Amongst the Books

We are honored to have to guests join us for today's episode. Unplugged and Unpopular author Mat Heagerty and Oni Press editor Robin Herrera talk about the collaborative process behind putting a graphic novel together, where inspiration comes from, finding that just right illustrator, and whether or not they believe in aliens.

Follow Mat on Twitter @Matheagerty or on his website at www.matheagerty.com

Follow Rebecca on Twitter at @Herreracus

To learn more about the great graphic novels that Oni Press has check out www.onipress.com or follow them on Twitter and Instagram at @onipress

Follow Amongst The Books on Twitter @amongstthebooks_podcast and on Instagram @amongstthebookspodcast

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"Inspiration is everywhere, but personally I think that you have to go to a quiet place to find it. Maybe not literally, but you have to go to a quiet place inside yourself and listen to what’s there. I find people inspiring, though often not the ones who talk a lot about their own achievements and how great they are. I’m inspired by the ones who do things. Actions speak louder than words. I find nature and science inspiring. You can always have a lot of ideas - it’s the boldness of actually sitting down and trying to make something from those ideas that is the difficult part. Don’t ever be put off by it seeming impossible though - it isn’t. You just have to practice your own ability to focus, and little by little, you get better at making something concrete out of your own creativity," -Nick Abadzis

Today Joel, Maryam, Emily and Sairah talk with author and illustrator Nick Abadzis about his book Laika, getting through writer's block, and trust in your creative process.

For more information about Nick and his other works visit www.nickabadzis.com and follow him on Twitter @NickAbadzis or Instagram @nickabadisart

Follow us on Twitter @amongstthebooks_podcast and on Instagram @amongstthebookspodcast

Our theme music is written, performed and recorded by Jake Thistle. Follow Jake at www.jakethistle.com

Diversity allows us to experience the world through another's eyes and in the graphic novel The Breakaways, author Cathy Johnson introduces us to a lively cast of characters. I was lucky to get to talk with Cathy and learn where the inspiration came from, how they got started in the art world, and what it is like to pass on these lessons to their students and literary world.

Visit Cathy at

Cathygjohn.net
comicarted.com
Drawingadialogue.com and the Drawing a Dialogue Podcast
Twitter and Instagram @cathygjohn

You can visit us on Twitter @amongstthebooks_podcast and on Instagram @amongstthebookspodcast

Our theme music is written and recorded by Jake Thistle

Everyone is unique and special in their own way. And that is the message graphic novelist Kimberli Johnson is hoping all readers young and old and know. In her book Emeline: Knight in Training Kimberli create a young heroine whose determination helps her succeed. Crafter for dyslexic readers, Emeline: Knight in Training is accessible and touching for all readers.

Ancient Egypt? Space travel? Saving the world? If anyone can handle this Cleopatra can.

In creating a unique world, you have to blaze your own path, and learn alittle about yourself along the way. Thank you Mike for talking about your process and how you created this magical world.

Learn more about Mike and his work at operationspacecat.com and follow him on Twitter and Instagram @mikemaihack

Check out the Cleopatra in Space television series on the new NBC Peacock streaming channel.

You can follow Amongst the Books where ever you get your podcasts or on Twitter @amongstthebooks_podcast on Instagram @amongsttthebookspodcast and on YouTube at Amongst The Books.

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Our theme music is written, recorded and produced by Jake Thistle

For now we hope you are having fun, staying safe, and always reading!

Dive into history in a whole new way. Nathan Hale (not relation to the historical figure) is the author and illustrator the Nathan Hale Hazardous Tale series, and One Trick Pony talks with us about his process, from research to drawing, and how he came to be a graphic novelist.

Follow Nathan Hale on Twitter at @MrNathanHale or at nathanhaleauthor.com

Follow us on Twitter at @amongstthebooks_podcast, on Instagram @amongstthebookspodcast and at our YouTube channel Amongst the Books

Our theme music was written, performed and recorded by Jake Thistle.

Everyone has a writing switch and turning it on helps create your story. Rob Buyea is the author of The Mr. Terupt series and The Perfect Score series, and introduces readers to memorable characters whose stories are full of love and hope and humanity.

You can find more information about Rob at www.robbuyea.com and on Twitter @RobBuyea

You can follow us on Twitter @amongstthebooks_podcast on Instagram @amongstthebookspodcast and on YouTube on the Amongst The Books Channel

Be sure to rate and review us where every you listen.

Our theme music is written, recorded and produced by Jake Thistle.

Telling the stories that need to be told, and celebrating the stories you build with others. Matthew C. Winner is a celebrated teacher librarian and host of two podcasts. His enthusiasm for reading, his caring nature towards authors and illustrators, make his podcasts a must listen. Getting to talk with him about libraries, student engagement, and how books can help was a true joy, and joy is what we want all to express and share.

When it comes to writing author Chris Grabenstein says, "Try not to write all at once." Join the kids as they talk with this award winning author about how he chose the name Mr. Lemoncello, collaborating with his wife J.J. on their latest book Shine and how difficult it can be writing with a cat on your lap. You will find yourself giggling along as Chris answers some of the kids thought provoking questions.