Audible Executive Editor Christopher Farley Wins NAACP Image Award

As a writer and editor, Christopher Farley knows what it takes to create a great story. We were thrilled to see his talent recognized at this year’s NAACP Image Awards where his novel Around Harvard Square won for Outstanding Literary Work – Youth/Teens. He put the finishing touches on the novel on holidays and weekends while working at Audible, where he’s been an Executive Editor developing Audible Original stories since October 2018.

The NAACP Image Awards honors the accomplishments of people of color in the fields of TV, music, literature and film and also recognizes individuals or groups who promote social justice through creative endeavors. Chris attended the two-day award ceremony in California along with writers and celebrities like Imani Perry, Lizzo and Tiffany Haddish. Of course we had to ask him about that, as well as what inspired him to write his novel and how he balances writing with his work for Audible.

When did you find out your novel Around Harvard Square was nominated for an NAACP Image Award? Did you go to the awards ceremony? How did it feel to learn you won?

I was editing here at my desk at Audible when I found out Around Harvard Square had been nominated for an NAACP Image Award. I treated myself to an extra oatmeal raisin cookie in the cafeteria! I feel that being a published nonfiction writer and a novelist helps bring insight to my work here. I know first-hand the creative struggles that writers go through, and I share the things I’ve picked up with the authors and creators I edit.

The award ceremony was great—the honors are handed out over two nights in Hollywood and Pasadena, Calif. It’s one of the rare entertainment honors where authors share the spotlight with film actors, TV stars, musicians and other entertainers, so writers get a little more attention. There were writers there like Imani Perry, Elaine Welteroth and stars like Lizzo, Rihanna, Tiffany Haddish, Michael B. Jordan, Brie Larson, Jamie Foxx and others. The literary awards were handed out off-camera on the first night, but all the nominees got to attend both events and the gala party afterwards!

What inspired you to write Around Harvard Square?

I wanted to demystify elite society. My three brothers and I attended public school in upstate New York and all four of us went to either Harvard, Harvard Law School or both (my youngest brother finished second in his class at Harvard). While I was at Harvard, I was one of the editors of the Harvard Lampoon. My novel is a kind of secret history of Harvard, exploring what really goes on in the secret societies, the admission office, the classrooms, and behind the ivy-covered dorm walls. But it’s also just a fun coming-of-age story.

Around Harvard Square and your novel Game World are both written for teens. What excites you about writing for this audience?

When I was a kid, I loved books like The Catcher in the Rye, but there are relatively few Young Adult books by Black authors. I wanted to write a book featuring a diverse cast of characters aimed at Young Adult audiences (or adults who are young at heart). It’s important for readers of any background to read about diverse people and situations. The world’s a better place when we know our neighbors, and reading books about other cultures and perspectives is a great way to open the conversation.

What drew you to working at Audible?

Working for a company that combines my passion for books and technology is exactly where I want to be. As a pop music critic at Time, I interviewed musicians like Bob Dylan and Lauryn Hill. As a senior editor at the Wall Street Journal, I staged events with Adele, John Legend and Ed Sheeran. At Audible, I’m working with artists, authors and others to tell their stories, and my work draws from everything I’ve done in journalism. I love storytelling, whether it’s in my own novels like Around Harvard Square, or in the projects I’m developing for Audible Originals.

Your work life is full. How do you balance your job and your writing projects?

I used to write on the weekends, but I have so much great stuff I’m editing for Audible I haven’t had time lately! At some point, I’ll finish up the next novel I’m writing, which is well underway. I think it’s the most exciting book I’ve ever written!

When you're not developing Audible Originals or writing, what do you love to do?

When I’m not listening to audiobooks or podcasts, I like to spend time watching my son play basketball and my daughter run cross-country. I also enjoy taking the family to museum exhibits, Broadway shows and movies at the Alamo Drafthouse Theater, where they serve you a quality meal in your seats. I’m hoping we can fit in a trip to Jamaica very soon!