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5 Important Writerly Questions with Brandon Hicks

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The trilogy…is complete! With The History of Human Achievement, cartoonist, humorist, and cartoons editor Brandon Hicks has finished his hilarious triptych of dark and delightful not-quite-for-children-children’s-books starring lowly demons Beezle, Buzzle, and Barb. It’s available right now, so let’s get to know Brandon and his book a little bit more.
1. Who are you? What are you doing here?
My name is Brandon Hicks. I’m a writer/cartoonist. Since that’s my job title, I’m here for the free food.
2. Since “Where do you get your ideas?” is a terrible question, what made you want to write this book? 
 
I’ll have to blame Humorist publisher, Marty Dundics, here. Back in 2020, he asked me if I could transmute these paper towel cartoons I was doing into a short picture book. He was looking for something with original characters we could build a series around. So, after our call, I went to the park with my notebook, sketched up some demons and developed the concepts behind all three books in a single sitting. I’m hoping this one doesn’t sell well, because I haven’t had a good idea since.
3. How did you keep writing this book?
 
Pure hubris. I thought we had a concept that could support an entire series, and I was bound and determined to see it through. Three books later, I feel more like I’m bound and gagged. 
 
4. Any darlings you had to kill?
There was once a fourth demon, actually, but we carved him up at the Humorist Books Xmas Party back in ’21. I believe you had the right hoof, didn’t you? I had the tail, of course. Author’s privilege.
5. What are you working on now?
Myself, mostly. I’m just one surgery away from attaining that perfect Joan Rivers look. In terms of books, though, I’m currently finishing up “Go South,” a novel in pictures about a bird who breaks his wing and has to migrate on foot, which should come out later this year.  I also have a collection of journal comics called On The Border, which will be released by Conundrum Press in 2024. Is it okay to promote other publishers here? I also like Knopf, Scholastic, and Hustler, for the record.

6 Important Writerly Questions with Martti Nelson

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Martti Nelson wrote the new Humorist Books title Attack of the Rom-Com. A gleefully savage send-up of romantic comedy tropes while also itself a romantic comedy, it concerns the love journey of the emphatically romance-adverse Sophie Sweet as she finds herself trapped in a series of nightmarish cliche rom-com situations. The only way out: Find, accept, and acknowledge her “One True Love.” 

Here’s what Nelson (also the author of another great Humorist Books novel, the classic Greek satire update Lyssa Strata) had to say for herself, and her book.

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1. Who are you? What are you doing here?

I am a unicorn trapped in a lady body. How I long to roam the forest, goring those who would oppose me, their blood drip–

Um, I’m a shorty who lives in LA with an amazing husband and a cat who runs the house. I’m here to write funny stuff for ladies. Stuff that points out how screwed up the world is–not that we don’t know that already, but it’s nice to have someone confirm it, I think. By the end of all of my books, I want every single reader, especially the women, to feel like a superheroine who can do the thing! And when I say women, I mean my trans sisters and NB friends, too.

2. Since “Where do you get your ideas?” is a terrible question, what made you want to write this book? 

I wanted to write a rom-com with no patriarchy in it. Where the conflict wasn’t one of men vs. women, but woman vs. herself. Yes, Attack of the Rom-Com has a happy ending (whoops, spoiler!) but it’s also a good ending for my heroine, Sophie, on her own. Because we need to be right with ourselves before we can be right with another person. Plus, chicks are awesome.

3. How did you keep writing this book?

As with all my books, I just keep adding ridiculata and feelings until I hit 80,000 words, at which point my cat lays a gentle paw upon my brow and whispers, “You’ve done it again, beautiful mother.”

Making it to “the end” is a feat, and I applaud everyone who manages to write a book. There’s no substitute for butt-in-chair to get it done–you just have to want it enough and love yourself enough to know that people will be excited to read you!

4. Who is this book for, anyway? 

Attack of the Rom-Com is for everyone who loves rom-coms. Or hates rom-coms. It’s a million tropes taken to 11 because rom-coms are fun! ATTACK is for the wise-cracking rom-com sidekick, who basically stars in this book. It is not a haven for Kate Hudson. My heroine would put a rubber snake in Kate’s toilet. (Rubber if she’s lucky…)

5. Any darlings you had to kill?

I’m a lover, not a fighter. Unless you are a praying mantis. I hate praying mantises with their demon eyes and creepy insect hands, ever rubbing, rubbing like Mr. Burns. Yet, I still would not kill one. I would simply jump around screaming until my husband saves me.

There are NO praying mantises in this book. 

6. What are you working on now?

I’m about to hit draft two for a book about betentacled aliens, all natural urine supplements, and magic wishes that turn men pregnant. I’m a very normal person.

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Martti will read from Attack of the Rom-Com, sign copies, and tell stories at The Ripped Bodice in Culver City, California, on September 21. Doors open at 6:30 p.m., and the show starts at 7, so if you’re in the L.A. area, go tell Martti hello and buy a copy while also supporting a very cool and specialized (romance only!) indie bookstore. (And hey, it’s free.)