Life & Work with Mathieu Cailler

Today we’d like to introduce you to Mathieu Cailler.

Mathieu, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I came to writing in a strange way. Unlike some writers I know, for me it built over time. I always loved stand-up comedy and began penning jokes in high school. There was something so raw and real about people who possessed the courage to tell stories with no frills–just a mic and a stage. After a while, though, I realized that I was just in love with storytelling and that I wanted to write to understand life. I began crafting essays, poems, and short stories.

These days, six of my books are out there roaming the world–two children’s titles, a short-story collection, a novel, and two volumes of poetry. I am currently working on three other books and have a screenplay in development.

I still, however, just think of myself as man who wishes to tell stories. That’s what being human is all about. I think about the Lascaux cave paintings often: Even when humans’ needs were basic–food, water, shelter–there was still a need to communicate stories because it too is a primal necessity.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Oh, no. No road is smooth, right? (laughs) I think it was Van Gogh who said, “Normality it is a paved road: It is comfortable to walk, but no flowers grow on it.” In writing, there is constant rejection. Even a “successful” writer can wallpaper their home with rejection slips. But all it takes is one yes, and I’ve learned over the years to get a piece to where it needs to be, send it out and back away.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I am a writer of poetry, novels, short stories, essays, kids’ books, and screenplays. I am most proud of showing up to the desk every day to write… and how I’m still as excited to hop on a new idea as I was years ago. I am grateful, too, that the ideas continue to bubble up.

So, before we go, how can our readers or others connect or collaborate with you? How can they support you?
The best way to support a writer is to buy a book. That is truly the most profound gift. After that, a review, a kind word, a posting on social media–this is just amazing. If you have questions about working together or booking a reading, you can visit my website at www.mathieucailler.com.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.mathieucailler.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/writesfromla/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/em.cee.372/
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/writesfromla

Image Credits
Christine Donlon Ariana Katz