Aliza Layne is the author and illustrator of the new middle grade graphic novel Beetle & the Chimera Carnival, the sequel to Beetle & the Hollowbones.
Q: What inspired you to create Beetle & the Chimera Carnival, the new book in your Beetle series?
A: I wasn’t sure if the series would continue after the first book, so when I
was asked for a trilogy I decided to look at some sequels that have worked
before to get a sense of how to do it successfully.
To be honest, the most helpful thing I did was study Shrek 2. It’s just such a solid follow-up to the first. Knowing that and reading Chimera you can probably feel it a little bit.
Getting inspired happens in the research phase of a sequel in my opinion. It’s a bit different from the beginning of the series, which was inspired by my own experience working at the mall.
Q: Did you work on the text first or the art first--or both simultaneously?
A: Both simultaneously! Because I’m both writing and drawing, it might be easier to think of the situation like a movie where I am able to do a vast number of jobs.
I have to think like a screenwriter and put the story together; I have to think like a director and stage the shots; I have to act as the characters by drawing their performances, and I have to think like the art director and style the characters and design the locations. It’s a lot of work, but it really is fun.
Q: How did you come up with the plot for this new story?
A: I left a few threads dangling for myself in Beetle and the Hollowbones that I wanted to pay off, especially Penny, my ghost character. In the first book, there are a lot of questions left unanswered about how Penny became trapped, so in book two and book three I spend time really getting into it.
I also knew that I wanted to explore the relationship I’d set up between Beetle and Kat, because there’s so much more to really loving someone else than saying “I like you” for the first time.
My other guiding star for both sequels is that each book should be more brave than the last, take more risks, be more true to the real challenges and feelings of the audience.
Q: The Kirkus Review of the book says, “Layne’s phenomenal sequel mixes fantasy, social themes, and an inclusive and unforgettable cast with a gentle, swoonworthy romance.” What do you think of that description?
A: I’m very happy they liked it! My most precious reviews are told to me in person by kids, so I’m anticipating those the most out of any review. My audience for this series is so kind and serious and engaged, I could ask for no higher praise than what kids have already given me.
Q: What are you working on now?
A: I’m working on the third book right now! It has a complete drafted script, so I’m about ready to start the thumbnailing process. After that, I’ll sketch, then ink, then color the pages alongside my flat colorists. After the Beetle series ends, maybe I’ll work on something a little different!
Q: Anything else we should know?
A: The book is scheduled to come out on April 29!
I also wanted to mention that preorders are the absolute best way to show support for a series, since they are the main way to help books become bestsellers. That’s because preorder sales all “count” towards a book’s sales on the day the book is released. It’s usually a book’s biggest day!
Thank you very much for having me on the blog!
--Interview with Deborah Kalb
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