In Writing with Hattie Crisell

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S6 Ep60: Posy Simmonds, cartoonist and graphic novelist

Nov 15, 2024

Guest

Posy Simmonds

Posy Simmonds, an acclaimed artist and writer known for her comic strip in The Guardian and graphic novels like Tamara Drewe, shares her creative journey. She discusses the transformation of her artistic process, highlighting the importance of an organized workspace. Posy reflects on social issues spanning generations, her experiences in the evolving comic landscape, and the delicate balance of narrative in graphic storytelling. She also touches on the significance of character development and the role of translators in bringing stories to life.

52:52

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ANECDOTE

Downsizing Cleared Creative Clutter

Moving to a smaller studio forced Posy to declutter and dispose of two thousand books.
Downsizing felt liberating because it allowed her to throw away decades of accumulated rubbish.

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ADVICE

Show Up And Use Deadlines

Turn up and work at a regular time to build momentum and output.
Use deadlines to concentrate your thoughts and force decisive choices.

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INSIGHT

Deadlines Force Decisive Work

Short newspaper cycles teach decisiveness by limiting rewrite time.
That pressure trades perfectionism for clarity and forward momentum.

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Exploring the Creative Workspace and Artistic Process

03:05 • 2min

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A Journey Through Artistic Transformation

04:35 • 18min

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Cyclical Concerns: Exploring Generational Change and Social Issues

22:10 • 4min

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The Art of Comic Creation

26:02 • 20min

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Navigating Narrative: The Art of Voice and Translation

46:13 • 5min

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Reflections on Writing and Upcoming Events

Literary Life is a collection of comic strips by Posy Simmonds, renowned for her observational humor and social satire. The strips originally appeared in The Guardian, offering a witty and insightful commentary on the literary world. Simmonds' sharp wit and keen eye for detail capture the quirks and pretensions of writers, publishers, and readers. The collection is celebrated for its clever blend of illustration and prose, making it a beloved work in the world of comics and graphic novels. It showcases Simmonds' talent for both drawing and writing, solidifying her reputation as a leading cartoonist and graphic novelist.

Cassandra Darke

Posy Simmonds

Cassandra Darke is a graphic novel by Posy Simmonds, offering a contemporary take on Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol. The story centers on Cassandra Darke, a wealthy and misanthropic art dealer in London. As Christmas approaches, she is haunted by the consequences of her past actions. Simmonds uses detailed illustrations and sharp prose to explore themes of redemption, social isolation, and the impact of financial greed. The novel combines elements of social satire with a touch of the supernatural, characteristic of Dickens' original work.

Mrs. Weber's Diary

Posy Simmonds

Mrs. Weber's Diary is a collection of comic strips by Posy Simmonds, originally published in The Guardian. The strips chronicle the daily life of Wendy Weber, a middle-class Englishwoman, and her family. Simmonds' work is known for its witty social commentary and detailed observations of contemporary British life. The series captures the humor and anxieties of suburban life through relatable characters and storylines. It showcases Simmonds' talent for both drawing and writing, solidifying her reputation as a leading cartoonist and graphic novelist.

Tamara Drewe

Posy Simmonds

Tamara Drewe is a graphic novel by Posy Simmonds, serialized in The Guardian before being published as a book. It is a modern retelling of Thomas Hardy's novel Far from the Madding Crowd. The story revolves around Tamara Drewe, a young journalist who returns to her rural hometown, causing a stir among the local residents. Simmonds uses her signature blend of comic strip and prose to create a sharp, witty commentary on rural life, relationships, and the media. The graphic novel was later adapted into a film of the same name.

#5806

• Mentioned in 6 episodes

Far from the Madding Crowd

Thomas Hardy

Published in 1874, 'Far from the Madding Crowd' is Thomas Hardy's first major literary success. The novel is set in Hardy's fictional region of Wessex and follows the life of Bathsheba Everdene, an independent and ambitious young woman, and her interactions with three men: Gabriel Oak, a humble and honest sheep farmer; William Boldwood, a wealthy landowner; and Sergeant Frank Troy, a dashing but reckless soldier. The story delves into themes of love, honour, betrayal, and the harsh realities of rural life in Victorian England. It is known for its vivid descriptions of rural landscapes and its complex characters, and has been adapted into several films, television dramas, and stage productions.

#11418

• Mentioned in 3 episodes

In Writing

Conversations on Inspiration, Perspiration and Creative Desperation

Hattie Crisell

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• Mentioned in 73 episodes

A Christmas carol

Jacqueline Goldfinger

Jacqueline Goldfinger's adaptation of 'A Christmas Carol' is a family-friendly version that includes music, making it suitable for a wide range of audiences. This play retains the core themes and characters of the original while adding a musical element to enhance the storytelling and emotional impact.

#904

• Mentioned in 30 episodes

Madame Bovary

Gustave Flaubert

Published in 1857, 'Madame Bovary' is a seminal work of literary realism that tells the story of Emma Bovary, a beautiful and intelligent young woman who marries Charles Bovary, a dull and unambitious doctor. Emma's life is marked by boredom, romantic fantasies, and a series of ill-fated love affairs with men like Rodolphe and Léon. Her inability to distinguish between her romantic ideals and the harsh realities of her life leads to financial ruin, public scandal, and ultimately, her tragic demise. The novel is renowned for its masterful writing, detailed psychological insights, and its critique of bourgeois provincial life.

This week I'm in the London home of artist and writer Posy Simmonds. From the 1970s onwards, Posy had a regular comic strip in The Guardian, where she wrote Mrs Weber's Diary and later serialised the graphic novel Tamara Drewe. She went on to publish two more graphic novels, Gemma Bovery and Cassandra Darke. Earlier this year, she had a major exhibition at the Pompidou Centre in Paris, and became the first British artist to win the Grand Prix at France’s Angoulême International Comics Festival.

Here are some of Posy's books: https://uk.bookshop.org/shop/in-writing

...and here are some more: https://www.waterstones.com/author/posy-simmonds/520640

I'm teaching an online writing masterclass with Arvon on Tuesday 19 November: https://www.arvon.org/writing-courses/courses-retreats/masterclass-how-to-improve-the-authenticity-of-your-writing/

I'm doing an event at Oxford's Caper Bookshop on Thursday 21 November: https://checkout.square.site/merchant/ML2NMXXMTK08F/checkout/QDFD4C2ZV7EK2S4TD25M3MUB

I'm interviewing David Nicholls on the writing process in Cambridge on Saturday 23 November: https://www.cambridgeliteraryfestival.com/events/david-nicholls-you-are-here-in-writing-live-with-hattie-crisell/

Buy a signed copy of In Writing: Conversations on Inspiration, Perspiration and Creative Desperation here: https://dauntbooks.co.uk/shop/books/in-writing-owl-bookshop-signed-copy/

This season of In Writing is sponsored by Curtis Brown Creative – the renowned writing school run by the literary and talent agency. Use code INWRITING20 for £20 off your first online writing course – eligible courses can be found here. Visit https://curtisbrowncreative.co.uk to find out more.

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