We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Aaron Philip Clark a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Aaron Philip, so glad you were able to set aside some time for us today. We’ve always admired not just your journey and success, but also the seemingly high levels of self-discipline that you seem to have mastered and so maybe we can start by chatting about how you developed it or where it comes from?
My self-discipline comes from my passion for writing, and that passion demands I write at least something each day. I absolutely love what I do and understand the importance of telling stories in literature that center on the marginalized and disenfranchised. I’ve never struggled to write, which I’m grateful for. I may have too many opinions on a variety of subjects for them not to generate ideas for prose or screenplays, so writer’s block has never impacted me. If anything, I struggle with finding time to complete the many novels floating in my head.
Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?
I’m an author, screenwriter, and creative writing instructor at UCLA Extension. I hold a BFA in Writing for Film & Television and an MFA in Fiction. I’m passionate about telling stories centered on
the lives of marginalized characters, and I’ve written six novels, including the ITW Thriller Award-nominated UNDER COLOR OF LAW and the follow-up, BLUE LIKE ME. I’ve recently had the opportunity to collaborate on books with a Grammy-winning musician and artist, which were both interesting and rewarding experiences. Aside from writing and teaching, I’ve mentored budding novelists and screenwriters for over fifteen years and enjoy giving back to the Los Angeles crime writing community that has supported me.
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
First, you must have an unyielding drive if you’re planning to make any creative passion your main source of income, especially in publishing and the film industry. Second, as cliche as it is, thick skin is a must. There will be high points but also plenty of lows, and you need to weather through them with a supportive team around you. If you don’t have a supportive team, network and identify people whom you can confide in and who will support you throughout your journey. Third, you need to keep at it. The only way to become a stronger writer is to write and study the works of those you admire. I’m not talking about hero worship, but treat every book you read as a master class and an opportunity to learn what that author does well and what you could do better, and, to add to that, not limiting yourself. Never put yourself in a box or allow others to do so. Write what you want because the moment you start chasing trends or writing what you think might be a “hit” is the beginning of losing yourself and, subsequently, your voice as a writer.
Okay, so before we go we always love to ask if you are looking for folks to partner or collaborate with?
I enjoyed my recent collaborations, and I’m always looking to work with other writers and artists who have stories they need help getting told. I encourage those interested in working with me to visit my website at www.AaronPhilipClark.com.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.aaronphilipclark.com/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AaronPhilipClark/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/_WriteMeAWorld
Image Credits
Photographer Stanley Wu (images in black collared shirt/ jacket) Photographer Thad Reid (images in tan and black t-shirts)
