Hi, Craftonians! 💛
Ohhh my goodness — Episode 59 of the Happy Time Craftcast is an absolute treat and I’m still swooning just thinking about it. I had the joy (like, full-on sparkle-joy) of chatting with the incredibly talented K. Woodman-Maynard, and let me just say... this gal is the real deal.
She’s an author, cartoonist, comics coach, watercolor wizard, Harvard grad (no big deal), and now the brains and brush behind the brand-new graphic novel adaptation of Tuck Everlasting — yes, that Tuck Everlasting! Remember that haunting, beautiful, slightly heartbreaking story we all read (and sobbed over) in middle school? Well, K. turned it into a stunning watercolor graphic novel and my jaw is still on the floor from how gorgeous it is.
Getting to Know K. — and Falling in Love with Her Art
From the moment she joined me on the pod, K. was warm, thoughtful, and so delightfully honest. We talked about everything — from her early days as an animator to what it was like to revisit Tuck as an adult (spoiler: she had some serious feelings about it as a 10-year-old).
One of my absolute favorite parts of our convo? K. shared that she didn’t even remember the details of Tuck Everlasting when the publisher approached her — so she ran to the bookstore, bought a copy, and re-read it in a panic. Turns out she loved it even more the second time around, and that emotional reconnection absolutely glows in the pages she’s created.
A Gilmore Girls Surprise…
Okay, okay... Gilmore fans — this one's for you!
K. casually mentioned that Alexis Bledel (RORY GILMORE) is narrating the audiobook for Tuck Everlasting — and yes, she fangirled too. Because Alexis played Winnie Foster in the 2002 movie, it was like this full-circle sparkle explosion moment. K. joked that she’s now just “two degrees” away from Alexis Bledel, and honestly... same, girl. SAME.
Her Process = Magical + Methodical
K. took us behind the scenes of her creative process, and wow, did I learn so much. She starts digitally — planning every panel, every page spread — and then prints her linework onto watercolor paper and hand-paints each one.
That means:
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230+ pages of painted artwork
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Thousands of tiny panels
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Months (years!) of meticulous work
...all to bring this story to life in a new, visual, heart-hugging way.
I held up a few of her pages during our chat, and y’all — they are so beautiful. Even if you’re not “into” graphic novels, this one is such a special bridge between literature and art. It’s soft and deep and emotionally wise.
Creative Takeaways for YOU
Here’s what I hope you’ll take away from this episode, whether you're an artist, writer, crafter, or just someone who loves a good story:
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Let go of perfectionism: Even K. opened to a page in her finished book and said, “Oh nooo, not that one!” It happens to ALL of us. We talked a lot about giving yourself permission to show up imperfectly and still be proud.
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Create more, judge less: This is K.’s motto in her “Creating Comics” newsletter and wow — it hit me straight in the crafty feels.
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Every big project starts with one small page: Whether it’s a novel, a watercolor panel, or that quilt you’ve had folded in the closet since 2022 (guilty), progress is built in little steps.
Want to Support K. (and Your Local Bookstore)?
You can grab a signed copy of Tuck Everlasting: The Graphic Novel from my friends at Red Balloon Bookshop in St. Paul!
Or, pick it up anywhere books are sold. You’re gonna want to hold it, hug it, and stare lovingly at every page — trust me.
PS – Retreat Season is Still Going Strong!
If this episode lit your creative fire, you might wanna check out our 2025 art retreats at Big Raven Farm. They’re filling up (eep!), and I so want to see your joyful face around the campfire with paint on your hands and stars in your eyes. ✨
So that’s the scoop, friends! This episode gave me goosebumps, made me giggle, and reminded me how powerful art can be — especially when it’s brave, imperfect, and full of heart. 💛
Stay sparkly,
Joleen
PS: 🎥 Watch the full episode below:
Guest Bio
K. Woodman-Maynard is a Harvard-educated author, illustrator, and cartoonist. Known for adapting literary classics into gorgeously illustrated graphic novels, her works include The Great Gatsby and now Tuck Everlasting. With features in People Magazine and The Hollywood Reporter, she’s a rising star in the world of visual storytelling. She also empowers artists with her “Creating Comics” newsletter, spreading the gospel of “create more, judge less.”
Follow Katharine:
Episode Chapters with Timestamps
[00:00 – 02:00] – Welcome + retreat updates from Big Raven Farm
[02:00 – 05:00] – Meet K. Woodman-Maynard
[05:00 – 08:00] – Tuck Everlasting graphic novel & Alexis Bledel connection
[08:00 – 14:00] – Why Tuck is emotionally powerful (especially for kids!)
[14:00 – 18:00] – The creative process
[18:00 – 22:00] – Mindset, perfectionism, and creative vulnerability
[22:00 – 26:00] – Behind the scenes
[26:00 – 30:00] – Comic creation workflow
[30:00 – 33:00] – The mindset talk
[33:00 – End] – Where to buy the book + Red Balloon Bookshop shoutout & upcoming launch
Quotes from the Episode
“It's just kind of a miracle that it got finished and it's out in the world.” – K. Woodman-Maynard
“You don't have to be a graphic novel collector to appreciate this kind of watercolor storytelling.” – Joleen
“Create more, judge less. That’s the mantra.” – K. Woodman-Maynard
Resources and Links:
📘 Grab your copy of Tuck Everlasting – The Graphic Novel
Available wherever books are sold!
✍️ Want a signed copy?
Order from Red Balloon Bookshop – ships across the U.S.!
💌 Join K.’s newsletter – Creating Comics
🎧 Listen to the Tuck Everlasting audiobook
Narrated by Alexis Bledel – yes, Rory Gilmore! 💫
🧘♀️ Check out Joleen’s retreats at Big Raven Farm
🖌️ K's Favorite Tools: Windsor Newton watercolor, Daniel Smith watercolor, Robax palettes
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