Interview with an author: Carlos Scandiffio

Rarely, if ever, authors are as accessible and friendly as Carlos Scandiffio. Or perhaps it was because we are family. Either way, I was able to get a glimpse into this multilingual writer and ask him a few questions, particularly in anticipation of the release of his new book "Grand Cru." Here his the actual transcript, word for word.

Q: What prompted you to make the transition from businessman to writer?

A: My business and career has always been languages. As a translator and interpreter in the early stages of my life, my work consisted of re-writing original text into a foreign language. As such, and in order to preserve the gist of the message, I had to inject my own style. So, technically, I have been writing since the age of 19. When my company became quite successful, I retained folks smarter than myself to run it and began to write in earnest.

Q: What was the first work that you would consider successful?

A: A novel that was never published...or I should state...not yet, entitled The Translator. A movie by the same title was made years ago, but my story had a different angle. It reflected my personal experiences.

Q: What was it about?

A: It was a thriller that involved national security and crimes at the highest levels.

Q: I understand you write scripts as well. Which is your preferred discipline then? Scrip writing or storytelling?

A: They are both equally significant. You are always telling a story. My scripts are funny by nature.I cannot help but to make fun of this world...so, you won't find heavy drama in my scripts. Rather a lot of comedy. And since others will interpret my work on stage, it is easier for me to write funny scripts. Novels or short stories are a bit different. I tend to inject a lot of myself into them and since my life has been rather dramatic...ask anyone who knows me...it flows logically into my books. To answer your question...finally, I guess...I prefer books, or storytelling as you called it.

Q: You also publish in Spanish, don't you?

A: Yes. I am very proud of Hiding in Plain Sight. It is my little masterpiece in Spanish. Accepted by a Publishing House in Mexico, it will soon hit the streets globally...even in Amazon. For those who like to read in Spanish, of course.

Q: What is it about?

A: Crime and political intrigue...which I think are one and the same. It is a very sensitive piece that I am sure will inherit the wind once it hits certain countries, like my native Argentina. Not quite like Salma Rushdie's Satanic Verses, but somewhat edgy stuff that will bring back memories to those who are involved in the trade.

Q: What trade would that be?

A: The drug trade. The most prolific and dangerous game that Governments play. As you know, every government is involved in this trade at one level or another.

Q: When should we expect Grand Cru?

A: Ahhhh...the million dollar question, huh? Well, it is now in the final stages of editing and should be hitting the market sometime in January or February.

Q: What inspired the storyline?

A: I have collaborated with many over the past two decades. Recently re-writing an entire book with a mediocre writer who claimed all the glory...something that I am quite happy she did because the publication was so below standard that I would not have had my name on it even if begged. But this time, I believe I've found the perfect characters, inspired by a former friend of mine. Grand Cru is a very funny and intelligent piece that is certain to attract the perfect audience.

Q: Which audience would that be?

A: The globetrotters who will easily identify with places and circumstances. The lovers of life and love. The romantics engaged in history and thrillers with a touch of comedy. The ageless connoisseurs of some of the finest things in life. The collectors of warm, fuzzy stories that resound with their own lives. And the folks who love to read light humor with a thriller twist. Those who prefer a good story to reality TV on rainy days.

Q: Wow, that's quite a wide audience.

A: Not really. The ordinary folks who travel through a book. We've all done it. We've all been to places that we've never been in person. It's all done through books. This is that type of story. And if we can inject a bit of a thriller attitude to our storytelling, then the travel is even better.

Q: What are your favorite subject matters?

A: Anything and everything related to every-day life events. Kerouac wrote "On the Road" in three weeks. He did so because he was one of a handful of writers who actually wrote for their own amusement. And if you are happy with what you write, then you are happy with yourself.

Q: Do you have a muse?

A: I had one until recently. Tragically I confused love with need. She needed me. Better yet. Someone like me. But, no, no muse at present. Perhaps for my paintings, but not for my writing.

Q: Yes, about your paintings...

A: Let's not go there. Let's make it a separate interview. Otherwise, they start with this "rennaisance man" thing and it bores me.

Q: Thanks again for your time and we hope to speak some more once the book is published.

A: Anytime. I'm alway available for you, sweetie. Oh...sorry...it's not suppose to show that we are family right? Hahaha...