To read part 1, click here. To read part 2, click here.
Cendine Marrouat: You are also a short story writer, novelist and educator. Some of your work has been featured in One Ring Zero's "As Smart As We Are" as well as in many literary journals. Your short story "Late Bloomer" was adapted into a film by director Craig MacNeill and became an official selection at the 2005 Sundance Film Festival − among other prestigious achievements. And the impressive list goes on. What is your secret to such a successful career?
Clay McLeod Chapman: Well… It’s arguable how successful I’ve been. We’re definitely talking ebb and flows here. Feast or famine for sure. There have been some lean years. I just keep doing it. For better or for worse, whether it’s smart of me or not—I just keep writing. It’s funny—but my knee-jerk reaction to a question like “what’s the secret of your success” is to try and explain how not-successful I am. I mean, it’s not like I’m famous or anything. I’m living lean and just barely making ends meet. Which is just to say I don’t really know how to answer this kind of question—because I’m not sure if I’ve allowed myself to feel that kind of success you’re talking about. I don’t know. This is a tough one.
The one thing, the only thing I can really say that has permitted me to live the life that I do and get to do the things that I get to do—is just to say yes. Say yes to everything. Whatever opportunity comes your way, just say yes to it first… and then figure out how to do it. Learn fast. I’ve said yes to opportunities to write musicals to movies to things I never would’ve been able to think up of on my own. There’s just no telling where the opportunity will take you. Sometimes, it’ll lead to something downright amazing.
CM: If you had to pick your favorite piece, among your entire body of work, what would it be? And why?
CMC: You’re asking me to pick my favourite kid? To go on record and say which child of mine I love more? Shame on you, Cendrine.
CM: What is next for you?
CMC: Well… Things have been shifting from famine to feast this year, which is great. I’m beginning to work on a brand new series of novels for middle schoolers called "The Tribe." The first book, "Homeroom Headhunters," will be coming out next year. I’ve got to start working on the second one soon. Other than that, there’s a new musical I’ve been developing with Bruce Hornsby… And somewhere along the way I’ve got to start putting together a new Pumpkin Pie Show!
CM: Where can people find more information on you and your work?
CMC: I’ve got a Website -- which is a good place to find a lot of info or get in touch with me. I’m such a luddite, though. I find Facebook has been a great way of doing those day-to-day updates. Find me there! Also, a story-script version of “Commencement” was recently published by Originial Works Publishing.
CM: Any last words?
CMC: Come see “Commencement” on March 18th and 19th! It’s a doozy….
End of the interview.
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Cendrine Marrouat is a freelance writer/reviewer, blogger, published author and translator living in Canada. Official Website: http://www.cendrinemarrouat.com
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