The Things I'll Do For a Graphic Novel

My current graphic novel is set on a real island in Maine and I recently returned from a 10 day research trip there.

In addition to better capturing the details, feeling, and color of the main island, one of my main goals was to explore a nearby largely uninhabited island where I set several dramatic scenes. My protagonist reaches that island by kayak, so we found a local guide who brought us over, and who left us there to explore and return on our own.

Here’s the diary comic I made of the adventure:

Although going over was certainly outside my comfort zone, I knew it would help so much with bringing verisimilitude to my graphic novel. It would have been hard for me to imagine the wildness of the island.

Its isolation and stark beauty.

I took a lot of reference photos which my helpful spouse aided me with.

Don’t worry, he was safe.

And of course, I drew which always makes me notice more details of where I am.

Not only was the island adventure invaluable from a research perspective, but it ended up reminding me that I’m more adventurous than I give myself credit for.

What about you—what sorts of things have you done that are outside of your comfort zone for a story or project?

If you’re interested in learning how I go about making a diary comic like the one above, join me for a 75-minute workshop on Thursday, June 25 at 4pm CT / 5pm ET on Zoom (recording available too). We’ll talk through styles, format, and what to do if you “can’t draw,” then spend the rest of the time making comics together. Open to all levels!

Register here ($15) · Free for Paid Subscribers (use discount code on this page)

K’s Kettle is my monthly Zoom gathering for paid subscribers. We share where we are in our creative lives using a simple structure: rose, bud, thorn. What’s going well, what’s growing, what’s been hard. No feedback, just good company.

If you’ve been thinking about upgrading to a paid subscription, this is a nice reason to—it’s a warm, low-key hour and I’d love to see you there. Join us Tuesday, June 23 at 2pm CT/ 3pm ET. Use the link in this post to register.

In addition to being a graphic novelist, I also help graphic novelists and graphic memoirists accelerate and grow as writers and artists. Here are a few ways I collaborate with creators:

• One-on-One Coaching and Consulting: Learn more here

• Bi-Weekly Mentoring Group Through Sequential Artists Workshop (SAW): Learn more here.

Leif is in the middle of a big life change—as are we. We’re welcoming my sister’s 2-year old whippet, Vera, into our lives for the next year while my sister and her family live abroad. Vera and Leif met on Friday (photo on left below) with Vera quite scared at first, although after only a day, they’re already much more comfortable with each other and on the way to being friends. Stay tuned for more adventures of Vera and Leif!

Take care and keep creating!

-Katharine