Clint Adams - Life is All about FACING FEAR

I met Clint Adams through my rather recent connection to him, as a fellow writer, on Facebook. When I asked if Clint would share those experiences and others, he rose to the challenge. LOL Please join me in welcoming Clint Adams to Driven 2 Danger:

Sandy: Hi, Clint. I’m so pleased you agreed to visit with us.

Clint: Hey there, Sandy, my pleasure. When I first visited your blog, I thought to myself, “Holy crap! I haven’t driven lately and I’m not necessarily dangerous!” Oh, well, for you, I’ll put on my daredevil mask and give it my best shot. This’ll be fun, thanks so much for having me here.

Sandy: Haven't driven lately!? The mere thought sends me into withdrawal. ROFL Driving also means music to me: music of the wind, engine, and a rockin' good song in my mind or blaring through the radio. So, let's start your interview there. What song should have been played at your birth? Why?

Clint: How about, “Which song would I have liked played at my birth?” That’s an easy answer: DON’T STOP BELIEVIN’ by San Francisco’s (my hometown) Journey. We all seem to want what we can’t have, true? Well, I believe that all good things come to those that are fearless. Unfortunately, I’ve never been one of those, and all my books were written for the purpose of trying to help others eliminate fear from their lives. If this song had been played at my birth, life would have been quite easy, but more than likely, would have ended quickly. This wasn’t my destiny. I’m grateful that I’ve got a reason to be here, and I’m ecstatic that (years ago) I was able to identify why.

Sandy: If the opportunity presents itself, would you face down your biggest fear?

Clint: Whew! Been there, done that, Sandy. I faced it a few months ago…at a youth centre in NW London. Recently I launched a social enterprise (here in the U.K.), STORIES ABOUT FACING FEAR, that’s intended to help young adults “get their stories out.” It has nothing to do with promoting literacy or fostering creativity…it’s old-fashioned cathartic storytelling, pure and simple. At the first meeting, I spoke briefly and listened to some wonderful, personal stories about overcoming; I was so happy…until they asked me, “Clint, what’s YOUR story?” Again, if I may…“Holy crap!” “No, this is all about you, not me. Next week…,” I replied. Assuming that they’d forget, I still sweated and was sleepless for an entire week. Well, they didn’t…so I did…have to tell my story. They were riveted, and rather than taking up 5 mins., my story took up the entire hour with an intelligent exchange of questions and answers. Telling my story (to them) validated the importance, I feel, for getting stories OUT. The youth now understood this and couldn’t wait to tell more. Needless to say, I was in heaven.

Sandy: What have you done that surprises others when they find out about it?            

Clint: The fact that I avoid parties/socializing/networking like the plague. It’s entirely bizarre, and honestly, embarrassing to admit. I can recall someone having called me, “the life of the party” once, yet they never knew how painful it was for me to attend. I admire folks that look forward to these types of things and make the most of them. I’m hoping some of your readers can relate; it has nothing to do with shyness or a lack of self-confidence. I LOVE people, but it could be that I don’t care for small talk. I believe life’s short and I perceive talking trivia as wasting time.             

Sandy: I understand what you're saying. I'm an introvert. Parties, more specifically, being around crowds of people, drain my energy. Chocolate revives me. What’s your favorite meal, dessert, candy?

Clint: Ooh, a much lighter topic (but I’m not talkin’ calorically), Sandy. Sorry to say…pizza. For years and years, I kept hearing how bad coffee was (health-wise); now we find out about all its positive attributes. Yippee! Am I wrong to hope that someday gluten (the gooey stuff that makes pizza chewy) will be deemed nutritious? Yes, you’re right…that goo has already affected my brain. But seriously, pizza…OH, YEAH! Well, at least I’ll die with a smile on my face…unless it came with anchovies.

Sandy: If you were given a chance to meet a celebrity, who would you choose? What activity would you like to do with him/her?

Clint: Another no-brainer, Sandy. But, may I pick two rather than one? Number 1): Monica Seles, the former #1 tennis player in the world who was brutally stabbed on court by a crazed fan of her rival. I can’t possibly imagine the trauma she experienced after that, or maybe I can. Monica is my hero because of what she’s chosen to do with her life after that event; she now helps others all over the world, people that have experienced obstacles/challenges/trauma but strive daily to overcome. She’s living her purpose brilliantly and I’ll always look up to her. Activity: I know how much she loves Rome, her favorite city. I’m an Italian citizen (in addition to being American) and it would be my pleasure to take her on a slow walk along the shores of the Tevere, stop to eat a pizza (naturalmente her favorite…you see the connection?), grab some hazelnut gelato afterwards and talk about life (while throwing in a few jokes in between bites and words of wisdom).

Number 2): (Again…a tennis player) Rafael Nadal, the current #1 men’s player in the world. With my own eyes, close-up, I have seen the ways in which he relates to kids and their causes. It’s astounding the genuine rapport he has with them; without a doubt he’s a modern-day hero for all ages.

On May 31, I return to Barcelona to live as I launch STORIES ABOUT FACING FEAR-teen/young adult storytelling to Spain. I am not going there for this reason, but it would be a dream to collaborate, at some point, with the Fundación Rafa Nadal there, to explore the unification of our shared mission(s). Activity: He’s too busy these days…traveling the world and all. I’d love to connect with him after he retires (he’s only 24) and ask him all the same questions you’re asking me now, perhaps entirely in Spanish…if I practice non-stop for the next decade or so.

Sandy: Two fascinating and admirable choices, Clint.  If you could, is there anything in your past you would change?

Clint: Great question! I’ve been asked this before. I consider myself to be quite a spiritual person and I don’t believe in mistakes or having regrets; they happen for a reason, an opportunity for us to learn. BUT…I’ve got to amend that answer. I definitely do regret when my actions have/may have affected anyone else adversely. Not good. I used to spend a lot of my life pointing fingers at those, who I felt, didn’t acknowledge me and/or what I was aiming to do; I used to blame them. WRONG! Everyone’s got their own life to lead and no one will ever be more passionate about my goals than me. How could I possibly expect somebody else to believe in me, when I never fully believed in myself? Looking back, I applaud all those that have crossed my path, they made me stronger; I’m grateful for those connections; I’m happy for having shared a history with them and I wish them well.

Sandy: Finish this sentence: I see myself as __________________ because ___________________.

Clint: I see myself as honest because I wouldn’t know any other way to be. After all, it ain’t called the “best policy” for nothin’.

Sandy: VBG--I'm right there with you! Caveat though--I soften or bypass an honest comment when I know it would hurt the other person without creating change for the better.

What’s been your greatest challenge and how did you face it?

Clint: I kind of see these words tied into one: challenges, obstacles, hindrances all = fear. Remember when I was discussing that group of teens in Islington (London)? Facing my biggest fear? Well, telling my story to a group of 20-or-so teens ain’t nothin’ compared to telling it to the whole world, yet I did it…and it was, of course, the greatest challenge I’ve ever faced. In late-1991, I learned about events that took place in my childhood that ended up becoming kept secrets for decades. The story about how I discovered these events, these truths, was literally unbelievable.

Shortly after, it wasn’t this shocking story that kept me awake at night, it was the fact that this story NEEDED to be told, the truth MUST come out. But, I was afraid. Actually, afraid of being harmed for telling it, afraid of being sued, afraid of the legal consequences it would bring to my family. I wrestled with these fears for years. Because of having no other means available for me to tell it then, I became a writer for this reason. Over the years, my short story SOUL HERESY, became the novel-length manuscripts SPLIT-TIME, DEVIL WORSHIP and inevitably, THE SEVENTH RITUAL. I knew these novels meant nothing unless they were published though, because these stories still belonged to me. In 2009, after mustering enough courage, I chose to have THE SEVENTH RITUAL published on July 04, American Independence Day. That, subsequently, has become my new birthday. That horrible story that had lived inside me all those years is now a hardcover book living on a bookshelf somewhere, somewhere out there, owned by people I’ll probably never know. It’s no longer inside me. Since that day, I’ve never written a single word, because I told my story that NEEDED to come out. I’m no longer a writer. Been there, done that…but it sure was a hellofa ride (pardon the pun if you’ve read TSR). 

Sandy: What is the newest challenge you’ve attempted?

Clint: Perfect follow-up. Sandy, I hate to break this to ya, but you’re not my first. :-) Every time I’ve done an interview to promote my books, I’ve always been asked this same question, “So, why’d you want to become a writer?” My answer (appearing above) is not a typical one. Getting the story out, the one that needs to, is/was what’s it’s all about. After THE SEVENTH RITUAL was published, I began to think about others, others who’ve got stories to tell…younger “others.” What I hadn’t mentioned, is that while I was being so scared (re: the release of my story), I took a detour and wrote four teen/young adult novels between 2002 and 2006.

                                                  

                 

During these years, I visited a good variety of schools, mostly in Europe; I got to know teens/teen issues quite well. I knew firsthand that they, also, had stories that needed to come out. My fond memories of them led me to create STORIES ABOUT FACING FEAR, teen/young adult storytelling. I’m not going to call this a ‘challenge’ though; instead, I see it as a colossal opportunity to fulfill my destiny, my purpose, the best way I know how.

Last year, I was given a grant by the British government to get this program (programme) going. I’ve learned so much in the process, and I’ve already seen a few positive results…but I’m just getting started. I will always be grateful to the U.K., in particular to UnLtd., the foundation for social entrepreneurs, for believing in me and my mission. Always wanting to stay fresh, I now take SAFF along with me as I move back to Spain; I feel I’m well prepared to make the effort to help teens/YAs there…and speak a little Spanish with them, while at the same time, giving them something to laugh at (my Spanish).

Sandy: If you were to choose one adventure you could do for the rest of your life, what would it be?

Clint: Be afraid of nothing.

Sandy: Is there anything else you want to add?

Clint: Sandy, to you and your readers, I want to say, “If there’s a story that lives inside you that NEEDS to come out, TELL IT!!! You’ll be amazed at how quickly that weight on your shoulders disappears. And don’t forget to pat yourself on the back after telling it. Inevitably, YOURS is the only pat that matters.”

Sandy: Clint, thank you so much for sharing bits of your life with my readers. I appreciate your time and frankness. I hope you’ll enjoy the additional questions and comments your interview generates.

Clint: Hey, my thanks to you, Sandy. I’m thrilled and grateful that I’ve been given the chance to get to know you and your readers. Anyone wanting to know more about me, my program or my books, my website’s always up for a visit; excerpts are all over the place. Whatever you don’t see there that you’d like to know more about, please ask by commenting here…I can’t wait to chat with you and hear YOUR stories. Until then… 

Sandy: Readers, you can also visit Clint's YouTube channel for more information.  If you didn't already know, YouTube has a Like option similar to Facebook's. Stop by and show you support his efforts or sign up to receive updates on his program's progress.

D2D READERS, please stay the extra minute or two it takes to ask Clint a question or share your appreciation with him. You don't have to have a special account--just use the Anonymous sign in option. Adding your first name to your comment is up to you. Thank you, we appreciate your visit!!  If Blogger continues to have difficulties with its Comment option, please go to Clint's website,  www.StoriesAboutFacingFear.com . You can share your thoughts/story with him there.