Playing with the story

> Wan Nor Azriq gives readers the freedom to decide on the direction and focus his latest novel, Di Kala Bulan Bermain Biola, will take

“[In Malaysia] you are expected to write something serious, intelligent and meaningful. I want to rebel against this norm. I want to write something playful and more fun.”

However, at the moment he is not working on any new novels.

“Writing this novel was exhausting,” he says. “I need a break. I might not write any novels this year. I will read more books and find new ideas. Maybe, I will try to write short stories.”

When asked what is the biggest misconception that people have of him, he answers: “They think my writing is completely immoral, and I have no sense of responsibility. They believe I do not have respect for Malaysian literature.

“People always assume when you write fiction, you are supposed to fight for certain issues and change the country for the better. I do not have those elements in my writing.

“I believe observing life is far more important than fighting certain issues.”

He is honest enough to admit his books do not always get the thumbs up from readers.

Last month, at a literature forum, a reader expressed disappointment over Wan Nor’s debut novel D.U.B.L.I.N., which won first prize in the novel category of the prestigious Sayembara Penulisan writing competition in 2013.

He says: “He complained that my novel has no meaning ... some readers become extremely dissatisfied when I do not give a clear meaning in my novels.

“But as a writer, I expect my readers to experience my work, and have their own interpretation.

“You just cannot expect a writer to explain his work to you.”