Trina Robbins

©Ann Sanfedele

Writer and feminist herstorian Trina Robbins has been writing books, comics, and graphic novels for over 30 years. Her most recent books are The Brinkley Girls (Fantagraphics) and Forbidden City: the Golden Age of Chinese Nightclubs (Hampton Press). Her newest graphic novel is the three-part YA series Chicagoland Detective Agency for Graphic Universe™.

Interview

What was your favorite book when you were a child?

Alice in Wonderland and Through the Looking Glass

What’s your favorite line from a book?

“Reader, I married him.”

Who are your top three favorite authors or illustrators?

Lewis Carroll, Maeve Binchy, Sharon McCrumb

Why did you want to become an author or illustrator?

My second grade teacher mother taught me to read at the age of four, and I just took to reading and writing (one goes with the other). I had already composed my first poem at the age of three, and I had been drawing for as long as I could hold a crayon.

Do you have any advice for future authors or illustrators?

Don’t give up! Doctor Suess’ first book was rejected 26 times before he found a publisher.