This is a slightly reformatted version of a cartoon essay I published at Slate in 2014, credited to both me and my then seven-year old daughter.
Around this time, when my children were much younger, I frequently made comics about different aspects of raising them. Hopefully in ways they’ll appreciate later in their lives, but who knows. In my experience as a writer, the older your kids get the more interesting they become, but the less okay you feel about making them the subject of your work. I’ve talked to other autobio cartoonists who share this same sentiment.
The details of my children’s lives felt like good fodder for comics when they could barely express themselves, but I find the notion of writing similar material about them now almost appalling. I think the honest truth is when they’re little it’s easy to see them as an extension of yourself in a way that would feel absolutely psychotic if you kept it going.
This topic has been a little bit on my mind, as I’ve been reading “I’m Glad My Mom Died” by Jennette McCurdy. Speaking of my child’s inner-life, this was a book she absolutely devoured last year when it came out. She tore through it in a matter of days. I’m reading it now in part as one more way to know her better.
It is of course giving me thoughts about potential new cartoon essays…
UPCOMING EVENTS
The Summer is quiet in terms of school visits, but I do have a few exciting workshops and talks coming up.
July 25th - August 15th, Comics Writing For Educators
I will be teaching a four-week class for teachers and educators who are interested in becoming more familiar with comics and graphic novels, understanding how they work, and becoming more confident as cartoonists themselves.
Here is a short video clip giving an overview of what I have planned.
Sunday August 6th, Cartooning Lessons at the Barron Arts Center
This is going to be a fun workshop where I am going to be trying out some new comics-making exercises. All participants will receive a signed hardcover copy of The Fifth Quarter: Hard Court.
In addition to this one-hour workshop, I will also be teaching a weekly comics class on Tuesday nights at The Barron Arts Center in the Fall. More information on that to come.
I have an additional cartoon essay below the break for paid subscribers.
Thanks for following along!
Mike