Q&A with Terri Libenson

Tyler, Brianna, Jaime, Izzy and Emmie are all characters in Terri Libenson’s graphic novels, published in the UK by HarperCollins. Erin Hamilton was recently offered the opportunity to ask Terri a few questions about her characters!

• In a previous interview, you mentioned using “voice” when cartooning.  How do you ensure the character’s voice comes through the illustrations and story?

I try not to overthink it. I just keep in mind the character’s general likes, dislikes, and overall personality. I can usually tell if a character does something not “on brand” just by gut feeling. For example, Emmie is more people-pleasing and timid, so her reaction to a situation wouldn’t be aggressive (unless pushed too far, of course!). Whereas Bri is more sarcastic and reactionary, so a more aggressive response may be her go-to. This is the same for illustrations. As a shy kid, Emmie is more inclined to be hunched over and turn inward, whereas a more outgoing character like Jaime may strut with confidence.

• Each of the books is told from a different character’s perspective- was this planned as a series to cover each character or did it develop over time?  Are there challenges with a series of books using the same characters but featuring a new voice?

This wasn’t planned until I wrote my second book (POSITIVELY IZZY). After INVISIBLE EMMIE, I thought Emmie’s story was done…at least for the time being (although I brought her back for TRULY TYLER). So I decided to try a new character.  Brianna, Emmie’s best friend, was a great choice. She was already well-developed and the perfect protagonist for a story about being thrown into the spotlight – something I do again later in BECOMING BRIANNA (poor Bri). After IZZY, I didn’t look back. I love rotating characters within the Lakefront Middle School universe. It keeps my writing fresh and challenging, and I think it holds readers’ interest. Kids often write to me, asking “who’s next?”.

That said, there are some challenges. For main characters whose personalities hadn’t previously been developed, I had to start from scratch (like Jaime and Maya, who had only been known as talkative “Gossip Girls”. Or Tyler, who stars in my latest book). So it’s often a struggle as I begin writing for them. I try to make a list of their traits, hobbies, background, and quirks. That helps. Things eventually click into place.

• Your talent is evident and obvious but I wonder whether your style has changed or evolved over the years?

It sure has (and thank you!). Practice makes perfect…or at least it changes the style until it becomes what it’s really meant to be (that’s how I look at it). This was most evident, though, when I used to work on a daily comic strip, The Pajama Diaries. I wrote and illustrated it for fourteen years, and I barely recognize the writing and art in its early days!

• Graphic Novels and comics are having a revival at the moment with teachers and educators promoting them to all ages and with publishers answering the call for more.  Why do you think they appeal to readers?

I think they have wide appeal because they are a feast for all the senses. The back-and-forth play between writing and art adds another layer of interest. Also, for anyone who’s drawn to visual humor (like I was when I was a kid), graphic or illustrated novels are a wonderful bridge to all kinds of books. I started reading through comics, and now I enjoy everything (including adult graphic novels). Reluctant readers also benefit because the images provide a “break” from text.

• What do you hope your books will offer readers?

I hope readers will relate to the emotional content and laugh at the humor. I get many letters from readers telling me how my books have helped them navigate or handle similar situations. That’s honestly the most I could ask for!

• Which is harder- illustrating or writing the text?

I would say writing (usually). It requires more brain power and gets intense. It can be both exhilarating and frustrating (often in the same hour). The hardest parts are rewrites – when a story simply isn’t working and you realize you have to start over. But when it does work and works well, it’s soooo satisfying! Doing the art is more mindless, simply because it comes pretty naturally to me. It’s more time-consuming, true, but I can listen to music or podcasts, or even have a show on in the background. It can get tedious, but more often than not, it’s fun and relaxing.

• Do you have any tips or tricks for aspiring cartoonists/writers?

Sure! This is quoted from my website: 

“First of all, practice, practice, practice! Sign up for classes, and sketch or write on your sketchpad, notebook, phone, arms, legs, whatever. Just keep at it. That’s the only way you get better.

Also, look at works by creators you enjoy. See what their style is like. It’s okay to try to mimic it for a while. That’s what helps you eventually find your own style.

Also, read! I read all the time, for both enjoyment and reference. There are so many great authors and illustrators out there, and they’re so easy to find.

Here’s something else I’ll bet you weren’t expecting: learn to edit. That’s just as important as writing and drawing. Learn to get rid of unnecessary words or images. But do that after you do an initial brain dump! Also, don’t be afraid to rewrite. I must have rewritten IZZY and TYLER four times.

Last but not least, walk away from your work from time to time. Go back to it a few days (or weeks) later and review it with fresh eyes. Best trick of the trade!”

• Can you share any news about what you are currently working on?

I’m currently writing the sixth book in the series! I can’t hint who it’s about, but those who are familiar with the series will definitely recognize one of them!

Terri Libenson’s books are all available now from book retailers across the country.