Absolutely Everything: An Interview with Author Damian Alexander
Lately, life feels like a lot for Marcella. Sixth grade seems complicated on purpose. She keeps forgetting her homework or getting distracted while she’s doing it. Plus, her bestie has new friends, and her parents even want to move apartments. She’s trying to keep track of the changes—but absolutely everything is stressing her out! Absolutely Everything is a funny, thoughtful graphic novel about growing up, ADHD, and focusing on what makes you who you are.
Today author Damian Alexander joins us to share what inspired him to create this story, why he chose the graphic novel format, and more. Read on to find more interviews and exclusive previews!
What inspired you to create Absolutely Everything?
I was a lot like Marcella when I was in sixth grade. I loved school and was very imaginative, but in middle school I started struggling and found my mind wandering all the time, unable to focus. My grades started to plummet, and I had trouble even focusing on reading, which I previously enjoyed. My self-esteem took a hit because of it. I wanted to tell a story about the feelings that came with the struggle of having ADHD and not knowing it.
What drew you to telling this story as a graphic novel?
The earliest drafts of Marcella’s story were novels, but then I tried telling her story as a picture book and then wrote a completely different graphic novel script before eventually landing on this version. In previous drafts I’d imagined Marcella having ADHD, but it was never the focus. When it became the central point of the story, I realized a visual format like a graphic novel would really help this story stand out.
How would you describe Marcella, the protagonist of this story?
Marcella was always an imaginative kid growing up, who tended to jump around from hobby to hobby. She has a lot of interests, like watching cartoons, writing, playing video games with friends, trying (and failing) at ballet, but finds she really loves painting. Though, this school year she’s trying her best to keep on track of the things she needs to.
What are you hoping readers will take away from reading Absolutely Everything?
I’m hoping readers who feel like Marcella will know that they aren’t alone.
Do you have any advice for young readers who may be struggling with ADHD like Marcella?
I think the first step is acknowledging that you’re struggling and could use some help. I spent a lot of time blaming myself, which wasn’t productive, when I could’ve gotten assistance much sooner. I think it’s important to share your feelings and what you’re going through.
What advice would you give to young artists hoping to be illustrators or graphic novelists?
The most important advice I have is to just keep drawing and sharing your art. A lot of my earliest comics weren’t very good, but people still liked them and over time I got better at it.
When you aren’t writing or illustrating books what are some other hobbies that you enjoy?
Like Marcella, I tend to jump from hobby to hobby, and I like to paint for fun, especially when I don’t have a particular vision. I also enjoy taking care of my plants, making terrariums, and I collect miniatures.
Praise for Absolutely Everything
★”A hopeful and validating story that excels in portraying a middle schooler’s ADHD journey.”—starred, Kirkus Reviews
“A warm and sensitive depiction of a neurodivergent character finding her way in middle school.”—School Library Journal
“A sensitive look at the realities of having ADHD that is sure to make kids going through similar situations feel less alone.”—Kayla Miller, Click series
More Interviews and Exclusive Previews
AIPT Comics Exclusive Preview: “The book blends humor, heart, and expressive art to depict Marcella’s journey toward understanding herself and realizing she doesn’t need to “fix” who she is to find her place in the world.”
ComicBuzz Interview: “Absolutely Everything is really about coming to terms with being neurodivergent. While it’s also about growing up, growing apart from friends, moving and schoolwork it’s really about the internal struggle Marcella is having while all of this happens around her.”
Fanbase Press Interview: “My creative process for Absolutely Everything was very messy. Doodles in sketchbooks, notes in the Notes app on my phone, sticky notes across the wall.”
Comics Beat Exclusive Preview: “I wanted to make it clear that Marcella’s version of ADHD was not going to be the typical hyperactive kid that I’d seen so much in the media, but rather a kid whose ADHD was causing them anxiety and internal stress.”
Connect with the Author
Damian Alexander is a cartoonist and storyteller and the creator of Other Boys, a graphic memoir based off his award-winning autobiographical webcomic. His work has received recognition from several “best of” lists including The Chicago Public Library “Best of the Best” and the Texas Maverick Graphic Novels Reading List. Damian grew up in and around Boston and currently resides in New England.
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