Advice from a successful loser

Kevin Smith became a darling of the independent-movie set after writing and directing the 1994 movie "Clerks," which he made for less than $28,000 and shot in the convenience store where he worked. He went on to make such films as "Chasing Amy," "Dogma" and"Red State," but in his new book, "Tough Sh*t: Life Advice from a Fat, Lazy Slob Who Did Good,", Smith says he has wearied of making movies, preferring his new identity as a tweeter and podcaster. He talked by phone from his home in Los Angeles.

March 11, 2012