How did a small elephant idea become a graphic novel?
Marshmallow & Jordan - Idea Development
I feel honored and grateful to have been invited to the Hong Kong International Literary Festival, the Young Readers Book Festival, and two schools in Texas and New Jersey this month.
Marshmallow and Jordan was released towards the end of the pandemic, and as a result, it had a low-key release without any book tours. However, it means a lot to me that even two years after the publication date, the book is still being actively circulated in schools and libraries. Every now and then, I receive sweet fan mails and postings, and it warms my heart to know that the book has touched so many people.
For my fans who enjoy Marshmallow and Jordan or readers who love comics and graphic novels in general, I figure it would be fun to share my stories of making a graphic novel and answer some of the frequent answers questions from the readers. If you have any questions, please post in the comments! I will answer your questions in the upcoming postings!
Developing a long-format story, such as a graphic novel, often requires multiple drafts before publication. Marshmallow and Jordan went through at least five story drafts to reach the final version.
The very idea that gives birth to Marshmallow and Jordan was something completely different from the graphic novel you read. It was a period fantasy picture book about a spoiled young prince and a white elephant. Unlike Marshmallow, the elephant was not even magical. There was some weather crisis in the original story, but that's all it has in common with Marshmallow and Jordan.
As the story evolves, I draw on Hindu mythology to give the white elephant character a backstory and infuse my doggy, Piglet's personality, into him to make him a more three dimensional character.
Marshmallow is loosely inspired by Airavata, a divine elephant in Hindu mythology. Airavata is the "king of elephants." He serves as the primary vehicle of the deity Indra, associated with the sky, lightning, storms, and rain.
Marshmallow's mischievous personality and facial expressions, such as his love for stealing food, attention, and belly rubs, are inspired by Piglet.
By realizing the identity of Marshmallow, I am able to unlock the door to developing his human companion, Jordan, which leads me to the path of discovering Jordan, the vast story universe, and the rest of the cast.
How to draw Marshmallow!
Do you want to draw a cute Marshmallow? Just click the link below and follow the steps.
Do you like to write a story or make a book but are not sure how to take the first step? Here are some fun tips to help you get started!!
You don't need all the fancy stuff to find an idea. Just grab anything you can easily carry, like your favorite notepad, phone, computer, pen, or pencil. Use whatever you love to write or draw with, and let the ideas flow.
Go ahead and scribble, take some notes, or doodle whatever comes to mind - whether you're drawing from observation or letting your imagination run wild.
Don't underestimate the power of little things that cross your mind or happen around you. Even if they seem insignificant, they might have a huge potential.
Good ideas aren't always pretty, easy, or comfortable. But you know what? They're the ones that get us excited and make us think.
Don't judge your doodles and scribbles by how they look. Just let your creativity flow and enjoy the process.
It's cool to write down all sorts of ideas, even the ones that sound kinda weird at first. Who knows, a simple thought could blow up into something huge!
Let's explore some ideas to spark your creativity and kickstart your brainstorming process:
Let's explore some exciting ideas to spark your creativity and kickstart your brainstorming process:
Let's get creative and brainstorm some cool ideas together!
Remember that time something hilarious happened to you?
Is there something that recently got on your nerves? Why did it make you unhappy?
Think of a memory that gives you butterflies in your stomach. Take a moment to relive it, and let's use it for inspiration!
What are you super into right now? TV shows, games, books, anything goes!
What kind of experiences give you goosebumps? That sounds intense. What's the story?
What's bothering you the most right now? Why is it causing you to feel anxious or worried?
These are just a few examples. And guess what? There's no right or wrong way to brainstorm! Whatever gets your brain working is all good. But if you ever feel stuck, don't worry - take a break, play, or maybe try standing on your head (just kidding! But if it works for you, go ahead!). My best ideas often come to me when I'm having the most fun, relaxing, or even in my sleep. So, take your time and be patient with yourself. Remember, a good idea takes time to discover!
Click the link to read all Marshmallow & Jordan postings.
