Sunday Edition: Writing a Graphic Novel

On this special Sunday interview episode, Josh Gondelman is joined by guest JD Amato, a writer whose debut middle grade graphic novel (The Endless Game) was published earlier this year. They wander into the flashlight-lit world of graphic novels, childhood games, and bedtime imagination.What You’ll HearThe Endless Game Begins: JD shares how his new graphic novel grew into an 80-year game of capture the flag, complete with secret roles, neighborhood lore, and the kind of adventure that keeps kids reading past bedtime.Kids, Bikes, and Big Feelings: Josh and JD talk about writing for young readers, building characters who feel real, and why even the quiet kid hiding in the bushes deserves a heroic moment.Comics Before Dreams: Inspired by listener Ian, JD reflects on why graphic novels might be the perfect pre-sleep stretch for your imagination.CHAPTERS00:00 Intro & welcome to our guest, JD Amato!01:40 Kids reading past bedtime03:00 Why graphic novels make great bedtime reading04:26 The Endless Game and an 80-year capture the flag adventure05:13 Turning the story into a visual world07:38 Sophie Morse’s character designs09:06 Building color, place, and visual flow10:37 Writing without over-outlining13:36 Discovering characters through the story15:19 Drawing bikes 200 times16:22 Setting the book in a no-screens 90s world17:33 Kick the Can, flashlight tag, and neighborhood rules19:16 Writing big feelings for kids21:33 What role would you play in the game?22:00 Comics as dream preparation25:00 Good nightsFor the fully immersive, phone free light + sound experience, learn more at hatch.co. Follow us on TikTok @hatchpodcasts and YouTube. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.