My Meet & Greet with Graphic Novelist Nate Powell

Thanks to Penn Hills Librarians, I had the wonderful opportunity to meet Nate Powell as he shared his writing & creative process.

Always, I've been a huge fan of our libraries across the country, from SoCal (where I reside) all the way to Pennsylvania. Our libraries have the unique ability to open our minds, hearts, and souls simply through sharing every kind of story relevant to our human existence.

Last week, at the beginning of September, Penn Hills Library invited graphic novelist Nate Powell to a special gathering for their monthly Graphic Novel Book Club (every second Wednesday of the month, hosted virtually, in case you're interested). The meeting was held on a Saturday, although the book club meets on a Wednesday. Of course, I couldn't miss this terrific event. And, I'm super pleased to have learned a treasure trove of information from Nate.

Nate Powell shared his process of translating published books into graphic novels. It's a slow, very detailed approach before the graphic novel is published. He talked about multiple reads of the written book, earmarking and taking notes on how best to illustrate the work into visual storytelling.

He shared several pages of his sketchbook, where he begins to pencil the panel drawings in correlation to the narrative while "baking" ideas. It's never a first draft and, BAM--done! It's multiple iterations that include "writer's block" and required resting periods, when Nate has to put down the work and let his mind blossom towards alternative paths. According to Nate, completing a long-form comic is years in the making. Yet, the goal is a bigger path in storytelling through comics, which he finds nurturing to his soul.

Not only did he discuss his creative process with absolute sincerity and depth, he also answered terrific questions from our librarian hosting the event and attending participants, including a range of impactful themes, such as:

• Recognizing the need to respect others; to see the inequalities, brutalities, and corruption; to put humanity first, using written work and graphic novels as "empathy machines." That we, as readers, experience what the characters in those stories are experiencing; to understand humans in a particular culture.

• The importance of standing strong for a shared concept of truth; an accurate, humanizing way to push forward.

• Understanding a slippery slope with "banned books" in which school districts are forced to choose from an "approved list" of books; an attempt to ban books without actually publishing a banned book list. Sly, right?

I encourage you to learn more about Nate Powell. He's truly one of those genuine graphic novelists that make a positive impact; a person who radiates light in our world. Here's how you can connect with Nate:

• Nate Powell at Microcosm Publishing

• Nate Powell on Instagram

• Making Comics with Graphic Novelist Nate Powell on YouTube

Lastly, don't forget your local and county libraries and incredible librarians. They are a magnificent light in my eyes.

There is always a bright light to kindness. Take care, my friends.