www.womanthismonth.com 41 April 2014 Woman This Month (WTM): How do you classify the book? Anna Thackray (AT): I describe it as a graphic novel since it’s an illustrated book with over 30 pages to which an International Standard Book Number (ISBN) is awarded. I wanted to make it accessible for all ages. I’m a geek, who loves superhero books and sci-fi films. I think there are plenty of people like that in Bahrain. WTM: How did the idea for the original story come to you? AT: In the beginning it was just a sketch. I wanted to pay tribute to Roy Lichtenstein; so I made a painting trying to emulate his comic paintings. But unlike him, I lacked the ability to control paint. Instead, I made drawings and coloured them with Letraset pens. One drawing turned into multiple sketches and a story was born. WTM: The illustrations in your book are incredibly detailed. Could you take us through the process? AT: Initially, I made pen and paper drawings, which took forever. So I bought an electronic Wacom Cintiq Tablet. I start by scribbling notes. Then I look into facts that I may or may not use. For instance, I really wanted to know what kinds of clothes where worn by pre-Dilmun people. In some places I just had to apply artistic licence and imagine things. Then I looked in my library for images that would depict closely what I wanted to say. I’ve taken millions of photos of Bahrain in my six years here. A friend of mine has Arabian horses and I shot hundreds of images of them. These would assist me in the drawing process. Reference material is essential in telling the saga, but day-to-day life in the Kingdom shapes the way I see the story unfolding. After the initial sketch is done, I try to perfect it. I think I’ve redrawn each panel at least 15 times. Only then can I start to stitch together a page. I’ve developed enormous respect for comic book artists after this venture. It’s not easy and it’s definitely not a fast process. I sometimes get really frustrated because in my mind I can see where the story is going but I can’t draw fast enough! WTM: Is this a Bahraini novel or a Middle Eastern story through the eyes of an expatriate author? AT: I’ll always be an outsider looking in. That’s why I can look at a tree and imagine thousands of scenarios unfolding in the shade of its ancient branches. That’s why I can hear the screams of war at Arad Fort and the rhythmic songs of the men bringing in the fish. I think you need to view the world from the sidelines before you can play the game. WTM: What was your biggest challenge in realising this project? AT: considering the limited number of bookstores here, my biggest challenge is the distribution of the book and in getting it to the readers. WTM: Given the near absence of publishers in Bahrain, what advice would you give first time authors? AT: As a fine artist, I can’t tell you how many rejection letters I’ve received from galleries over the years. But it’s only made me more determined. With this book, I didn’t even consider trying to find a publisher. I wanted to do it myself. There are a lot of resources out there for young authors. Publish with www.lulu.com or www.lightningsource.com. Get your digital eBook up and selling with www.smashwords. com and Amazon’s direct marketplace. WTM: When will you launch the sequels? AT: At the moment I’m working on the second book, which will be completed by September. The final part of the trilogy should be available early next year.
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