But forSpinning,I really had to put the brakes on.
The book went through many stages before it hit its final form.
InSpinning,you talk about not wanting to return to ice skating.
Credit: First Second Books
And honestly, I never thought I would do this.
This wasnt a story Ive always wanted to tell.
But when I tried to make it, I completely froze.
First Second Books
I couldnt draw myself skating.
I think thats true in many sports but its especially true in skating.
So I tried to specifically find memories that I remember having a direct effect on me on the ice.
First Second Books
I wanted to keep it all connected to skating, ultimately.
Each chapter opens with the explanation of a different figure skating move and your experiences with it.
Was that tied to the emotion you wanted to evoke?Definitely!
First Second Books
And with each chapter, the moves get more complex and I get older and taller.
How do you navigate that aspect of the creative process?
Do you know just know when youre getting it right?It was tricky to navigate at times.
As you said, I was more focused on sharing a feeling instead of simply sharing an event.
But feelings are elusive, especially when you go looking for them.
And I do know when I get it right, I know instantly.
First Second Books
Its like a smooth bolt of lightning.
I can look at a scene and suddenly I think, Thats what it felt like.
I learned how to be vulnerable and strong at the same time.
Spinninghits bookstores Sept. 12.Preorder it here.
you’ve got the option to see pages from the graphic memoir below.
