iiinova — where your digital self keeps evolving

Jana Writes Comix @janawritescomix.bsky.social · 01/10/2026

I also have a bunch of graphic novels & cartooning/art books. What else do I need? #educomix #comics #amwriting #amdrawing

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Jana Writes Comix @janawritescomix.bsky.social · 01/10/2026

Comic book writers and artists! I'm applying for a grant through my school district to get more materials for my 4th/5th grade Comic Book Club students. From last year, I already have really nice erasers, some blue artist pencils, & a few light pads.

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Jana Writes Comix @janawritescomix.bsky.social · 11/08/2026

Absolutely! I think my brain has already accepted long-form nonfiction in the form of podcasts so it just thinks, "Ooh, long podcast." Read an entire paragraph inscription next to a museum artifact? Pass. Listen to three hours on the history of concrete? Sign me up.

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Jana Writes Comix @janawritescomix.bsky.social · 11/08/2026

Recently, I've listened to books about an outbreak of cholera in 1854, the importance of breathing correctly, & the impact of social media on language development. These topics likely wouldn't have interested me long enough in writing (maybe the last one because I'm a word nerd) to get me hooked.

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Jana Writes Comix @janawritescomix.bsky.social · 11/08/2026

I've recently been reading more audiobooks, and I've found that nonfiction works better for me than fiction in terms of keeping my attention (opposite is true for eyeball reading). Please post it this ends up being a good one.

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Jana Writes Comix @janawritescomix.bsky.social · 22/07/2026

Most people don't know this, but it was actually written by Queen Elizabeth.

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Jana Writes Comix @janawritescomix.bsky.social · 22/07/2026

It's Comic-Con week! When I'm not wandering one of these places, you can find me in a panel room (so many writing and horror panels!!), cruising the show floor (my shopping list is nuts), or at one of the many off-sites. Come say hi! CON IS ON!!

Jana Tropper's San Diego Comic Con schedule: I'll be at the San Diego Library on Friday, July 24th at 1 PM talking about Visual Literacy for Early Readers. On Saturday, I'll be joining Comics Assemble for a Comics Camaraderie networking session from 4 to 6 PM at Marina D in the Marriott Marquis & Marina followed by Kids Comics Creators on Growing Future Comics Readers back in the convention center in room 26AB at 6:30 PM.

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Jana Writes Comix @janawritescomix.bsky.social · 14/07/2026

Creators share examples from their work, educators discuss classroom use, and time is reserved for Q&A. I really look forward to seeing you at the Shiley Special Events Suite in the San Diego Central Library on Friday, July 24th at 1 PM! #SDCC #educomix

Visual Literacy for Early Readers

Creators Julio Anta (Speak Up, Santiago!; Sol Goes for the Goal), Stephen Shaskan (author/illustrator, Pizza and Taco), Trisha Speed Shaskan (author, Itty Bitty Witch), and Dora Wang (author/illustrator, Pocket Peaches) and creator-educators Chris Pearce (cartoonist, Big Fat Notebook study guides) and Jana Tropper (Animal Rescue Friends; speech-language pathologist) discuss how they scaffold early visual literacy skills. From overall story construction to artistic choices within a single panel, understanding visual images—including identifying literal and nonliteral meanings, making predictions, and connecting images with background knowledge and other media—is a critical skill for young readers. Creators share examples from their work, educators discuss classroom use, and time is reserved for Q&A.

I really look forward to seeing you at the Shiley Special Events Suite in the San Diego Central Library on Friday, July 24th at 1 PM!

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Jana Writes Comix @janawritescomix.bsky.social · 14/07/2026

From overall story construction to artistic choices within a single panel, understanding visual images—including identifying literal and nonliteral meanings, making predictions, and connecting images with background knowledge and other media—is a critical skill for young readers.

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Jana Writes Comix @janawritescomix.bsky.social · 14/07/2026

...and creator-educators Chris Pearce (cartoonist, Big Fat Notebook study guides) and Jana Tropper (Animal Rescue Friends; speech-language pathologist) discuss how they scaffold early visual literacy skills.

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Jana Writes Comix @janawritescomix.bsky.social · 14/07/2026

Creators @julioanta.bsky.social (Speak Up, Santiago!; Sol Goes for the Goal), @sshaskan.bsky.social (author/illustrator, Pizza and Taco), @trishaspeedshaskan.bsky.social (author, Itty Bitty Witch), Dora Wang (author/illustrator, Pocket Peaches)...

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Jana Writes Comix @janawritescomix.bsky.social · 14/07/2026

Join an outstanding panel of authors, illustrators, and educators (and me, an accomplished scam artist) at the Comic Conference for Educators and Librarian, presented by Comic-Con International and part of the @sandiegocomic-con.bsky.social (but with no badge required!!). #SDCC

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Jana Writes Comix @janawritescomix.bsky.social · 28/06/2026

Will I see you at ALA today at 9:30 AM? Join me, Red, Katie, and Matthew Loux as we talk about the unique things comics have to offer readers - from the reluctant to the proficient and everyone in between. See you at the graphic novel/gaming stage (#1343)! #ala #educomix

Visual Stories, Big Impact: Graphic novels are transforming how kids read, learn, and connect with stories. Join us for an exciting conversation with acclaimed authors and industry experts as we explore why these visual narratives are booming in youth collections. Discover the latest trends, tips for engaging reluctant readers, and strategies to position graphic novels as essential tools for literacy and creativity. Walk away inspired to champion this dynamic format in your library.

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Jana Writes Comix @janawritescomix.bsky.social · 24/06/2026

Question for SDCC panelists: Has anyone ever gotten someone in to SDCC on a panelist guest badge? If so, does the panelist guest also have access to enter the exclusives lottery for Comic-Con? I know pro guests do, but I wasn't sure about panelist guests. #SDCC #ComicCon #educomix

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Jana Writes Comix @janawritescomix.bsky.social · 16/06/2026

I have an interview scheduled for today, and I was totally cool and calm and collected, but now it's in two and a half hours and my stomach is making worried noises. Please send pictures of your dogs wishing me well.

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Jana Writes Comix @janawritescomix.bsky.social · 09/06/2026

Absolutely! I could yap forever about how great Comic Con is. I'm going also and will be on a few panels. DM me if you have any questions the hive mind can't answer. 🩷

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Jana Writes Comix @janawritescomix.bsky.social · 09/06/2026

Oops, I must have missed the one you posted. There's another page that has the shadow of tentacles over the city (I don't have my copy on me, will add later) that would be another good one to consider as abstraction/metaphor vs. sequence. This comic plays with that a lot the more I think about it.

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Jana Writes Comix @janawritescomix.bsky.social · 09/06/2026

There will also be an opportunity to enter an exclusives lottery which opens a little over two weeks before con. You get credits to put into time slots for different prizes (e.g., access to the Funko booth, a movie screening, a celebrity signing). You get ~10 days to slot your credits & submit.

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Jana Writes Comix @janawritescomix.bsky.social · 09/06/2026

Keep an eye on the SDCC Unofficial Blog (sdccblog.com) for updates on news. The schedule is released 2 weeks before the con (the Wed schedule on 7/8, Thurs on 7/9, etc.). You can use the official SDCC app or (if it's the same as previous years) the Sched app to track panels/vendors/exhibitors.

sdccblog.com

The San Diego Comic-Con Unofficial Blog

Badge/Hotel News Ace Parking for San Diego Comic-Con 2026 Parking Details Announced [UPDATE] Badge/Hotel News Ace Parking for San Diego Comic-Con 2026 Parking Details Announced [UPDATE] Exclusives Mon...

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Jana Writes Comix @janawritescomix.bsky.social · 09/06/2026

Excellent! Hopefully your friend is driving & has parking squared away. There's a sale (two rounds of lottery then open sale) for nearby parking. Definitely the standard tips: wear layers for different levels of A/C and outside waiting in line for offsites, comfy shoes, keep a snack & water w/ you.

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Jana Writes Comix @janawritescomix.bsky.social · 09/06/2026

There's also a lot of waffle ironing in Shaun Tan's THE ARRIVAL with a few departures for a double panel (rectangle), a splash page, or a double page spread.

Waffle iron grid style comic page from the graphic novel The Arrival by Shaun Tan

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Jana Writes Comix @janawritescomix.bsky.social · 09/06/2026

It's amazing! You will have lots of incredible options, but you can't do all the things; fight the FOMO. How many days are you going? Are you on a panel? Do you have a hotel set?

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Jana Writes Comix @janawritescomix.bsky.social · 28/05/2026

Which description would be more convincing to get you to attend a panel at San Diego Comic Con as an educator/librarian? #comiccon #sdcc #education #educomix

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Jana Writes Comix @janawritescomix.bsky.social · 28/05/2026

B continued) Creators will give specific examples from their work, educators will discuss how they're teaching this skill in the classroom. Q&A to follow.

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Jana Writes Comix @janawritescomix.bsky.social · 28/05/2026

B continued) ...determining both literal and non-literal meanings, making predictions, and connecting the image with background information and other media are critical skills that all students require and are never too young to learn.

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Jana Writes Comix @janawritescomix.bsky.social · 28/05/2026

B) Join artists, authors, and educators who create stories for young readers as they discuss how they scaffold early developing visual literacy skills. From overall story construction to artistic choices within a single panel, the ability to understand a visual image including...

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Jana Writes Comix @janawritescomix.bsky.social · 28/05/2026

A continued) Join [CREATORS AND EDUCATORS HERE] to hear specific examples of intentional design from creators and examples of literacy instruction lessons from educators. Q&A to follow.

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Jana Writes Comix @janawritescomix.bsky.social · 28/05/2026

DESCRIPTION A) Making meaning from visual images is one of the first skills children develop on their path to visual literacy. Educators use sequential art to explicitly teach these critical analysis skills from a young age with media that is perfect for differentiating for young learners.

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Jana Writes Comix @janawritescomix.bsky.social · 28/05/2026

I'm putting together my panel description for San Diego Comic Con and could use some feedback from educators and librarians planning to attend. Which description is more compelling to you for a panel titled "Visual Literacy for Early Readers"?

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Jana Writes Comix @janawritescomix.bsky.social · 26/05/2026

Oof, that's going to be a tight turnaround if you're bringing everyone from abroad. I will keep my fingers crossed for you!! 🤞🏻

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Jana Writes Comix @janawritescomix.bsky.social · 26/05/2026

Who do you need for your panel? Anyone I didn't find through personal networking in the past was discovered by putting out a general post on social media asking for people who have paneled for X topic or fit Y description.

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Jana Writes Comix @janawritescomix.bsky.social · 01/04/2026

I will be the ♥️ RED ROUTE ♥️ bus guide for the Chicago Independent Bookstore Day bus trolley. Last I checked, only ✨5✨ tickets remained for this particular route (but there are four other routes that have guides that are at least half as cool as me). www.eventbrite.com/e/chicago-in...

eventbrite.com

Chicago Independent Bookstore Day Crawl, Bus Edition!

Join us for a day of exploring the wonderful world of indie bookstores all over the greater Chicago area on Independent Bookstore Day 2026!

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Jana Writes Comix @janawritescomix.bsky.social · 27/03/2026

See you in a few hours!! 🩷🕷️😱

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Reposted by Jana Writes Comix

Cynthia Pelayo @cynthiapelayo.bsky.social · 27/03/2026

This is tomorrow!! Then all weekend I’ll be getting caught up on all of the things and then on Monday I have a huge announcement 😃 See you at C2E2 Friday ❤️🖤

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Jana Writes Comix @janawritescomix.bsky.social · 25/03/2026

Join @wendyparrisauthor.bsky.social , @cynthiapelayo.bsky.social, Katherine Riley, Becky Spratford & I as we discuss THE THRILL OF THE CHILL: TURNING FEAR INTO A CATALYST FOR CREATIVITY. Join us @C2E2 on Friday, 3/27 at 3:15 PM in room S402-B & at our signing at Anderson's #163. See you there!

Fear is no mind-killer. In fact, it may be the very thing that can drive you to the next level - at work, creatively, or in personal relationships. Join our panel of educators, librarians, and scientists as they discuss the way they actively master and weaponize fear in their creative and professional lives. This panel will talk about the nature of both harnessing and conquering fear as it is considered in writing, scientific research, and education and recommend titles for all ages.

C2e2 the thrill of the chill: turning fear into a catalyst for creativity. Friday, March 27th at 3:15 PM in room s402-b at the Chicago comic and entertainment expo.

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Jana Writes Comix @janawritescomix.bsky.social · 11/03/2026

All events take place at Batavia Public Library. See you there!!

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Jana Writes Comix @janawritescomix.bsky.social · 11/03/2026

I will be doing back to back comics making workshops on Sunday, April 26th. Third to fifth graders will be from 2-2:45 PM. Sixth to eighth graders will be from 3-3:45 PM. Registration is required for this event, so Batavia residents can check out the link here: www.bataviapl.org/annual-event...

bataviapl.org

One Book, One Batavia

One Book, One Batavia is an annual community-wide reading program presented by the Batavia Public Library and co-sponsored by the Friends of the Batavia Public Library.

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Jana Writes Comix @janawritescomix.bsky.social · 11/03/2026

I am honored and overjoyed to share my first published book with readers in my own backyard. I will be leading 2 FREE events for Batavia residents including a presentation with read aloud and Q&A on Monday, April 20th from 6 - 8 PM. The first 40 elementary students will receive a FREE signed copy!

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Jana Writes Comix @janawritescomix.bsky.social · 11/03/2026

I've been sitting on this announcement for a little while, but I can now officially confirm that Animal Rescue Friends: Friends Fur-Ever has been chosen as the One Book, One Batavia Youth Selection for Batavia Public Library District!

Image showing One Book One Batavia youth selection - Animal Rescue Friends: Friends Fur-Ever. At the top it reads 2026 one book 1 Batavia youth selection Batavia Public Library selected animal rescue friends: friends Fur-Ever as their youth one book one Batavia selection for 2026. I am honored and overjoyed for the opportunity to connect with readers in my own backyard. The image is on a library book checkout card. events include a presentation, read aloud and q&A on Monday, April 20th from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. The first 40 elementary students get a signed copy. The other event is Sunday, April 26th. It's a comic book workshop from 2:00 to 2:45 p.m. is 3rd to 5th grade from 3:00 to 3:45 p.m. is 6:00 to 8th grade. Registration is required at bataviapl.org. all events take place in Batavia Public Library.

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Jana Writes Comix @janawritescomix.bsky.social · 23/02/2026

I decided to use one ounce of critical thinking skills, and I called the bookstore that organized the Chicago Independent Bookstore Day buses last year. Although I didn't get an exact date, I did find out that tickets will be going on sale NEXT MONTH. My watch has... paused.

media.tenor.com

a cartoon monkey is standing on its hind legs with the words `` i 'll be back '' written on the bottom .

Alt: a cartoon animal is standing on its hind legs with the words "I'll be back" written on the bottom.

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Jana Writes Comix @janawritescomix.bsky.social · 15/02/2026

Day 21 of checking #Chilovebooks to see if Independent Bookstore Day trolley tickets are for sale yet. *refresh* I've got six books in my list so far that I'll be purchasing that day. I plan to have at least one for each bookstore ordered ahead of time. #ibd26

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Jana Writes Comix @janawritescomix.bsky.social · 14/02/2026

Day 20 of checking Chilovebooks to see if Independent Bookstore Day trolley tickets are for sale yet. *refresh*

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Jana Writes Comix @janawritescomix.bsky.social · 14/02/2026

This is extraordinary! Thank you so much for making this available to everyone. 🩷

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