On the 6^th of March (2008), World Book Day, I was invited by Morecambe and Lancaster College (UK) to give a lecture about writing graphic novels.

As any good student should do, I prepared myself by doing some research about other sides of the graphic novel world, such as drawing and publishing. I also thought it would be a good idea to leave behind notes of the lecture, so anyone interested could read them. Technically I was ready and, although I was the person in charge to the talking I was terrified, more or less like all those teenagers sitting in front of me when the teacher started asking questions. 

It has been ages since I gave a lecture, when I did it was more technical stuff, and above all this was my first lecture in the English language. One of my major concerns was my accent; how would these English teenagers respond to a lady talking to them in a funny accent? Also, I am a lot older than them, so I was worried about what sort of credibility I could have talking about graphic novels with my stripy grey hair. The graphic novel has for a long time been considered the Cinderella of literature, something for kids too lazy to read a ‘real’ book, and I was afraid I would be associated with those parents who think that graphic novels and comics are childish.

Rows of bright eyes were looking at me from behind wild fringes, and while no one quite dared to ask me anything, I could read in those eyes hundreds of questions. This boosted my confidence: my accent and my white hair weren’t an issue after all. I tried my best to give them good advice, and show them a few tricks of the trade. I don’t know if any of them will ever draw a graphic novel, but whatever they do with their lives, I wish them the best of luck.

Friday, May 16, 2008 7:38:10 PM (GMT Standard Time, UTC+00:00)    Comments [0]