Stan Yan on Writing Graphic Novels, Creativity, and Authentic Storytelling

Award-winning graphic novelist Stan Yan joins me to talk about his debut late middle-grade graphic novel, The Many Misfortunes of Eugenia Wang (out September 30, 2025). We dig into his creative journey, the highs and lows of publishing, and what it really takes to bring a graphic novel to life.

Stan also shares how embracing authenticity fuels his storytelling—and why representation matters. Plus, parents, librarians, and educators won’t want to miss the giveaway at the end: a chance to win a school visit from Stan himself.

Episode Timestamps

 00:19 Welcome to Write It Scared Podcast
 01:29 Introducing Stan Yan: Background and Journey
 03:22 The Many Misfortunes of Eugene Wang
 07:22 Challenges and Inspirations in Writing
 17:49 The Writing and Illustrating Process
 25:07 Pressure Testing Your Story Idea
 25:19 Outlining and Collaborating on Your Pitch
 26:22 Knowing If Your Idea Works as a Graphic Novel
 27:29 The Role of Illustrators in Graphic Novels
 31:10 Starting Small with Graphic Novels
 32:14 The Long Journey of Creating a Graphic Novel
 34:32 Representation in Graphic Novels
 37:41 Fighting Imposter Syndrome
 39:43 Creating for Yourself First
 42:47 Upcoming Projects and How to Connect
 45:22 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Links and Contact info: 

JOIN THE STREET TEAM WIN SWAG! →  TEAM MISFORTUNE

Stan Yan

Graphic Novelist, Caricature Artist & Instructor

Represented by Ann Rose at Tobias Agency

Book me for an author visit at The Booking Tree

2022 SCBWI Florida Portfolio Excellence Award Winner

Kidlit art instructor at The Cuddlefish Academy

Author/Illustrator of 2025 JLG Selection, THE MANY MISFORTUNES OF EUGENIA WANG (Atheneum (S&S), Coming September 2025)