In a world where creativity knows no bounds, one woman’s journey from nursing to comic book writing is a testament to the power of passion, perseverance, and the magic of storytelling. Meet the multi-talented writer behind NA MAKASI, a gripping comic book that blends action, adventure, and the discovery of inner strength. In an exclusive interview, she opens up about her creative process, her inspirations, and her vision for the future of comic books.
A Journey Rooted in Storytelling
Her story begins not in the world of comic books, but in the halls of healthcare. “My first profession is nursing,” she shares. “But my first love has always been storytelling.” A fan of animated movies, anime, and fantasy, she initially found her literary voice in mystery, romance, and poetry. Her first two works, Love Never Fails (a poetry collection) and Confident Sensuality (a romance mystery novel), showcased her versatility as a writer. But it was her husband’s suggestion that sparked a new chapter in her creative journey. “He said, ‘If you love animation, why not try creating a comic book?’” she recalls. What started as reluctant brainstorming sessions soon turned into a full-fledged passion project, culminating in her debut comic book, NA MAKASI.
The Birth of NA MAKASI
NA MAKASI, which means “with strength” in Congolese, is a story about a young woman named Anaya who discovers her telepathic abilities during a heated argument with her boyfriend. The narrative evolves into an action-packed adventure as Anaya teams up with a mysterious mentor named Shadow to combat an evil world that preys on individuals with special abilities. “I wanted to write a story that tells people their gifts, skills, and talents are their superpowers,” she explains. The comic is deeply personal, inspired by her grandmother’s intuitive wisdom and her love for animated series like Avatar: The Last Airbender and Blue Eye Samurai.
The Creative Process: From Scraps of Paper to a Finished Comic
Her creative process is as unique as her story. “I jot down ideas on sticky notes, napkins, or whatever scrap paper is nearby,” she laughs. “By the end of my 12-hour nursing shift, my pockets are filled with these little notes.” These fragments of inspiration eventually come together to form the backbone of her stories. Collaboration is also key to her process. She works with talented artists and colorists, like Kwabena Agyei-Agyemang and Kleinheinz Abrefa, whom she found on Fiverr. “They brought my vision to life,” she says, crediting their expertise and seamless communication.
World-Building and Personal Connections
For her, world-building is deeply tied to personal experiences. NA MAKASI is set in Brooklyn, New York, her hometown, and reflects the multicultural environment she grew up in. “Anaya’s African mother, Japanese father, and biracial family friend are all inspired by the diversity I was surrounded by,” she explains. This authenticity resonates throughout the story, making it relatable yet fantastical.
Challenges and Triumphs
Transitioning from poetry and novels to comic book writing wasn’t without its challenges. “Scripts demand minimalism,” she says. “You have to convey what you’d normally narrate in a novel through actions and dialogue.” This shift required her to adapt her writing style, but the result is a visually dynamic and emotionally engaging story.
The Future of Comic Books and Her Career
She believes the comic book industry is as potent as ever, with digital platforms and independent creators breathing new life into the medium. “Comic books have always been strong, and fans remain loyal,” she says. As for her own career, she envisions herself continuing to write comic books while branching into animated series. “I’d love to see NA MAKASI adapted into an animated show,” she shares, revealing that she and her husband are already working on the animation adaptation and the second book in the series.
Fun Facts and Personal Insights
When asked about her favorite comic book, she names Monstress by Marjorie Liu, praising its stunning artwork and compelling narrative. If she could have any superpower, it would be the ability to freeze time—a fitting choice for someone juggling multiple creative projects. And for fans curious about her latest work, she teases, “The most surprising thing might be that I wrote a comic book after two completely different literary works. But it’s a pretty darn good book!”
How to Support Her Work
Readers can find NA MAKASI on Amazon or her website, www.dirtywordsmith.com. She also encourages fans to subscribe to her Patreon for exclusive updates on her upcoming projects, including the second installment of NA MAKASI and the animation adaptation.
A Message to Fans
“Thank you for joining me on this journey,” she says. “Your support means the world to me. Stay tuned for more stories, more adventures, and more superpowers!”
From nursing to comic book writing, her journey is a reminder that creativity knows no limits. With NA MAKASI, she has not only crafted a thrilling story but also inspired readers to embrace their own superpowers. As she continues to push boundaries and explore new horizons, one thing is certain: her storytelling magic is just beginning to unfold.
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