Fables Queer And Familiar
Between us we could extend an idea, make it zing.
– MAG MERRILEES, author
I looked forward to each chapter and thinking about what I would do with it. Often I would be drawing and just burst out laughing.
Author Margaret Merrilees invited me to do graphics for a unique book, Fables Queer and Familiar, a sort of Adelaide Tales of the City, about activist lesbian grannies, their families and friends. This was followed by a sequel, Further Fables Queer and Familiar. This was such a fun collaboration and gave me a platform for my cartooning. I looked forward to each chapter and thinking about what I would do with it. Often I would be drawing and just burst out laughing.
FABLES QUEER AND FAMILIAR, Pub. Wakefield Press, 2014 written by Margaret Merrilees, illustrated by Chia Moan
FURTHER FABLES QUEER AND FAMILIAR: illustrated tales from the frontline of activism, Wakefield Press. 2019 written by Margaret Merrilees, illustrated by Chia Moan
https://www.wakefieldpress.com.au
It's been a real joy to collaborate with Chia on two books. Her drawing skills amaze me. To that she adds a quirky sense of humour and a wide understanding of the world (no surprise to discover that she started out in journalism). She has taken my written characters and made them real, with all their hopes fears and foibles. Many times she offered me more than I had seen myself, so that between us we could extend an idea, make it zing.
Chia's artistic expertise was invaluable when it came to negotiating with book and cover designers.
– MAG MERRILEES, author