The Writer’s Digest Podcast, Episode 10: The Art of the Graphic Memoir
Welcome, welcome, writers! From fiction to nonfiction, whatever your genre persuasion— whether you write high-action superhero comics or a touching graphic memoir—the Writer’s Digest podcast is for you. Today I have the pleasure of interviewing Tom Hart on the show!
Tom is a cartoonist, teacher, and has been the Executive Director of The Sequential Artists Workshop, a school and arts organization in Gainesville, Florida since 2012.
He is the author of several books, including the 2016 graphic memoir, Rosalie Lightning, which debuted at #1 on the New York Times Bestseller List. His books have also garnered many other accolades such as a nomination for best graphic novel in 2000, and made him an early recipient of a Xeric Grant for self-publishing cartoonists.
Tom’s most recent book, published in November 2018, is The Art of the Graphic Memoir, a survey and how-to book about creating a graphic memoir.
Now listen in as Tom and I discuss the inner workings of the comics community, and the various ways writers and artists can publish in this ever growing industry.
This episode of the Writer’s Digest Podcast is brought to you by the Writer’s Digest Short Short Story Competition. Think you can write a winning story in 1,500 words or less? Enter the 19th Annual Writer’s Digest Short Short Story Competition for your chance to win $3,000 in cash, get published in Writer’s Digest magazine, and take a paid trip to the WD Annual Conference in NYC. Learn more and enter at WritersDigest.com/competitions.
In this episode Tom shares:
- The collaborative nature between author and artist.
- Why finding your cohort in the comics and graphics community is so important.
- Various publishing pathways for writers and artists.
- How self-publishing increases your skills and credibility in the comics world.
- An inside look at the Sequential Artists Workshop.
Listen in to hear Tom talk about all these things… and more!
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About Tom Hart
Tom Hart is a cartoonist and teacher and has been the Executive Director of The Sequential Artists Workshop, a school and arts organization in Gainesville, Florida since 2012.
His 2016 memoir, Rosalie Lightning, debuted at #1 on the New York Times Bestseller List and was featured on many Best-Of-2016 lists. His most recent book is The Art of the Graphic Memoir, a survey and how-to book about creating a graphic memoir.
His books have been nominated for best graphic novel in 2000, he was an early recipient of a Xeric Grant for self-publishing cartoonists, and has been on many best-of lists in the Comics Journal and other comix publications. He has been called “One of the great underrated cartoonists of our time” by From Hell co-creator Eddie Campbell and “One of my favorite cartoonists of the decade” by Understanding Comics author Scott McCloud.
Links and Resources
- To connect with Tom check out his website at www.tomhart.net.
- If you would like to learn more about the classes offered at the Sequential Artists Workshop head over to learn.sawcomics.org.
- And don’t forget to check out Tom’s latest book The Art of the Graphic Memoir, and Molly Bang’s book Picture This, he mentioned in the episode.
- Learn even more techniques to combine pictures and words in unique ways from author Ryan North in his interview on DIY MFA Radio.
- Want more ideas for how to use words and pictures to create awesome stories that engage readers of all ages? There are some DIY MFA interviews that will help. Listen to this episode with photographer and writer Rachel Hulin for an inside look at crafting a narrative on Instagram that keeps your audience engaged.And for tips on how to create and market a picture ebook, check out this interview with publisher Laura Backes.
Online Course: Writing the Memoir 101
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You'll take a look at personal memoirs as well as memoir writing prompts and tips. Learn how to write a powerful memoir that will engage readers for years to come. Learn more and register.
