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QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS WITH NORMAN CHASTAIN:
QUESTION: When did you start writing?
NORMAN: I first attempted writing while attending Georgia Tech. Fortunately, the short stories about a spirit
named Tuesday, and another starring a villainous soccer ball are locked away with other dubious memories. I dabbled with my
first novel seven years later, but only finished 150 pages. After ten more years, I sat down and completed the book in six
months. I haven't stopped since.
QUESTION: How do you prepare to write your books?
NORMAN: My story is finished in my mind before I begin. I need a clear starting point, conflict, and resolution
before I write the first word. I need to know where I'm going or I flounder.
I start each project with a character
list and a brief outline of the scenes. I don't elaborate on the scenes—it's more of a road map or a checklist. My outlined
story evolves as I get to know your characters and become immersed in the plot. I add, rearrange, and discard scenes as the
plot becomes clearer to me. The first outline is usually neatly typed on the computer, and the last is hand-written, scribbled
at some ungodly hour or on an airplane fold down tray. I enjoy checking off each scene like I've reached a milestone and I
look forward to the scenes ahead. Writing down the scenes in advance gives me time to think through elements of the scenes
prior to actually writing.
Although I said I know the opening and ending of the story before I begin, I'll also
admit I often alter endings and beginnings.
QUESTION: Where did you get the idea
for After the Game?
NORMAN: My original idea
started as: "What if a victim's sibling becomes as obsessed with chasing the murderer as the killer is with a compulsion
for violence?" When the major leaguer as a murderer concept hit me, my story took off.
I had completed half
the book when Sports Illustrated published the tell-all on Atlanta Braves pitcher, John Rocker. At first, the publicity
disappointed me, thinking everyone would believe my idea originated from this hype. Later, I continued writing, satisfied
that Rocker's aggressive reputation—and other athlete outburst since—added a realistic touch to After the
Game.
QUESTION: Is any of After the Game GAME based on personal experience?
NORMAN: Absolutely. Well, I'm not on a first name basis with any serial killers; however, many of my characters
are composites of people I have known, although I avoid direct association to anyone in particular. I rely heavily on visual
images of places where I have lived and visited for settings in my books. I use highways, restaurants, rooms from houses,
furniture, industries, cars, computers, etc. that I am familiar with. And certainly, there are memories and experiences folded
into my stories.
I was fortunate to assist my brother, Bill Chastain, with post-game interviews during the playoffs
in Atlanta. The novice reporter experience and consulting with Bill—a
writer for MLB.com—added authenticity to After the Game.
QUESTION:
Will there be a sequel to After the Game?
NORMAN:
Do you want one? I guess it depends on the success of After the Game. I have outlined a sequel starring key characters
from ATG. If my readers enjoy the After the Game characters as much as I did creating them, then yes, a sequel is
a definite possibility.
QUESTION: Where can I purchase After the Game?
NORMAN: Since I'm not John Grisham or Mary Higgins Clark, After the Game will not greet you as you stroll
into Barnes & Noble or Borders. I'm hopeful initial sales and maybe customer requests, will prompt booksellers to stock
my novel on their shelves. Ask your favorite bookstore for After the Game, and often.
If you can't find
After the Game on the shelves, it is available at various on-line booksellers, including Barnes & Noble and Amazon.
The book is also available from the publisher at PublishAmerica.com.
QUESTION: Are you
currently writing another book?
NORMAN: At this time, I
am editing and polishing a manuscript, Bottleneck, for the submission-rejection cycle. In addition, I'm approximately
two-thirds finished with a corporate murder mystery, nicknamed IGGIE.
QUESTION:
Have you ever had writer's block?
NORMAN: Uh . . . Yes, I have encountered writers' block,
but rarely and not for long. A rejection letter from an agent or publisher may bring on a temporary lapse. Usually, I'm able
to remind myself how much I want to write, put my hands on the keyboard and type. It's amazing how writing even one sentence
can break writer's block.
I try to prevent writer's block rather than curing the malady. I attempt to end a writing
session on a positive note, when the story is flowing, and I can't wait to craft the next sentence, paragraph, or scene. I
strive to battle through problematic areas I plummet into quickly, and if possible, during the same writing session, so I
don't dread returning to a story bogged down in literary quicksand. I write often—turn on the computer and type. A bad
sentence is better than no sentence, and can be edited when the work is complete. The book will never be complete if I stare
at a blank screen.
Occasionally, the story itself brings on 'the block.' Kill a character. Create a character.
If the plot stops me, I spruce it up. When all else fails, I kick myself in the rear end and remind myself, "I can't
be a writer if I don't write, stupid!"
QUESTION: What do you like to read?
NORMAN: "Read what you write." I've heard it many times. For me, it fits. I'm an avid fiction reader,
mainly mysteries or thrillers. Anything by Harlan Coben, Michael Connelly, Mary Higgins Clark, David Baldacci, Kathy Reichs,
and Lee Child. It's a thrill to find new writers I enjoy, and I'm sad when writers I once enjoyed seem bored with writing.
QUESTION: Besides writing novels, what are your other interests?
NORMAN: First and foremost, I enjoy every moment with my wife and children. They give me great joy. I'm thankful
for a day job that allows me to provide for my family. I like reading a suspenseful who-done-it, a good Cabernet, a day off
from shaving, and Christmas. Of course, everything is better at the beach. I'm a fan of a walk-off homer, a last-minute layup
or a sudden death golden goal. Over the years, I've enjoyed SCUBA diving, duck hunting, and running. I derive great pleasure
from books, exercise, biking, movies, and watching my children do anything.
If you have a question for Norman
Chastain, you can e-mail him at
norman@normanchastain.com
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