The Birth of the Idea

Sudbury Writer's Guild members Lisa Coleman-Brown and Matthew Del Papa at the 2014 Chapters book signing for the Madcap Publishing anthology Creepy Capreol.

Capreol Days Market vendor regulars Bonnie Ouellet-Mathieu and Matthew Del Papa enjoying some shade in 2022.

The project's origin story begins in the summer of 2022 when Mat was hosting a Trivial Pursuit party attended by his friends Willow Crescent neighbour Bonnie, and Garsonite Lisa Coleman-Brown. "Lisa," said Bonnie, "I've been thinking it would be fun to turn your Fartologist stories into a graphic novel. What do you guys think?" Lisa was flattered and delighted by the idea, and Mat was encouraging.

In the fall these three fellow Sudbury Writers Guild members began a zoom meetings Graphic Novel Inner Circle that met monthly. They shared ideas, online courses, reference materials, and generally delved into all things graphic novel.

Bonnie began exploring how to apply for an Ontario Arts Council Northern Arts Project grant. Ontario Arts Council - Northern Arts Projects The OAC NOVA application process involves word count limited question answering supported by letters of reference with a compliment of sample images and manuscript support materials. A lengthy process best prepared for long ahead of the application deadline!

In October 2022 Bonnie completed her first application, and although unsuccessful the feedback support she received from program officer Alana Forslund the following spring was very encouraging and helpful. After hard work focused on clarifying the concept, application number two was submitted in May 2023 and the grant was awarded in the fall!