Misako Rocks! - The TeenBookCon Interview

Back again with another interview! This is our second interview with one of our graphic novelists coming to TeenBookCon. Before becoming a graphic novelist, Misako Rocks! was an exchange student and a puppeteer among other things. We’re excited to be able to speak with her before meeting Misako at TeenBookCon…

TeenBookCon:  Your main character in Rock and Roll Love is named Misako. How much, if any, of her adventures are autobiographical?

Misako Rocks:  Actually every part of the story is true! My punk rock friends and Zac did so many things to make my high school life fun and the best!

Also some parts of Detective Jermain are based on my experience too!

TBC:  Do you still make Japanese hip-hop music or are those days behind you?

MR:  Hmm... I don't have a time to make hip-hop music that much. But my boyfriend and I try to make music, play the guitar when we have a time.

TBC:  What are your top three "Books or graphic novels to have if stranded on a desert island"?

MR:

1. MAUS
2. YUKAN CLUB (Japanese manga)
3. Mikeneko series by Jiro Akagawa

TBC: Do you have any upcoming book projects you can tell us about?

MR:  Yes. I just published my first Japanese kid comic-text book, "Eigojuku" on March 22^nd in Japan! I'm going to Japan to visit schools and bookstores to promote in May and June.

Also I'm working on two manga for adult with two Japanese publishers.

I'm working on another arty-corky autobiography (my childhood) with Henry Holt.

TBC:  It sounds like you’ve got lots of adventures to keep you busy! We can’t wait to meet you at TeenBookCon on April 9^th! Until then, stay tuned for more author interviews here on the blog!

Misako Rocks! is the author/illustrator of Biker Girl, Rock and Roll Love, and Detective Jermain.

Misako will be speaking on the Graphic Novelists Galore panel with Mark Crilley, Raina Telgemeier, and Doug TenNapel.

Catch you at TeenBookCon…