Graphic novelist and cartoonist Mark Leiknes speaks to Glenwood City Elementary students
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AUTOGRAPHS — Cartoonist and graphic novelist Mark Leiknes signed his book “Quest Kids and the Dragon Pants of Gold” for Glenwood City Elementary students. Pictured above from left to right are: Paisley Lybert, author Mark Leiknes, Jase McCullough and Logan Brahmer. —photo by Shawn DeWitt
by Anna Mewis
GLENWOOD CITY — On a grey winter day last Thursday, January 12, the students at the Glenwood City Elementary were treated to an inspiring presentation.
Children’s author and cartoonist Mark Leinknes, came to speak, and read a chapter from his new graphic novel, “Quest Kids and the Dragon Pants of Gold.”
Leinknes also shared his passion for drawing which he ultimately turned into a career. He was very candid and shared numerous rejection letters from newspapers and publishers. As his story says, you cannot be successful in life until you first fail. He stayed the course and persevered.
Leinknes then took the children through the steps he uses to get his creativity flowing for writing books. First, he scribbles or doodles on a blank page, never removing the pencil and always keeping it moving. Second, he looks at what shapes he had made. Finally, he starts writing or labeling the shapes.
He walked the children through the process telling them “always keep your pencil moving on the paper.” They all have the start of a new book.
At the end of the day, Mr. Leinknes signed copies of his book for the children.
If you would like to pick up a copy, Dragontail bookstore in Menomonie is the merchant Glenwood City Elementary worked with. The books and artwork are also available online at www.MarkLeiknes.com
This was a great experience for the children to participate and learn about how an author goes about writing a book.
TWIN CITIES-BASED cartoonist and graphic novelist Mark Leiknes is shown speaking to a large group of Glenwood City Elementary student last Thursday, January 12 about his book, “Quest Kids and trhe Dragon Pants of Gold” and the creative process he uses to develop his story ideas and artwork. —photo by Shawn DeWitt