Ben Clanton is a gifted artist, author, and one of my trusty critique partners. After touring his studio, getting personal doodles at a book signing, and showing Ben our backyard chickens, my kids are smitten with Ben and his books. It’s safe to say that the entire Call household is filled with Ben Clanton fans. It’s a privilege to interview him for Writers’ Rumpus.
Kirsti Call: Did you always know that you wanted to be an author/illustrator?
Ben Clanton: I loved drawing and making cartoons as a kid but it never really struck me that it was something you could actually do as a job. I had much more practical careers in mind like professional basketball, being the next Albert Einstein, and/or becoming President of the United States. It wasn’t until college that I first got it in my mind that I would like to write a children’s book. And it was then awhile after that when I realized I also wanted to make the pictures for them.
KC: Of your published books, which is your favorite and why?
BC: Always the next one! I actually find it kind of painful to look at my completed and
printed books. There are always so many things I want to change.The books in my head always look so much better. Too bad I’m the only one who can see them. Growing pains! That said, of my published books, Something Extraordinary is probably nearest to my heart. It is autobiographical in a way. The wishes in it are all wishes I wish.
To read more of this interview, go to Writer's Rumpus.
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