I’m very lucky this week to have Poet and Photographer Cendrine Marrouat (pronounced as “san-drEEn mar-wah”. The “t” at the end is optional) joining me on my Scribbles Page. Cendrine has just released her tenth book “Life’s Little Things: The Quotes” an amazing book with inspirational quotes and beautiful photos (more about that later).
Congratulations on the new book Cendrine and welcome to my Scribble Page.
Thank you for the feature. I am honored.
Of course. I love having folks stop by, it’s honestly one of my favorite things. Shall we jump into the questions.
Absolutely.
Let’s start with the basics. Tell me about yourself.
Well, to start I’m originally from Toulouse, a beautiful city in southern France, I moved to Winnipeg, Canada, in 2003. I hold a bachelor’s degree in English-to-French translation.
In my career, I have done many things, including teaching, translation, photography, reviews, blogging, content curation, and journalism. I have released five collections of poetry, three photography books, two social media ebooks, and a spoken word CD. Finally, I am a dabbling playwright with two plays under my belt. I tried writing in other genres like short stories, but I am not very good…
Really, with all you’ve done. I find that hard to believe.
Thank you, but right now, my main focus is on nature photography, social media coaching, and French instruction. I work with older adults, and they are among the nicest people I have ever met.
You’ve definitely done a lot. I love the fact that you work with older adults, that’s really impressive.
They are amazing and wonderful to instruct.
I bet. So, what got you interested in photography and writing poetry?
I always say that poetry and photography stalked me until the day I finally fell in love with them.
(Laughs) that an interesting way to put it.
I suppose it is, but it’s how I’ve felt. So, I started writing poems all of a sudden in January 2005. However, it took quite a few people to persuade me that I was good enough to share my photos with the world, and even sell them. It was three years ago.
Really? Well I’m glad they did. The photos I’ve seen and the few poems I’ve read are fantastic.
Thanks.
I have no experience with publishing photos or poetry so what was the hardest thing about writing your current book and, more importantly what can we look forward to seeing in it?
Life’s Little Things: The Quotes is a book of quotes and images. Last year, I asked my blog’s visitors to help me select the photos. I would then write a saying for each of those choices.
It was a fun experiment, albeit challenging. But I loved every minute of it because I had to delve deep inside myself to find the words that would fit the photos. It just took me longer than expected to complete the project.
It’s like revealing your soul to the world.
Exactly, but I don't have any issues with that.
I suppose that's important for us writers. Anyway, moving on, tell me, which famous person (living or dead) would you like to sit down with and have lunch with? Why?
Khalil Gibran, for sure.
I’m sorry I don’t know that name. Who is he?
The author of The Prophet and Jesus, the Son of Man he had an incredible way with words. He also was a feminist and a man with incredible artistic talent. I have goosebumps just writing about him.
I’ll have to check him out.
Definitely.
If I may, I’m curious did you come across any specific challenges when writing? What would you do differently the next time?
I am an incredibly slow writer. So slow, actually that it’s not even funny. And my inspiration also comes in fits and spurts. So, I have learnt to go with the flow.
As far as my new book is concerned, I wouldn’t change a thing. I am not the type of person who regrets her decisions. That’s because I take them after careful planning and consideration.
Slow and steady wins the race right?
(Chuckles) I suppose. Something like that.
If you don’t mind me asking, what are your ambitions as a writer/artist?
I’ll tell you a little story. When my mom committed suicide in 2005…
Oh, my. I’m so sorry. I can’t imagine.
It wasn’t a surprise and we were expecting it. So, I decided to write a book on death. I wanted to help those who were left behind to grieve the passing of a loved one. Short Poetry for Those Who Fear Death, click here, was the result.
Months after the release, I received an email from a stranger. Before opening the book, she had contemplated killing herself. But then, she came across my book, read it, and underwent a complete transformation. Now, she saw life in a totally new light and wanted to enjoy it to the fullest!
Wow! Amazing.
It was. As a writer, this is one of my proudest moments. Knowing that my work helped someone is the greatest testimony of the healing power of art.
That is exactly why I do what I do. Whether I write poetry, take and share photos, or release a book, my goal is always the same: Open people’s minds to the beauty of the world around them. I don’t care how many copies or prints I sell, or even if I’ll ever be famous.
I see too many people plagued with stress, depression, and negativity. They need to treat themselves better. So, I use my skills as an artist to try and change that status quo.
I have no words.
(After a short break I continue the interview, not because Cendrine needed the break, I did.)
Cendrine, what can we look forward to seeing from you in the future? What's your next project?
I have just released book number ten. Marketing it is going to take time, energy and a lot of work. So, I’ll be busy for weeks and maybe months.
Isn’t that the truth.
With that said, I am always full of ideas. I love the Life’s Little Things series that I started last year. The third book may feature haiku, my favorite poetic form. The natural element that it must include makes it the perfect partner for my photography.
That sounds like fun.
It should be. Well, I hope it is.
This brings me to my last question and I hope it’s a good one to end on. Your portfolio of photos is huge, what is your favorite thing to take pictures of?
(Chuckles) That is a good way to end. Anything related to nature -- animals, flowers, forests, water, etc. I am passionate about the little things that make this planet such a beautiful place to inhabit. So, there is a lot of material available out there!
Excellent. Thank you so much for joining me today.
It was an honor to be here. Thank you for hosting me.
Of course.
More about Cendrine Marrouart:
Cendrine Marrouat is a photographer, social media blogger and trainer, French instructor, and author living in Canada. She is the founder of two blogs: Photography website and Social media website. In 2015, Cendrine was recognized a Top 100 Business Blogger by BuzzHUMM. Social Media Slant also made Fit Small Business' Best Small Business Blogs of 2015 & 2016 lists. You can also find Cendrine on Twitter here, Instagram here and YouTube here.
You can find her many works (poetry, social media, photography) here.
About Life’s Little Things: The Quotes
Quotes have been part of the human fabric for a very long time. No matter how old we are, we like to keep our favorites with us. We often have them safely tucked in our wallets or framed on the walls of our homes.
Quotes bring us a sense of comfort and keep us grounded. They force us to think and question our preconceived notions of our surroundings. But most importantly, they inspire us to become better people, especially when they are paired with photography that tells multi-layered stories.
It is the idea behind Life’s Little Things: The Quotes. Cendrine Marrouat’s second book in her Life’s Little Things series pays homage to the world in a way that you may never have seen before. Each page is an invitation to reflect on the human condition and our never-ending connection to nature.
Life’s Little Things: The Quotes will not just brighten your day. It will also open your mind to what is possible and what truly matters. In a world where negativity seems to be winning, the 25 high-quality photos and quotes in the book are intended as a balancing act. They will encourage you to reconnect with yourself, think more positively, slow down your physical pace, and find your inner rhythm.
Life’s Little Things: The Quotes is a little book with a twist and a big heart. Don’t wait and pick up your copy today!
“A real treat for the senses.” – Janette Speyer, HotIceMedia.com
“Cendrine Marrouat’s play between imagery and prose is simple, sweet, succinct and good food for the mind and soul.” – Kelly Hungerford, CommunityWorks
“Cendrine Marrouat’s work is not just good but excellent. The pictures all tell a story, capture a moment in time and they speak to your emotions.” – Anthony Carranza, B2B News Network
Get Life's Little Things; The Quotes here.