The 2007 issue of Children’s Writer’s and Illustrator’s Market includes my new article on “Mainstreaming the Graphic Novel,” and Tekla White, the Regional Advisor for the SCBWI/North Central region, invited me to speak at their annual Spring Spirit Conference about graphic novels.

After a brief history of graphic novels in the U.S., I gave the participants a “graphic novel tool kit” and some hints from the pros on submitting a script (for authors) and illustrations (for artists).

Some new graphic novels to read:

• Stormbreaker by Anthony Horowitz (adapted by Antony Jenkins, illustrated by Kanako Damerum and Yuzuru Takasaki)
• The Baby-sitters’ Club, the Ann M. Martin novels adapted as graphic novels by Raina Telgemeier
• Breaking Up by Aimee Friedman, art by Christine Norrie
• The Babymouse Series by Jennifer Holm and Matt Holm