We have a really fun Twitterview to share with you this month, and it’s one that got us thinking about doing a week-long series of posts featuring graphic novels. Kimberly and I are both huge fans of Sara Varon, who wrote and illustrated Bake Sale, Robot Dreams, and more, and we were super excited to get the chance to interview her about her latest book, Odd Duck. 

As you may know, though, Sara collaborated on the creation of Odd Duck with author Cecil Castellucci. So when the chance presented itself that we could interview them together, we jumped at it — you get to see both the writing side and the illustrating side, as well as what the collaborative process was like.

If you haven’t had the chance to read Odd Duck yet, we’re also giving away a copy at the end of the interview. Kim and I both loved this book, and we hope that you do too. It’s a fantastic introduction to the work of BOTH Sara and Cecil. 

Pitch Odd Duck in 140 characters or fewer.

Cecil: Two ducks.  One is odd.  But which one?

Odd Duck is a collaboration. How did you two team up?

Sara: We were matched up by the publisher.

What was the collaborative process like?

Sara: It was fun! Cecil was a good collaborator, and conveniently we agreed on most things.

Cecil:  Sara is great.  I was always left inspired when we would talk about the pages.

Sara, you write and illustrate your graphic novels. Which comes first: the story or the art?

Sara: Depends. Sometimes it’s the character, like the cupcake in Bake Sale. Sometimes it’s a theme, like the theme of betrayal in Robot Dreams. 

Tell us about your creative process.

Cecil: I dream. Eat chocolate. Cry. Stare at the sky, stars and moon. Then put pen to page.

When did you begin drawing and writing? When did you know this was what you wanted to do?

Sara: I was always doodler my whole life. Writing is newer to me – I didn’t start writing stories until I went to grad school about 10 years ago.

Cecil: I knew and wrote my first story at 7. It was a sequel to Star Wars. Lucas went with Empire Strikes Back.

What draws you to writing and illustrating for young readers?

Cecil: Everything is new and high stakes.  Even if it’s getting a cookie from the jar. 

Sara: I write and draw for myself; the publisher puts the age label on it.

Unusual friendships are a common theme in your stories. What draws you to them?

Cecil: I think finding your true tribe is the way to happiness.  Unusual friendships usually challenge us and help us grow.

Sara, is it more difficult to tell a story that is mostly wordless (Robot Dreams) vs. a more traditional comic? Do you have a preference?

Sara: No, one is not harder than the other. But I prefer the wordless stories because I am better at them. Words are not my strong suit.

Did you read comics growing up? If so, which ones?

Sara: No but I loved cartoons. I loved anything by Jay Ward – Underdog, Tennessee Tuxedo, Tooter Turtle. 

Cecil: yes. Tin Tin. Asterix. Lucky Luke. Batman. Superman. Peanuts.

Do you have a favorite character among those you’ve created? Which and why?

Sara: Nope. Once a project is done, I don’t think about it again. I did like drawing food characters for Bake Sale, but animals are my default. 

Cecil: I love them all for different reasons.

Who or what do you write/illustrate for?

Cecil: I mostly write the stories that I longed for as a young person or long for now.

Who are your greatest creative influences?

Sara: The Jay Ward cartoons of my youth were a big influence. As for contemporary influences, my friends & their art is a big influence on me. 

Cecil: Star Wars set me on the path to telling stories.  I also loved Bunuel. Austen. Ballet and Operas.

What gets you jazzed to create?

Cecil: I think that art – all sorts – is the key to making sense of this crazy world we live in.  Telling stories is like my soul singing in key with you. 

Who do you believe is breaking ground now, either in graphic novels for young readers or in writing for young readers?

Cecil: GN I think Hope Larson and Faith Erin Hicks.  Also Jon Klaasen and Adam Rex. 

What’s the best writing/illustrating advice you’ve ever received?

Cecil: Put your best ears on so that you can hear critique and get down to making the work better.

Sara: Have a good time making whatever it is that you make. It comes through in the work.

What’s the best writing/illustrating advice you like to give?

Sara: See above.

Cecil: ditto.

What’s next for you?

Sara: An art show with my friends Aya Kakeda & Eun-ha Paek in Mexico City. It will include textiles, paper, murals, installations, etc. 

Cecil: Tin Star, Book one in a Sci Fi duet out in Feb ’14.  Untitled graphic novel about Hobos with Joe Infurnari out in Fall ’14.

And your favorite ice cream flavor?

Cecil:  Anything with chocolate.  

Sara: Depends on the brand, but it should probably have chocolate or coffee in it.  I am generally not a fruity ice cream person.

Want to win a copy of Odd Duck? We’ll pick a winner at the end of the month, and entries are open to anyone who can receive books from The Book Depository.