227: How to Craft a Knockout Graphic Novel - Interview with Eoin Colfer, Andrew Donkin, and Giovanni Rigano

Hey there word nerds!

Today I am so excited—and I’ll admit I’m also having a bit of a fangirl moment—because I’m interviewing Eoin Colfer, Andrew Donkin, and Giovanni Rigano on the show!

Together, they comprise the powerhouse team behind the heart-wrenching and powerful graphic novel Illegal.

You probably already know Eoin Colfer as the bestselling author of the Artemis Fowl series (one of my favorite middle grade series of all time!). What you might not know about him is that before becoming a full-time writer he worked as a primary school teacher and he spent four years working in Saudi Arabia, Tunisia, and Italy.

Eoin’s co-author, Andrew Donkin, has written more than sixty books and graphic novels for children and adults, including collaborating with Eoin on the Artemis Fowl graphic novels. His books have been translated into thirty languages around the world and have sold more than eight million copies in the last decade.

And the master behind the artwork of Illegal,Giovanni Rigano, is an Italian artist and illustrator, who may be most well known for his role in the creation of the Artemis Fowl graphic novels. He has also created graphic novels for Disney books, including The Incredibles.

Now listen in as we all chat about their latest and amazing graphic novel, and how the comic format offers ways to draw readers in unlike any other media.

In this episode Eoin, Andrew, Giovanni and I discuss: The different steps in creating and completing a graphic novel. Combining words and pictures to create a greater emotional response in readers. Structuring a story with alternating timelines, and how to do it right. Why it is necessary to represent the perspective of children in books. How to use the graphic novel layout to control the pace of your story. Plus, each of their #1 tips for writers and artists.

For more info and show notes: DIYMFA.com/227