Join us for a conversation with Caldecott Medal-winning authors Jillian Tamaki and Mariko Tamaki on their forthcoming comic, Roaming (September 2023). Moderated by alum Emily Chou, MFA 2023.
In Roaming, an unexpected fling blossoms between casual acquaintances and throws a long-term friendship off-balance during a trip to New York. Emotional tensions vibrate wildly against the resplendently illustrated backdrop of the city, capturing a spontaneous queer romance in all of its fledgling glory. Slick attention to the details of a bustling, intimidating metropolis are softened with a palette of muted pastels, as though seen through the eyes of first-time travelers. The awe, wonder, and occasional stumble along the way all come to life with stunning accuracy in this sumptuous softcover with gorgeous jacket.
Roaming is the third collaboration from the critically acclaimed team behind Skim and Governor General’s Literary Award winner This One Summer.
This event is open to students, faculty, alumni and staff of UBC Creative Writing. Registration is required. UBC students invited to attend pending seating availability. Please inquire with Assistant Professor Sarah Leavitt.
Speaker Biography
Jillian Tamaki is a cartoonist, illustrator, and educator raised in Calgary, Alberta. She is the author of the Eisner Award-winning graphic novels SuperMutant Magic Academy and Boundless, and the author-illustrator of two picture books, including most recently Our Little Kitchen. With her cousin Mariko Tamaki, she is the co-creator of the young adult graphic novels SKIM and This One Summer, which won a Governor General’s Award and Caldecott Honor. She lives in Toronto, Ontario.
Mariko Tamaki is a Canadian writer living in California. She is the co-creator of the graphic novels Skim and This One Summer with Jillian Tamaki, and Laura Dean Keeps Breaking Up with Me with Rosemary Valero-O’Connell. She writes superhero comics for DC Comics, Darkhorse and Marvel. Mariko was the recipient of the Eisner for Best Writer in 2020. Collectively, her works have received Printz Honors, Eisner, Ignatz, Ringo and Prism awards. She is the curator of the Abrams LGBTQ imprint, Surely Books.
Moderator Biography
Emily Chou, MFA 2023, is a poet-cartoonist who grew up on stolen xʷməθkʷəy̓əm, Sḵwx̱wú7mesh, and səlilwətaɬ land. She’s lived in the UK, Japan, and Italy, and can recommend snacks in all three. Find her work in Geist, Room, Vallum, and Chinatown Today.
Visiting Writers Program
The School of Creative Writing’s Visiting Writers Program provides an opportunity for our students, alumni and faculty to connect with insightful writers in small group settings. We encourage everyone in Creative Writing to take advantage of this opportunity – it’s a unique benefit of being involved in the School.
This event is open to students, faculty, alumni and staff of UBC Creative Writing. UBC students invited to attend pending seating availability. Please inquire with Assistant Professor Sarah Leavitt.
