Geek Syndicate
GS: What has been the most challenging aspect of that decision?
SO: Oh gosh, the hardest part
has been not having any experience writing comics! When I
wanted to start writing comics when I was younger, none
of the free writing programs
had a comics/graphic novel
option, so learning took a lot
longer than it should have by
default. Immersing myself
into the comic book realm, going to conventions and meeting all the wonderful people
that are part of the project
today and all of those who
continue to inspire and guide
me has been an invaluable
experience. I’m not afraid to
ask for help if I need it - keen
learner - and I’ve been blessed
to meet such wonderful, helpful people who have answered
all my silly, inane questions.
GS: There’s already a great relationship between Elysia and Frog
in the preview. Did you draw on
any of your own friendships for
this?
SO: If I did, it was purely
subconsciously. I’ve not deliberately drawn on any personal experiences for any of
the characters, but you can’t
avoid referring to any of your
own life as a writer – even by
accident. Although I’m not
able to place the exact friendship between Elysia and Frog,
it’s not to say I didn’t grow up
having a best friend at some
point who was always there
for me and took care of me
whilst growing up (I say this
like I’ve grown up, I promise I
haven’t).
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Frog and Elysia are very different people and they also
work very well together, which
is fascinating because you
already know they will be
friends for life after just reading the teaser. Their friendship is portrayed the way it is
to pay homage to all the best
friends out there. It’s universally accepted that best
friends are awesome, so that’s
what I wanted to come across.
GS: Who has been your most difficult character to write and why?
SO: Elysia, by a long mile!
Sounds like a cop-out of an
answer, but seriously, she’s
hardcore in personality and
change. She goes through so
many different aspects of
growing up that trying to portray a spoilt little brat, who
actually has a big heart and
now has to undergo the biggest changes of her physical