Writing For Yourself First: A Conversation with Graphic Novelist Stan Yan
The first guest episode of season three is up on the podcast and it was a blast!
I chatted with graphic novelist Stan Yan about how to write (and draw) horror that holds humor, why representation matters, and how it took nearly a decade—along with a total reimagining of the story—for his debut middle grade graphic novel The Many Misfortunes of Eugenia Wang to come to life.
Shocker: Stan’s main character, Eugenia, was a ginger-haired boy in the first version of the book!
If you’re a writer, illustrator, or creative of any kind trying to figure out how to allow a vision to evolve and learn to trust it, this interview is a gold mine. 🙌
Below are some of my favorite takeaways from our conversation, but you can also listen to the full episode here:
“Write it for yourself first.”
Stan didn’t start with a publishing roadmap.
He started with stick figures in comic panels he showed his parents before dinner. He was just trying to make them laugh.
Later, it was strangers at local comic swap meets who kept him going—readers who came back to tell him that his stories stuck with them.
But it wasn’t until his son was scared to come down into his home studio (thanks to all the zombie art) that Stan began seriously considering children’s books.
That shift—toward art and stories that reflect who we are, what we love, and who we hope to reach—is where his debut was born.
About the Book: The Many Misfortunes of Eugenia Wang
Coming September 30, 2025 from Simon & Schuster’s Hannum imprint, The Many Misfortunes of Eugenia Wang is a hauntingly heartfelt story about unlucky birthdays, comic art summer camps, cultural superstition, and growing up on the edge of two worlds.
Here’s the best pitch I think I’ve ever heard: “Most birthdays bring cake. Eugenia Wang’s bring disasters.”
What the book’s about ⤵️
When Eugenia’s mom forbids her from celebrating her birthday on April 4th due to an old superstition, she decides this year will be different. Camp applications, secret crushes, a full-blown party…and then she gets hit in the head during PE and starts having visions of doom. Is she haunted? Or just growing up?
It's a middle-grade graphic novel with teeth and tenderness, full of culture clash, real friendship dynamics, and the type of horror that creeps in through ordinary life.
On Writing Horror with Humor for Young Readers
“You need rhythm in horror. You can’t just hit readers with heavy, heavy, heavy the whole time. You need moments of levity—something to balance the dread.”
It was a challenge Stan set for himself: write a comic that could actually scare him. But the story quickly took on a life of its own.
At its core, Eugenia Wang is about superstition, yes—but also about identity, internalized fear, and what it means to be seen.
Even the visual storytelling plays with dualities: Eastern vs. Western fears. External events vs. inner truths.
On the Creative Process (and Why It’s Evolving)
Stan’s current creative process is thoughtful, structured, and built for efficiency, but it wasn’t always that way. Early on, he wrote loosely, pantsed his way, and just figured out the plot as he went.
Now?
✍️ He starts with a list of story ideas and characters
✍️ Develops character backstories and possible plot angles
✍️ Writes a logline (a.k.a. a one-sentence pitch that defines the conflict and stakes)
✍️ Writes and draws the first 20–30 pages
✍️ Revisions happen early and often—because once you’re drawing 264 full-color pages, it’s too late to realize the story has structural holes
And ready for your jaw to totally hit the floor?! Yep, he does everything himself, from the writing to the illustrations and coloring.
A Few Nuggets I’m Still Thinking About:
Start small.
If you’re curious about writing or illustrating graphic novels, don’t start with your 12-issue epic. Try a strip. A page. See if you love the process.
“Kill your darlings” is real.
Stan cut multiple pages—and covers—from Eugenia Wang, but is now offering them as a bonus PDF for his street team. (How fun is that?)
I think Stan and Eugenia are proof that stories become what they’re meant to be if we stick with them long enough. ❤️
Want to Support Stan Yan and Eugenia Wang?
You can join Stan’s street team: Team Misfortune by clicking here for a chance to win merch and get access to behind-the-scenes outtakes.
Plus: if you’re a parent, teacher, educator, or librarian you could win a school visit giveaway from STAN! How cool is that?!
The Many Misfortunes of Eugenia Wang releases September 30, 2025.
Stan was an absolute joy to talk to.
He reminded me that the best work often comes when we stop trying to make it universal and instead just focus on making it personal.
You can connect with Stan Yan through his website.
