Tommy Orange, award-winning novelist, discusses his new book 'Wandering Stars' and the traumatic legacies of historical events like the Sand Creek Massacre. He reflects on the impact of his book being assigned reading in schools, shares insights into character development and therapeutic techniques, and explores the importance of authentic Indigenous representation in media.
Tommy Orange's writing process blends conscious decisions with unconscious creative sparks, shaping unique character voices.
Authentic storytelling about Indigenous experiences challenges historical narratives, advocating for diverse perspectives in literature.
Orange highlights the complexities of addiction and recovery, emphasizing the need for nuanced character developments in his narratives.
Deep dives
Complexity of Voice and Writing Style
Tommy Orange explores the intricacies of fiction writing, revealing that the voices and styles in his book 'There, There' emerge a mysterious collaboration with an unconscious part of him. He acknowledges the interplay between intention and subconscious expression in creating distinct character voices, underscoring the unpredictable nature of writing that transcends conscious control.
Exploring Indigenous Narratives and Identity
Orange delves into the importance of accurate storytelling about Indigenous experiences, encouraging a critical lens on historical representations. He values connecting students with authentic Indigenous narratives, challenging institutions' historical narratives, and advocating for diverse perspectives and identities in literature.
Navigating Recovery and Complex Characters
Orange discusses the portrayal of addiction and recovery in his narratives, emphasizing the complexities and realities of these journeys that defy simplistic portrayals often depicted in literature. He highlights the need for multifaceted character developments that reflect the challenges individuals face in overcoming addiction.
Influences and Writing Process
Orange shares insights into his writing process, acknowledging the blend of conscious decisions and unconscious creative sparks that shape his work. He emphasizes the importance of letting go of personal identity in writing to allow unique voices and perspectives to emerge authentically, transcending individual experiences to tap into a broader creative consciousness.
Representation and Cultural Learning
Reflecting on the importance of representation and learning through cultural narratives, Orange underscores the significance of diverse voices and stories, especially in educational environments. He advocates for critical engagement with texts that challenge traditional narratives and encourage deeper understanding of complex themes and identities.
Literary Influences and Creative Collaboration
From sharing encounters with actors to navigating unexpected screenplay opportunities, Orange explores the intersection of literature and media, revealing the interconnectedness of creative industries. He reflects on the creative process, drawing inspiration from diverse sources and opening doors for cultural storytelling and representation.
Our guest today is award-winning novelist Tommy Orange. Orange’s debut novel, There There, centered on a Native American experience that is less commonly featured in US literature - the lives of urban Native Americans. It was one of 2019’s most critically acclaimed books, and now, he’s written a followup. It’s called Wandering Stars. This new book features many of the same characters, while tracing the traumatic legacies of the Sand Creek Massacre of 1864 and government-run boarding schools, like the Carlisle Indian Industrial School. On February 27th, 2024, Orange came to the Sydney Goldstein Theater in San Francisco to talk to author Dave Eggers. Hundreds of students and teachers attended - and among other things, Orange talked about what it’s like to have his book as assigned reading in schools.
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