Author Chris S. Witwer’s ‘Rubbings’: A Vivid Memoir of Europe’s Unshared Corners

In her latest book, “Rubbings,” Chris S. Witwer takes readers on a vivid journey back to 1997—a time before the omnipresence of smartphones and the ubiquity of internet cafes. With nothing but a backpack and a journal, Witwer recounts her six-week solo expedition across Europe, offering a rich tapestry of experiences that promise to transport readers across time and place. “Rubbings” is not just a travel memoir; it is a deep dive into the heart of a young traveler seeking to soak in every bit of art, history, and culture.

A Personal Odyssey

Chris S. Witwer’s narrative style is intimate and engaging, akin to sharing stories with a friend over a leisurely afternoon drink. This approach makes “Rubbings” immensely relatable and enjoyable. The book begins as a traditional travelogue, filled with descriptions of iconic European landmarks—from the majestic halls of Westminster Abbey to the historic depths of the Louvre and beyond. Witwer’s adventures are peppered with humorous, poignant, and sometimes serendipitous encounters with strangers, each adding a layer of richness to her journey.

As the narrative unfolds, “Rubbings” evolves into something more introspective. It becomes a story of self-discovery and personal growth, capturing the essence of what it means to come of age in a world vastly different from today’s digital age. Witwer’s reflections on her travels through places like Salzburg, where she becomes intrigued by the local term “Felsputzer,” show her deep desire to connect with every locale not just superficially, but on a level that probes its history and nuances.

More Than Just Memories

What sets “Rubbings” apart from typical travel memoirs is Witwer’s ability to connect past experiences with present realities. She notes how, in today’s connected world, readers can virtually visit the places she describes through online images and information, allowing for a layered reading experience. This element invites readers to explore these destinations alongside their reading, offering a unique interactive dimension to her storytelling.

Witwer’s passion for storytelling is evident in her careful curation of experiences and her reflective musings on what each encounter has taught her. Inspired by her literary hero, Sara Houghteling, and driven by a life-changing health scare, Witwer dedicates herself to transforming her travel journals into a narrative that resonates with anyone who dreams of adventure and self-discovery. Each chapter of “Rubbings” is crafted with care, intended to inspire others to explore the world with curiosity and openness.

The Making of a Storyteller

Chris S. Witwer’s journey to becoming a published author is as compelling as her travel stories. From her early dreams of writing books, through the challenges of finding her voice, to the joy of mastering the art of short story writing, her path has been anything but straightforward. Her routine of early morning writing sessions, supported by the unwavering encouragement of her wife, who plays multiple roles from editor to cheerleader, underscores the disciplined yet deeply passionate approach to her craft.

“Rubbings” is more than just a recounting of a travel experience; it is a culmination of lifelong aspirations, unexpected life events, and the joy of capturing the ephemeral moments of life through words. For Witwer, this book is not only a personal milestone but also a tribute to the journey of an artist who has embraced every opportunity to learn, grow, and tell stories that matter.

In sum, “Rubbings” by Chris S. Witwer is an invitation to journey through Europe’s rich landscapes and to explore the depths of one’s aspirations and fears through the lens of a keenly observant and profoundly thoughtful writer. For those who wander, for those who wonder, and for everyone in between, “Rubbings” offers a journey worth taking, filled with the sights, sounds, and souls of a Europe that can only be discovered once, yet remembered forever.

 

We had the pleasure of interviewing the author. Here are excerpts from the interview.

Hi, It’s great to have you with us today! Please share with our readers about yourself. 

Hi, While I aspire to one day write a novel – after I figure out how – I have discovered that I really love writing short stories as well as stories inspired by certain periods of my past. My debut book was a collection of short shorts, and now I’ve just put out a book about my time in Europe with nothing but a backpack and a journal. In both books, I tell stories as if we are friends sitting on the porch enjoying a beverage together.

Please tell us about your book, Rubbings.

Rubbings is a non-fiction account of my 6 weeks trip to Europe in 1997, before there were cell phones and internet cafes. I spent that time completely alone except for brief encounters with strangers I met along the way. You can’t travel like that anymore. We’re too connected now, which benefits readers now actually. You can look up each place, each painting, each city I wrote about and see it for yourself. So essentially, you get to come with me all these years later.

Please share your journey with our readers. 

I have wanted to write books since second grade. I told my family this, and they asked me to write under a pen name. Even back then, LOL, before I was openly lesbian. I wish I had a penny for every afternoon I spent writing in a cafe throughout my life, trying to figure out how to write that elusive novel. I took a short story class in 2018 after discovering an author I admired (Sara Houghteling) was teaching it nearby, and since then, I’ve learned to write stories I really love sharing. My first book, A Deafening Absence, captured some of those stories, including the one from the short story class. Then, after a health scare, I decided to really dedicate some time to my 1997 travel journal to see if there was anything in it worth sharing – and Rubbings was born. It starts off as a sort of travelogue and ends more introspective, with more storytelling as I experience a truly magical post-college trip. A coming-of-age story, in a way.

What are the strategies that helped you become successful in your journey? 

Early mornings really helped. I would get up an hour or two before normal and just bust out as much work as I could while having my morning coffee. That and a few weekends, and I became adept at accomplishing things in a short time. Also, I have the perfect writer’s wife. She understands the work involved in writing and gives me as much time as I need. She’s also a fantastic cheerleader, editor, and marketer. 

Any message for our readers? 

Come with me! Come to Europe!

Thank you so much for giving us your precious time! We wish you all the best for your journey ahead!