When Words Collide 2026

The prospect of bringing a graphic novel to life can feel daunting, but with practice, perseverance and plenty of self-care, you too can create the graphic narrative you've been dreaming of (or furiously wrestling with). Aaron Navrady's talk will focus on the steps taken from initial inspiration to finished product, using samples of process from his most recent self-published work, The Cold Fire. The story is a fictional medieval epic about a Norman Crusader tasked with pursuing heretics across the Alps during the Albigensian Crusade.
 
Highlighting each stage of the project, the presentation will explore story research and development, rough sketches, layout design, pencilling, inks, watercolours, final page prep, pitching to publishers, self-publication and distribution of finished chapters, and useful anecdotes from other creators that helped along the journey. Included will be a segment on what writers should bring to the table when procuring artists to illustrate their graphic novel script. Aaron will also share the experiential highs and lows that come with carrying forward a 10 chapter epic. He'll focus in on the satisfaction found in the process, and balancing self-care with dragging your book kicking and screaming across the finish line.