RT Booklovers Convention start on April 6th and if you’re going to be in Los Angeles, you won’t want to miss it. Anyone who pays attention to paranormal fiction (or just the blog) is going to notice the emerging trend of books being adapted in to Graphic novels. It’s not really surprising then to see that all the panelists for GRAPHIC NOVELS: The Female Creators Workshop are paranormal authors including todays guest Anne Elizabeth, author of the Pulse of Power graphic novel series. Click HERE to see where else Anne will be at this years convention.
ATUF: Why do you think graphic novels have exploded in popularity recently, especially in the paranormal market?
AE: In the past few years, there has been an upswing by authors of romantic fiction and horror to adapt their popular stories to comic and graphic novels as well as create new tales, too. As a reader and comic creator, I believe a comic or graphic novel can provide another dimension to an established story and create tremendous excitement with a new one. Each level of technology has the possibility of taking a story to another realm allowing the story to flourish and grow more. With this recent surge, though, I think authors and creators are simply enjoying the opportunity to stretch and try new things, and the results have often been innovative and brilliant.
AE: As the moderator of this amazing panel of women, I can share this . . . The discussion will be about craft techniques, developing strong heroines and compelling heroes. Many of the authors on this panel regularly strike at the heart of empowerment, belief, and achievement; and they will be sharing some of their secrets on what makes characters work and optimal methods for plotting stories. [Hint, hint: Attendees, please bring a business card or a piece of paper with your name and email address. We will have a few extraordinary giveaways to raffle at this very special workshop.]
ATUF: What are some of the unique challenges and benefits when it comes to writing a graphic novel as opposed to a traditional book?
AE: Good question~ There are several challenges involved in writing a graphic novel such as the fact an author's need to be succinct. Each panel on a page has to move the story along or be vitally important in such a way that it contributes to the hero's journey. In a novel there is room to provide hundreds of details or have long monologues or expositions; but in a comic, the intensity and pacing requires that the author have a talent for brevity and short memorable phrases. Writing a comic or graphic novel can be quite a challenge, but the fun of it makes the journey completely worthwhile.
ATUF: How involved do authors get to be with the artists?
AE: Most authors are highly involved in the creation of his or her comic/graphic novel. He or she usually helps pick the artist or the style of depiction. If the author has time, he or she can write his or her own adaptation or story like Holly Black, Alisa Kwitney, or Kelley Armstrong; or an adaptor can write the first draft of the script giving the author an example of the style and allowing the author time to hone the creation, phrasing, etc. The best part of the comic isn't that this is one person's work, but that it is a collaboration of talent that can introduce a whole new way to view or compliment project. It's an enlightening process that forces the author to be very forthright and specific without tying the hands of the artist.
ATUF: What do you think of the trend of novels getting turned into graphic novels? Is it better to have original material conceived specifically for the graphic novel medium?
AE: I am enjoying the increase of products in both the comic and graphic novel market. There is great value to both adaptation and brand new creation. We have room for both. Today, we live in a very visual society and experiencing stories that are adapted or created anew feeds that voracious story hunger inside our minds and hearts. Did you know that they have educational graphic novels focusing on hard sciences ( Hill & Wang ) for teens and recreational as well as educational manga books for toddlers? The world is evolving and changing quickly and it isn't about a "right" way or a "wrong" one, but connecting with the reader and sharing the important story message.
ATUF: Can you tell us about your Pulse of Power graphic novel series?
AE: Absolutely! I began my PULSE world in high school. This was my favorite creative writing topic for English class. When I went to college I was unwilling to leave it behind and kept writing on this world until I finished my first full epic journey some time after graduate school. Signing a deal that has made the PULSE series come alive in a graphic novel series was and is a dream come true.
Here's a blurb on Tia and the PULSE OF POWER world.
"A graduate of The Academy, an exclusive school for girls, Tia Stanton learned early that proper young ladies don't curse. But knowing a curse or two would certainly come in handy, since Tis spends her days as a stock girl at Vivant, the sentient supernatural store, and moonlights as a monster-hunting vigilante. But now Tia's jobs -and her life- are about to get a lot more complicated. All of a sudden, she has strange new powers. The dangerously seductive stranger who keeps invading her dreams has just walked into her life. And a powerful enemy is about to strike her in the most unexpected and vulnerable of places... Her heart."
Book II - THE PENDULUM - releases in October 2011 at the New York Comic Con. In this one, Tia goes off world!
ATUF: What would you say to someone who has never read comics, manga or graphic novels to persuade them to try one?
AE: Comics and graphic novels are for the adventurers, the individuals who step boldly into the noise and chaos of the world and seek to achieve something greater than themselves or for their own worlds. These fascinating works of "actual" art can draw us in and leave indelible impressions that make us weep or cry, yell or smile, or flat-out make us laugh in long lasting ways.
ATUF: Where do you suggest graphic novel newbies start?
AE: Pick a favorite author and see what he or she has done with an adaptation of a beloved story or catch some of these new worlds created by authors just for comics and graphic novels. This year's E-Expo is on Friday ( 4-6 pm ), which will have Cassandra Clare, Melissa de la Cruz, LA Banks, Alisa Kwitney, Holly Black, Kelley Armstrong, Gregg Hurwitz, and me in attendance. Open one of our book's to experience the beauty and creativity of manga, comics and graphics.
Please note, there will be a free collectible RT poster on hand to celebrate the graphic fiction genre. Both "currently released" and upcoming titles will be listed on the poster. First come, first serve - so arrive early to secured your poster while supplies last.
ATUF: Can you explain the differences between comics, manga, and graphic novels and why and if you prefer one over the other?
AE: Personally, I like them all! In terms of defining the differences, here is an easy way to remember them.
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The manga art form originated in Japan pre World War II. Oftentimes, the method of depicting the story lines has been referenced as a "push toward realism" or rather, dealing with life complexities on a level that strikes at honesty, the depth of pain and the heart of happiness. Traditional Japanese manga is read from back to front and right to left, and Ameri-manga or manga with an American influence is read from front to back and left to right. Manga is divided into age levels and is directed at either male or female audiences. From toddlers to seniors, there are stories for every age.
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Comics are usually either a one-shot story ( a single issue ) or a serialized account of a longer story. Each issue can be anywhere from 19 - 35 pages long. Among the popular series are Batman, Superman, The Green Hornet, Hulk, Wonder Woman, Punisher, etc. ( Brilliant writer Gregg Hurwitz has penned a few Punisher issues and will be signing at the E-Expo. ). The topic range for comic content is huge and can cover areas from historical to science fiction and everything in between.
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Graphic novels can be defined in several ways. First, a longer standalone story that is more that 35 pages and is completely captured in one book. For a wonderful example, check out Alisa Kwitney's book TOKEN. Or, second, a compilation of several comics collected into one large book such as Kelley Armstrong's ANGEL or LA Banks' VAMPIRE HUNTRESS. A third example is a longer story told in a serialized account such as Melissa Marr or Holly Black's books. Also, this is how I am telling the PULSE stories. There will be seven more books, too. One a year for the next seven years.
AE: Seeing friends: booksellers, fellow authors, readers, editors, agents, and staff! The best part of RT is the camaraderie. No other convention on the planet has so much one-on-one time!
ATUF: Which panel other than your own are you most excited about?
AE: The S.O.S. Event - I'm really looking forward to it! Kim Lowe organizes it every year as a tribute to our military. My husband is a retired Navy SEAL, and we are both vey active in supporting our warriors and their families.
This wonderful event provides a way for authors to give to the military community and to let them know - We Love You! Hope to see everyone there on Saturday Afternoon.
Hooyah & hugs! AE
ATUF: Thanks so much for stopping by Anne. Come back anytime!
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I wish I was going to be there for your classes again this year. I learned more about laying out a graphic novel and character development in a minimum of words in your class than I had in several years of reading and trying to put it together myself. As a result my husband and I are now working on our first graphic novel. I HIGHLY recommend your classes on the subject. Have fun at RT. I'll be front row for next year's classes.
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For this sort of thing, watch the videos at Kal Bashir's 510+ stage Hero's Journey site over at http://www.clickok.co.uk/index4.html
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