[Loft] 2010 Graphic Novel & Comic Book Writing & Illustrating Conference

One of the really nice things about being part of the Loft Literary Center's board of directors is being able to see previews of really exceptional programs.

While there's a ton of events that will happen at the Loft in 2010 I'm looking forward to, my personal favorite is the Graphic Novel & Comic Book Writing & Illustrating Conference (June 19-20).

Despite its regrettably clunky title, the keynote speaker for this conference is Gene Luen Yang, who deeply understands the opportunities and challenges of the field today. His work American Born Chinese was the first graphic novel to be nominated for a National Book Award and the first to win the American Library Association's Printz Award. I think he'll have some fascinating things to share with everyone on how he navigates a personal story, a cultural story and his traditions while also innovating and pushing the medium.


You'll see some great conversations taking place on craft, breaking into the industry, and most importantly, staying in it. For a lot of my readers, I'd say this is really the 'don't miss' event to save space on your calendar for.