An Interview with Wayne Cresser
Wayne Cresser, the storyteller behind these eighteen interconnected slice-of-life short stories called The Book of Norman. Want to know more about the book writing process and the author’s vision for the plot? Then read this small blog based on the recent interview of Wayne Cresser with local media.
The Inspiration behind The Book of Norman
Interviewer: Wayne, thank you for joining us today. Let’s start with the inspiration behind The Book of Norman. What sparked the idea for this collection?
Wayne Cresser: Thanks for having me. There was no specific inspitartion for his collection, no Eureka moment. There was a character whom I kept returning to at various stages of his life. Eventually, it occurred to me that I was charting the journey of a very human and flawed individual whom I also liked for his resilience.
The Writing Process
Interviewer: Your writing process has always been a topic of interest for your readers. Could you share how you approached writing The Book of Norman?
Wayne Cresser: I have alluded already to becoming fascinated with the trails and tribulations of a person who manages to get through one conflict after another, without ever making great gains and occasionally experiencing painful losses. Focusing on key life events for Norman, I let the characters guide the story. I wanted each chapter to feel like a piece of a larger puzzle, gradually revealing the complexities of Norman’s life. Balancing realism with elements of fantasy and susprise was crucial. I aimed to create a narrative that feels both authentic and intriguing, with moments of warmth and humor to lighten the darker themes.
What Makes The Book of Norman a Must-Read
Interviewer: What do you believe sets The Book of Norman apart from other collections of short fiction on the market?
Wayne Cresser: My influences for short story writing are literary, so genre doesn’t really relate to what I do other than perhaps the broad aim among all writers of fiction, regardless of genre, to say something about the human condition. Stories involving my protagonist, Norman Winters, revolve around themes like family, friendship, resilience, identity, and love. These themes are universal, making the book relatable to a wide audience. What’s different about my approach is the examination of a life over time via independent episodes from that life. Readers will see Norman grow from a child to an adult, facing various challenges that shape his character, and hopefully making him and his story, memorable.
Reflections on the Short Story Form
Interviewer: The Book of Norman is structured in a way that echoes the rich tradition of short story writing. How do you see your work fitting into this tradition?
Wayne Cresser: I’ve always admired the short story form for its ability to convey powerful narratives in a concise manner. Each chapter of The Book of Norman can stand alone as a short story, yet together, they form a cohesive and expansive narrative. This structure allows me to explore different aspects of Norman’s life in depth without overwhelming the reader. It also provides a rhythm to the storytelling that keeps the pace engaging. Some of my favotite books work this way, James Joyce’s Dubliners, Junot Diaz’s Drown, and Sherwood Anderson’s Winesburg, Ohio, are structured this way. I hope The Book of Norman contributes to the tradition of short story writing by demonstrating how interconnected stories can build a profound and layered narrative.
Lessons and Themes in The Book of Norman
Interviewer: The themes and lessons in The Book of Norman are quite impactful. Could you elaborate on some of these?
Wayne Cresser: Absolutely. One of the central themes is the importance of family and how our relationships with siblings, parents, and even ex-spouses shape us. Norman’s relationships with his brother Murray and his friend Roger reflect the changeable nature of compatability and loyalty. Resilience is another key theme. Norman faces numerous setbacks, but his ability to persevere and grow from these experiences is a significant part of his journey. The story also delves into self-discovery and identity, encouraging readers to reflect on their own paths. Lastly, the transformative power of love is a recurring theme, showing how love in its various forms can bring meaning to our lives.
Final Thoughts
Interviewer: Finally, what do you hope readers take away from The Book of Norman?
Wayne Cresser: I hope readers come away with a sense of connection to the characters and the stories. I want them to see parts of themselves in Norman, of course, but no one goes through life alone, and some colorful people cross his path. It’s my hope that readers will notice that too. As you follow Norman Winters on his journey for love, understanding, and happiness, you may uncover new secrets and mysteries that will keep you hooked until the very end.
