As you all should know by now, Bluewater Productions is set to release a bio comic about Twilight author Stephenie Meyer this November. Female Force - Stephenie Meyer, will tell Stephenie's story pre and post Twilight in a way that fans should really enjoy. I was lucky enough to interview Ryan Burton, the writer of the comic, and get a little more insight into what we can expect from his work -
Tell me a little about your history as a comic book writer...
RB: "Well, it’s a very small history. You see, I’ve been a fan since I could hold a comic, but my first comic was published by Bluewater in 2007, and it was 4 issue miniseries called Flying Saucers vs The Earth. This’ll be my second published comic. After this, my excellent editor has got all sorts of wonderful projects for me to be a part of."
Stephenie Meyer is arguably one of the most successful authors of the moment. How does it feel to be writing a comic about her?
RB: "It’s interesting, I’ll tell you that. As a comic book writer, you think you’ll be writing about guys who shoot lasers from their eyes, or webbing from their wrists, and you don’t really expect to write about someone—gasp—real. Her being such an important writer at the moment has me somewhat cautious, because as a writer, I want to make sure I do her story justice. But it’s been pretty enjoyable plotting and outlining Stephenie’s story, all the while playing with pacing, images, and panel layout. I’ve definitely had fun, that’s for sure. And for me, when I know more about the author of a book, it seems to give their story—and our comic book—a bit of gravitas. In other words, it’s an honor."
Did you use any of Stephenie's books, such as Twilight, for inspiration during the writing process?
RB: "Somewhat. I really went to the message boards, listened to her interviews, and tried to figure out—creatively, mind you—what her fans would like to see and would like to read about. All in all, I want to tell Stephenie's story in a way that would appeal to her readers."
You have been quoted as saying that a very recognizable vampire will be narrator, I'm guessing Edward. I don't know if you can confirm this, but did you
try and keep the narration as close to this characters style as possible? If so, examples?
RB: "Well, I’ll give you a hint: it’s not who you think it is. I know there are lots and lots and lots (lots of lots) of fans who want it to be a certain vampire, but that’s Stephenie’s vampire, isn’t it? I can’t steal him. So we’re dealing with a worldly vampire in our story; someone much more menacing. Someone who’s been around for a bit longer. That might be the biggest hint I can give you..."
This is the first comic in the 'Female Force' series, to have an author as the protagonist. What was it like, writing a comic about someone who is also known
for writing stories of her own?
RB: "At first I thought it’d be a bit of a challenge...but after reading about Stephenie a little bit more, about her modest background before all the fame hit, well, then it became much easier. She happens to be just like you or I...but with tons of fame, several highly successful books, a rabid fan base and vampire nation to back her up."
Twilight has really taken the world by storm! How does it feel to be involved in something so huge?
RB: "Really, it’s a bit surreal. All the women—and some men—in my life are completely obsessed with the Twilight series. So, really, this story is for them".
all interview here
