Photo: Author Wayne Clark: A Storyteller Whose Prose Brings Manhattan’s Rich History And Humanity To Life
Authentic Characters And Timeless Stories
Wayne Clark discusses his creative journey, love for New York, journalistic roots, and the challenges of crafting authentic characters, offering profound advice for aspiring writers on staying true to their voice.
Award-winning author Wayne Clark stands as a testament to the power of storytelling and the enduring lure of New York City. Born in 1946 in Ottawa, Ontario, Clark has called Montreal home since 1968, with eclectic stretches of time spent in Halifax, Toronto, Vancouver, Germany, Holland, and Mexico. However, his heart—and his prose—are undeniably tied to the vibrant streets of Manhattan, which serve as the setting for all seven of his published novels. In an exclusive interview with Reader’s House, Clark delves into his creative process, his influences, and the journey that shaped his career as one of contemporary fiction’s most intriguing voices.
Wayne Clark’s fascination with New York began in his teenage years, fuelled by radio broadcasts and classic films of the 1950s. “Descriptions of the city were magnified in my mind,” he recalls. From struggling artists in smoky jazz clubs to gangster tales that gripped the imagination, Manhattan represented a world of possibilities. As a young man, Clark made frequent visits to the city, soaking in its rhythm and pulse. “My time in the city, much of it spent at jazz clubs and ball games, fueled my dream of writing,” he says. That early fascination blossomed into a lifelong passion, setting the tone for his novels, including the celebrated NY PI series.
With three published books under the series and two more completed, Clark speaks fondly of the recurring characters he’s come to think of as old friends. “I’ve gotten to know the returning characters as well as I know my family or lifelong friends,” he remarks. This intimate familiarity allows him to let conversations and scenes unfold naturally, an approach that he believes keeps his narratives fresh and compelling. Yet, he is unflinching in his commitment to historical accuracy—a dedication that once led him to abandon his main plot when research revealed a timeline discrepancy regarding a former New York mayor. “The more I found out about his dishonesty, the more I rubbed my hands together in glee,” Clark recalls of the discovery. “But my protagonist couldn’t have known the truth about the mayor at that time, so I sacrificed the plot entirely.”
“Writing for magazines often involved spending a great deal of time with the subjects of the story and building a rapport.” – Wayne Clark
Clark’s journey from journalist to novelist reflects his incredible versatility with the written word. His extensive career in journalism saw him working as a reporter, editor, and freelance writer, delving deep into human experiences to inform his stories. “Writing for magazines often involved spending a great deal of time with the subjects of the story and building a rapport. That’s what you try to add to fictional characters in a novel,” he explains. His background in advertising and translation further refined his craft, teaching him the value of deadlines and the need to make every sentence resonate.
Of course, his life experiences had an equally profound impact. Growing up as an “army brat,” Clark frequently moved, attending three schools in a single year at one point. The constant change taught him adaptability and helped him see beyond superficial differences in people. He vividly recalls a colleague’s observation during a trip to China: “We all want the same things in life.” Clark’s writing often reflects this human truth, presenting characters and situations that bridge the divides society constructs between “us” and “them.”
For aspiring authors, Clark offers simple yet profound advice: stay true to your own voice and write, even when inspiration falters. “Avoid the temptation of trying to sound like some well-known writer—it simply won’t work,” he says. “Keep your fingers moving, and your own brain and heart will eventually make sense of what your fingers produce.”
Whether drawing on decades of journalistic experience or tapping into the vivid memories of his youth spent in Manhattan, Wayne Clark’s novels are a celebration of authenticity, character, and humanity. His works remind us that every city, every person, and every story has layers waiting to be peeled back—and that there’s beauty in discovering what lies beneath.
Source: Reader’s House Interview with Wayne Clark.
