Brightline Defense

Next week marks the conclusion of my “Advocate” bookstore talks in Portland. These events have been fueled by audience Q&A and local community engagement, differing sharply from the process of creating these comics in isolation, followed by self-publishing portions on social media, and ultimately navigating a traditional publishing route with Penguin Random House. I've enjoyed sharing this journey with so many people outside of environmental careers or nonprofit work. Comics continue to be a vital storytelling medium for my own work, and as the bookstore events wind down, I'm enjoying my return to drawing again. The final "Advocate" bookstore event is December 6 in Portland. You can RSVP or reshare the ticketing link here: tinyurl.com/boldbooks-eha

I had a fun chat with communities from all over Denver at Shop at MATTER, an independent, Black- and woman-owned design consultancy, letterpress workshop, and bookstore. One more unexpected bonus was a live drawing by Colorado-based artist Abi Park - her talented illustration work can be found online: https://lnkd.in/gaTYwVzR

Incredible turnout in Boulder, Colorado, with my 96th (!) book event happening at Trident Booksellers and Cafe, an employee-owned bookstore in the heart of downtown. I felt a bit guilty as this event interrupted a few CU Boulder students were studying - but as the crowd gathered, other students joined the audience and enjoyed the visual presentation on nonprofit work, environmentalism, and graphic storytelling (check out the Sustainability and Storytelling Lab at University of Colorado Boulder too!). I’m winding down bookstore events as I prepare to focus on producing more art, but please continue supporting your local bookstore through this link: https://lnkd.in/gu65W2t9

People from all over Los Angeles packed Village Well in Culver City, and books sold out quickly before the start of the event. Thanks to conversation partner Meghan Sahli-Wells and an audience highly attuned to environmentalism, this event focused on local urban planning and clean energy more than the process of comics! Much of these talks are driven by Q&A with local audiences, and I’ve been learning a lot about differences between urban, suburban, and rural places (which also subtly shapes the interior of independent bookstores!). It was cool to talk up the connection between cartooning and film among some industry professionals too. The book can be ordered through your own local bookstore here: https://lnkd.in/gu65W2t9

With over 800 First-Year college students and high school students, my book was featured in the Common Reading program of Molloy University, chosen by committee because of the book’s themes and its relevance to contemporary life. Prior to my talk, Molloy teachers told me about the working class roots of many students, so I focused on the balance between community service and taking care of one’s family at one of the most affordable private universities in the New York and Long Island region. Inspired by the themes of “Advocate,”Molloy students are also submitting a work of art (painting, poem, film, short story, and more) in an “Inspired Works” competition by November 12. Learn more about Molloy University and the competition at this link: https://lnkd.in/gY7ZKhCx

On 11/10 in Denver, I’ll have a book talk and signing with the Shop at MATTER! Please RSVP at https://lnkd.in/gnM7a5hT This will be in addition to an event in Boulder, which is getting close to capacity. If you already have a book, a free ticket for the Denver event can also be obtained by using the promo code “NOBOOK” 😆