Character Interview with Flynn Chancellor from So Much It Hurts by Dellani

What is your story?

My Story is told in So Much It Hurts

Who are you?

My name is Flynn Amos Chancellor. Remember it, you’ll be asking for an autograph one day.

Where do you live?

I live in an amazing, old hotel downtown. I grew up in the City, but this is a hell of a lot better part of town.

Are you the hero of your own story?

I don’t think of myself as particularly heroic.

What is your problem in the story?

I’m trying not to lose myself.

How do you see yourself?

I can paint you a picture. Seriously, I’m a man who’s very secure in his artistic abilities, but who lacks confidence in his relationships.

How do your friends see you?

Slightly arrogant, talented, a little flaky – hey, I’m an artist, comes with the territory. Cocky, self-assured, and able to take a licking and keep on ticking.

How does the author see you?

She sees a talented man who has some emotional baggage. A man who’s trying hard to do the best he can.

Do you think the author portrayed you accurately?

She did, it’s like she painted a picture of me with her words.

What are your achievements?

I’ve won a number of contests with my art and have now managed to land some really top drawer jobs. If I can nail them, I’ll make an indelible mark and a name for myself.

Do you talk about your achievements?

Not really. The folks who need to, know.

Do you have any special strengths?

I can paint a cityscape on a model’s back in less than five hours. I happen to be pretty damn good at body painting.

Do you have any special weaknesses?

I lack confidence in relationships. There’s a good reason for it, but doesn’t make it any easier to cope.

Do you have any skills?

I’m a kick ass painter.

Do you have money troubles?

I came up poor and I’ve worked hard all my life to make frayed ends meet. Things are better now. I’ve gotten some recognition, so the money will sort itself out.

What do you want?

I want happiness and success.

What do you need?

I need happiness and success.

Are you lucky?

Not everyone would think so. I had an abusive dad, but I survived his beatings. I grew up poor in the worst part of town, and I got out. I think that makes me awfully damn lucky.

Have you ever failed at anything?

How much time do you have?

Has anyone ever failed you?

My old man failed me and my mom. I’m not sorry he’s gone.

Do you keep your promises?

I try, but I’m shit with commitment. I try not to make them, because I know I’m going to break them.

Are you healthy?

I was pretty sick as a kid, between beatings and poor living conditions. But now, I’m insanely healthy.

What was your childhood like?

I’d rather not talk about it.

Do you like remembering your childhood?

Not at all. Well, except for the first day I saw Pappy Dominguez’ paintings in the City gallery. That was the best moment of my life.

Did anything newsworthy happen on the day you were born?

According to my old man, the gates of hell opened and spewed out hellspawn. But he was an alcoholic drug user, what does he know?

Did you get along with your parents?

Subject change.

Have you ever had an adventure?

I’m having one now, getting to know Pia and starting my new job.

Was there ever a defining moment of your life?

The day I saw Pappy Dominguez’ painting Santa Rosada Sitting. It touched my life in a visceral way that I can’t explain. I knew right then that I wanted to be an artist.

What is your most prized possession? Why?

My most prized possessions – my art supplies, particularly my brushes. Each one represents a meal I missed, a date I didn’t go on, and hundreds of small sacrifices I made in order to pay for them.

What is your favorite scent? Why?

I love the smell of oil paints and turpentine.

What is your favorite color? Why?

It color of an unpainted canvas, because it’s alive with possibilities.

What is your favorite food? Why?

Don’t really have one. I hate rutabagas, squash and beets. And walnuts make my mouth numb.

What is your favorite beverage? Why?

Coffee – because of the endless ways to prepare it.

What is your favorite music? Why?

Rock and Roll and Blues.

What is your favorite item of clothing? Why?

I’m a hat fanatic. I have all kinds. My favorite is this battered fedora that looks like Indiana Jones wore it when he was looking for the Holy Grail. It’s beat to shit and faded, but it’s great for keeping the sun out of my eyes when I paint outside.

Name five items in your pockets.

Keys, wallet, phone…. I travel light.

If you were at a store now, what ten items would be in your shopping cart?

I’m pathetic with food shopping. I’d probably just grab whatever caught my eye – and coffee.

If you were stranded on a desert island, who would you rather be stranded with, a man or a woman?

I’m not interested in spending that much time with another dude. A willing, flexible woman with low standards and high stamina.

So Much It Hurts is currently on sale for only .99 cents until November 8.

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