Interview about the ABVH Graphic Novels

[naeko.livejournal.com]

There's a new interview making the rounds from Graphic Novel Reporter.

Laurell K. Hamilton Talks Graphic Novels (and Giant Cobras)

In it, LKH talks about what she does in terms of bringing the comics together, and admits that "it was like Brett reached inside my head and plucked out the image." So the huge thighs and derpy expressions were exactly as she pictured them!

She also mentions that she doesn't read much anymore, because "One of the most interesting things as a writer is that the more successful you get, the less time you have to read others’ work. You’re writing your own." Interesting and a little sad. Not as in pathetic, but just sad as in, there are some awesome books out there that LKH is missing out on because she's too busy "writing her own." Also, slacking off.

Then, of course, she manages to stumble over her word choices and land in a pile of insults. " It’s not like it was years ago. There are beautiful, grownup, and interesting storylines out there." I've not ever been big into comics, but as I understand it, it's been way more than ten years of "interesting" story lines out there. Adults and kids have been reading and loving comics for, what, fifty years now? At least? Sigh. Just because your comics came out, Cupcake, doesn't mean there wasn't anything worthwhile beforehand.

Anita is really at heart the way it reads. The format is based on the old hardboiled detective fiction, which means it’s very, very dialogue-heavy. There are descriptions, too, but dialogue-heavy books are easier to translate. What I’ve been told is that my books are easier to translate than most books.

I think it's not easier because they're better, but easier because you insist on doing all the work. And, by "doing all the work" I mean you refuse to pare down anything.

The whole package wraps up with her talking about how the CoTD comic is indeed happening, and- of course- mentioning her biology degree! It's a good thing, too. I had forgotten all about it! That and her husband's name. Jon Green, her husband Jon. Wait, what's her husband Jon's name again? Oh right. Jon, her husband Jon Green.

Comments

[naeko.livejournal.com]

Slacking/lack of actual ideas has got to be the problem. If she was still working in "cooperate" America, then I think I could buy it. Working full time, taking care of a kid, trying to have a life *and writing a novel as long as hers usually are could conceivably take 6-12 months. Right now, though, she's on twitter all day, on vacation every other week and only has her kid half(?) the time- her teenage kid, might I add.

I don't think her problem is an inherent time requirement for writing a book, I think she just can't admit she has no new ideas and no real drive to keep writing dreck.

[ex-naomi-ja.livejournal.com]

It'll be interesting to see if anything does come of this new idea she keeps hinting at.