TerraQuill: Printing New Worlds

I chatted with TerraQuill's Shawn Daley last week about compiling his series into a printed book and where the World he's created goes from here. We also discuss the Kickstarter campaign he is currently running to help fund the printing of this inventive comic.

Sheilah Villari: You've mentioned TerraQuill started just as warm up or exercises for you. Being both artist and writer can expand on when you knew this was becoming more than that? What pushed you to pursue this world you sort of accidentally created?

Shawn Daley: I've always considered TerraQuill to be my resume, so I made sure the individual issues were always free at conventions. After a couple of cons, I noticed returning readers asking for more stories. I was stoked that readers were asking for more; it was great motivation. I still consider every TerraQuill story an exercise in writing and drawing, which itself is motivation to continue building the world and populating it.

SV: I like the free flowing creativity that you've built into the TerraQuill world. Is that organic spirit the same that lead to TerraQuill the book becoming a reality? 

SD: Thanks! I hold readers responsible for the book becoming a reality. If it wasn't for their encouragement and backing, there's a high probability that this collection wouldn't have come together as it has.

SV: At this moment it looks like you will hit some of those stretch goals. With about two weeks left in the campaign, it's feasible you will go beyond the ones you have now. Any plans to add more? 

SD: Absolutely. I'd like to add an 11th story to the collection and commission some of my favorite artists to draw pinups for the book. If we can reach past stretch goal four, that's what you can expect. There will be some last minute rewards added within the final three days for anyone who wants to upgrade, or maybe snag some more original pages from the book.

SV: I really like that the book is done and ready for your contributors. This is a major point of attractiveness for someone looking to donate to a KS campaign. Was that something you took into consideration before launching?

SD: That was the first thing I considered! Actually, it wasn't even really a consideration, but more of a prerequisite to launching the campaign. It's a little easier for me as I don't need to find or pay an artist to draw these stories, so my production costs are basically reduced to art supplies and coffee. If you're Kickstarting your own material, I highly recommend completing everything before launch. Save yourself the potential headache.

SV: Now that this volume of TerraQuill has been collected are there plans to continue in the World and see where it takes you or are happy to but a bow on this series?

SD: I'm working on a full length TerraQuill graphic novel at the moment called The Bridgebuilder's Creed, so TerraQuill isn't quite wrapped up just yet. There's a lot of written mythology that hasn't been published (or drawn) as well. Most of the timeline is mapped out, including both the creation and eventual destruction of the land.

SV: Now that Con season is starting again do you have any plans to bring your work out to the masses this year?

SD: You bet. I'll be at Toronto ComiCon (March 20th - 22nd), and Fan Expo Toronto (September 3rd - 6th). NYCC might be happening for me as well.

SV: Running a campaign is pretty intense but can inspire more projects as many creators have told me. What's next for Shawn Daley once this Kickstarter is wrapped?

SD: I'll just be continuing to draw comics for independent scriptwriters, writing and drawing TerraQuill, and making music for independent game developers. And right now, I wouldn't have it any other way!

There is still plenty of time to check out and donate to the TerraQuill Kickstarter. You can keep up with Shawn's other projects at his website and on Twitter. Can't wait to see if the stretch goals are surpassed before March 6th!