A Reading List from the Graphic Novel Masterclass

Following Saturday’s Guardian Masterclass, we thought we’d share some of the books the tutors recommended to up-and-coming graphic novel creators. These six quite different books form a useful reading list for anyone interested in writing or illustrating graphic novels.

1. Drawing on the Right Side of the Brain by Betty Edwards

Recommended by: Audrey Niffenegger

What it’s good for: writers who think they can’t draw. (It turns out you can.)

2. Story by Robert McKee

Recommended by: Pat Mills

What it’s good for: developing and refining your plot. (This book might be aimed at screenwriters, but the same principles apply to creating comics.)

3. What It Is by Lynda Barry

Recommended by: Karrie Fransman (if we remember correctly…)

What it’s good for: curing writer’s block.

4. Plotting and Writing Suspense Fiction by Patricia Highsmith

Recommended by: Audrey Niffenegger

What it’s good for: knowing what to reveal to your reader, and when to reveal it.

5. Understanding Comics by Scott McCloud

Recommended by: Karrie Fransman

What it’s good for: understanding the history of comics and how they are read.

6. How Fiction Works by James Wood

Recommended by: Audrey Niffenegger

What it’s good for: understanding the machinery of storytelling.

And, as if that weren’t enough to get you started, Pat Mills has provided a comprehensive write-up of his masterclass talk on his blog. Take a look; you’ll learn a lot.

Tweet your top tips and book recommendations to @selfmadehero.