Welcome

C.J. Lennord

Author  ·  Musician  ·  Critical Thinker  ·  Linguist

Aspiring to inspire and challenge others through music and books
that forge resilience, empathy, and critical thinking
to live fully, purposefully, and passionately.

Explore the Books Hear the Music
Reuben Raccoon playing guitar pic
C.J. Lennord, author of the Forge Through resilience series
About

C.J. believes the best books do two things at once: they entertain you while quietly making you a little sharper, a little kinder, or a little more curious or hopeful than you were on page one.

The author of the Forge Through series which offer research-grounded books on the neuroscience, psychology, and philosophy of building a resilient and prosperous life.

The author of the Think, Laugh, Imagine, & Enlighten series which offer a variety of storytelling games, riddles, and puzzles.

Stay informed for upcoming releases that will explore the intersections of music, math, linguistics, and adventure in ways that are engaging and educational

Written Works

Books & Series

Research-grounded nonfiction, fun activity books, and stories for curious minds of all ages.

Forge Through Resilience & Self-Help

Breaking the Plateau of Latent Potential

Discover the neuroscience and psychology behind why we stall, and the proven strategies to push through invisible ceilings and forge real, lasting growth.
Stay tuned for more books.

Find on Amazon →
Music Education

Guitar & Music Theory

Practical, accessible guides for beginners and advancing players: chord theory, scales, modes, song structures, and techniques deeply, but practically, explained.
Stay tuned for upcoming books.

TLI&E Games & Puzzles

Think, Laugh, Imagine & Enlighten

Story games, riddles, and puzzles for curious minds. Designed to spark laughter, creative thinking, and conversation — great for families and classrooms alike.
Stay tuned for more books.

Find on Amazon →
Children & Teens

Educational & Fun Books for Young Minds

Activity books and stories crafted to educate while entertaining — building curiosity, vocabulary, and a lifelong love of learning.
Stay tuned for upcoming books.

Humor & Gift Books

Please Be Patient With Me; I'm from the 1900s

Humorous ruled notebooks celebrating the quirks of Gen X and Millennial life. Perfect gifts for anyone who remembers dial-up and rewinding tapes.

Find on Amazon →
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Full Catalog

View all books and activity titles on the Amazon author page.

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Music

Guitar, Composition & Instruction

Three decades of guitar playing that spans varioius genres, including the Blues, Alternative Rock, Jazz, Bossa Nova, and Latin.
Flatpicking, Fingerpicking, and Hybrid.
Music is one of the most direct paths to understanding the architecture of sound and the expression of the human experience.

I teach guitar and music theory at all skill levels, creating custom study materials tailored to each student. Whether you're picking up the guitar for the first time or want to finally understand how modes and chord progressions actually work — let's talk.

  • Lessons for all skill levels — beginner to advanced
  • Applied music theory grounded in practical playing
  • Original compositions across multiple genres
  • Chord charts, scales, and free resources on-site
Guitar Chord Finder Applied Theory
Testimonials

What Others Say

Chris is a very knowledgeable guitarist in a wide variety of styles. He understands song structures and music theory and has brought his talents together to instill knowledge in his students. He encourages students to practice regularly and work through challenges. If you are serious about learning the guitar, I'd recommend Chris.

Steven Cunningham

I signed my 10-year-old son up for guitar lessons with Chris. My son loves music and Chris was able to further tune that passion for the guitar. Chris is very patient and has been accommodating to our family's ever-changing schedule. The value is well worth it!

John Hollenbeck

Chris took a few requests and designed exactly what I was looking for — and more. He was very timely and went above and beyond what was expected. I highly recommend Chris for everyone's web development needs.

Lindsey Vickers, LPFV Consulting

Chris's commitment, creativity, and skills have added such value to our organization so more people in the Austin area can learn about our program. Thank you, Chris!

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Resources & Projects

Tools, languages, and links to expand your knowledge and enjoy the journey.

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Guitar Chord Finder

Interactive chord chart tool — find any chord voicing on the fretboard.

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Applied Music Theory

Modes, scales, intervals, and practical theory for real playing.

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Medjario Language

My Romance-based constructed auxiliary language — a linguistic adventure.

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Quotes in Medjario

Inspiring quotes translated into Medjario — with vocabulary breakdowns.
Get in Touch

Let's Connect

Interested in sharing your thoughts? Or want to be on the mailing list? Or want to collaborate on a book...? I'd love to hear from you.

"A day without laughter is a day wasted."
— Charlie Chaplin