. It feels really good.”
Beyond his own writing, Woolsey fosters creativity in others through the Writers of St. Mary’s club, which meets four times a month — two meetings in Leonardtown and two in Lexington Park. “Living in a small town, you wouldn’t think you have so much in common with your neighbors,” he said. “This group brings people together and gives them a space to express themselves.”
Fans can meet Woolsey in person at his upcoming book signing on Sept. 21 at Fenwick Street Used Books & Music in Leonardtown from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., where “The Wail” will be available for purchase. For those who can’t make it, the book is also available on Amazon in digital format and for physical order.
For those who prefer to read online, Woolsey also publishes free short stories on his blog as he builds toward a future anthology. And with a second horror novel slated for release next July, it’s clear this is only the beginning of his literary legacy.
As for his unique pen name, yigthewriter, it’s a nod to H.P. Lovecraft’s short story “The Curse of Yig,” which takes place in his home state of Texas — a subtle homage to the roots that shaped him.
From the Navy’s seas to the dark depths of his imagination, Christopher Woolsey’s journey proves that sometimes, to find the light, you have to first step into the dark.
To learn more and support Woolsey, check out these links:
The Well Whale’s Wail eBook
Goodreads
https://yigthewriter.substack.com/
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