About Me
This is what I look like.
Hello, my name is Stephen Emond, or just Steve if you prefer. There isn’t much about that me isn’t be said in this excerpt from the HAPPYFACE page on amazon.com:
About the Author
Steve Emond does not have any superhuman powers, neat tricks, or famous relatives, but he’s a pretty cool guy who can draw. He is the creator of Emo Boy, which ran for 12 issues and two collections, and the comic strip, Steverino. He grew up in Connecticut, where he wrote and directed a public access sketch comedy show that only his grandmother watched.
I’m pretty sure my editor on the book wrote this to mimic my sometimes self-deprecating manner because I don’t remember writing it myself.
Anyway, I’m a creator, I guess you can say. I focused solely on drawing in my youth, wanting to be a comics artist. Not so much the kind I became, I was more interested in superheroes. Starting with Spiderman, which led to the New Warriors, which led me to following Todd McFarlane, Jim Lee, the guys that wound up at Image. I was a huge Image fan until a girlfriend turned me on to indie comics, which read more like the things that went on in my head.
Another thing I drew, that fed into my later love of writing, was a comic strip called STEVERINO. I did STEVERINO from my senior year of highschool, and for about six years after. Even after that, I returned to the strip off and on, the last stretch in ‘06. You can read those comics by clicking the Steverino box at the top of Stephenemond.com. I think STEVERINO really helped me develop as both an artist and a writer. The comic strip is a great way to learn writing, because every strip has a beginning, middle and end to it. It’s short, but you learn a lot in what’s interesting and how to set up and close an idea. I did twenty-five page books every month, three cartoons per page, and sent them to never more than thirty people. I worked through a lot of my own neuroses in those years, but it was a lot of fun.
Feedback for Steverino was generally positive. I won a national contest, Andrew-McMeels/Follett College Store’s STRIP SEARCH: DISCOVERING TOMORROW’S TOP CARTOONISTS TODAY and had my comic printed in a book of the same name. I had three or four local newspaper articles and ongoing dialogues with a few syndicate editors. There wasn’t really any hook, though. It was just me and my thoughts. They liked the art, they liked the writing, they thought it was charming, but you couldn’t sell it.
Eventually I had the idea for EMO BOY, which was “what if this emo kid had superpowers, but they were completely destructive and he was too emo to use them anyway?” It was a joke at first but my girlfriend at the time urged me to go on with it. I did a mini comic, ashcan style – 8 1/2X11 pages folded down the middle and xeroxed. In it, Emo Boy joins a garage band, falls for a pretty girl, kisses her and explodes her head in a fit of emo-nerves. The band is ready to beat him down when he comes up with a hit emo song about the experience.
I sent the comic to SLG Publishing, because honestly, who the heck else would publish it? In the meantime, I had so much fun with it that I kept making the books. I did four more issues, without the emo powers, just as a comedy comic about an emo kid and his happy-go-lucky friend Maxine. About eight months after I mailed the book to SLG, I got an email from Dan Vado asking if I was still looking for a publisher. Indeed, I was! I sent him the new issues to show how the art and writing had improved, although Dan did recommend giving him the powers back, as it lent the series a feeling of suspense, not knowing what was going to happen next.
EMO BOY ran for twelve issues. It started strong, but as is the case with most indie comics, sales slipped to a point that it wasn’t cost-effective to continue printing each issue. I was left with the option to do it as a digital comic, or to do a series of graphic novels. I decided to take some time off.
During that time, one fan of EMO BOY was Connie Hsu, an assistant editor at Little, Brown Books for Young Readers. She thought the tone of EMO BOY was great for a possible YA book and asked if I had any other ideas. I didn’t, but I came up with EMO BOY, didn’t I? There had to be something else I could think of!
I met with Connie and her boss Alvina Ling. By this point I had come up with seven ideas. A few were just what I thought YA novels were supposed to be. One was a big epic fantasy. One was a darker literary novel. Alvina and Connie let me know the three they liked the best. I started with the epic, before realizing it was REALLY HARD. Way too ambitious for where I was, experience-wise. I went with the darker character-piece. The idea was that a kid suffers a terrible tragedy, puts on a happy face and swallows all the pain. With time the cracks would show and ultimately he’d explode. What exists now as HAPPYFACE has the same general concept, but is not nearly as dark and moody as I’d intended. I pictured seething rage and contempt in every page, but the biggest change came when I decided to use art in the piece.
I didn’t want to at first. I just failed in the comic world, I got bad reviews left and right from people who just plain hate the term ‘emo,’ and here I had a chance to start anew in a literary world, I could be a prose novelist. I didn’t want to blend in with the comic crowd, feeling rejected at that point. I was tired of drawing and wanted something new. Connie felt it was a strength that not everyone had, however, and we could do something to make the book really stand out. I gave it some thought, and became excited with the possibilities. I even thought it would be great to hand-write the entire thing, but that wasn’t really feasible. I thought of making little doodles and writings in the margins, scribbled all over. What we ended up with was a sketchbook of sorts. It’s a journal, but it’s illustrated. A little of the story is told in comic form, there’s realistic beautiful drawings and silly cartoony ones. I thought it showed what you really can’t write. It was very personal and intimate, and it does look different from anything else.
HAPPYFACE will be out in March of 2010.
As I was working on the early planning of Happyface, I also became involved in the EMO BOY movie. Dan was pitching Emo Boy at San Diego one summer and a few people were interested in doing a movie. The best choice for us was John Williams at Vanguard Films and Animation. John is best known for discovering SHREK and developing and bringing it to Dreamworks. They were looking to do a live action movie and Emo Boy seemed in line with what they wanted to do. In early talks, we thought of it as a quirky indie comedy in the line of HAROLD AND MAUDE or RUSHMORE. We had a lot of talks and were seeing eye to eye, so they offered me the chance to write a draft of the screenplay. For the next two years, that’s what I did. I wrote HAPPYFACE and EMO BOY at the same time. I was away from the internet, away from the comics community and probably completely forgotten but I was busier than I’d ever been!
Kyle Newman of the movie FANBOYS was brought in as a director and we worked on the screenplay some more, as he infused it with some new ideas. In the end, it’s very much EMO BOY from the comics. It’s what the comics maybe should have been. When I wrote the individual issues, I had no plan other than to write what was funny. There was no arc planned, no major outline I was working from. With the movie, it was like every character I’d written suddenly had a purpose and a clear arc. I’d figured out why they were there. There’s development now, new interactions between characters, some stuff you won’t be expecting. I pray it gets made, because I’m very proud of how it came out! And having seen FANBOYS now, I can say Kyle will be perfect for this project.
Currently casting.
Since wrapping up EMO BOY and HAPPYFACE, I’ve been working on a few things. I started a screenplay, not with any clear objective other than it’d be good to have another finished unproduced project once EMO BOY gets underway. I also started working on another YA book with Connie – this one is the epic I failed at the first time around. I have more experience now and am already much further than I’d gotten before! Hopefully it’ll all come together soon.
I’ll be doing some appearances to promote HAPPYFACE in the meantime, as well as updating this website! One thing that really excited me about this site was the chance to do more art. There’s a lot of art in Happyface, but I did miss doing big, full color illustrations. I think my development as an artist has slowed down lately so I really want to do some more regular art and post it here for you to see. Not to be published anywhere, not for a project, but just to create.
This was WAY longer than I intended! Maybe we should post this on amazon.com. :)
Steve! LOVE EMOBOY! :) Sorry it didn’t last. :(
But it would be awesome as a movie! Hopefully, some day… :)
they are making it in to a movie
hey! Mr Steve dude sir?? Ohh I LOVE HAPPY FACE! i just finished reading it, and I was so moved by the sad but yet happy story of happy face D:D even though you never really gave out his real name :( But what i really loved reading was his “sordid love affairs” LOL. I would say that I could kind of relate to his complicated relationships with friends and lovers. I could be either gretchen or chloe in his life, but i most definitely feel like Happy Face right now.
Aw, thanks!
I just finished reading Happyface, and I LOVED it! One of the greatest books I’ve truly ever read. I am just upset that I didn’t learn Happyface’s real name. ): But I would recommend this book to anyone for its charm, creative characters, and touching story.
Thank you!
I’m a librarian and I can’t wait for the paperback version of Happyface to come out. I do booktalks in juvie and I know the boys would love Happyface. It’s a good balance of novel and graphic novel. I’m glad it didn’t end up as dark as you originally planned.
And I think your idea of the short story with the runaway broken heart would make a great one-shot graphic novel. Brutal!
That’s great! Thanks for the compliments!
My editor is pushing for the frowny muffin as a spin off, hehe.
Stephen Emond, I love your art AND your stories!
I bought Happyface last week and finally found time to finish it last night….
The teens in this book really DO seem like teens, and act JUST like them.
8) I hope more people discover this book, and I’ll recommend it as well!
I loved the book HAPPYFACE and I’m hoping to read more books from you. I just can’t stop telling my friends that they should by your book. I must’ve liked your book a lot because this is the first time that I sit down to write a comment. Please don’t stop writing.
ME
When I saw the bright yellow cover of “Happyface”, I felt instantly compelled to pick it up. And how could I not lift the book jacket when it was begging me to see if a frown was indeed lurking behind that smile? I was intrigued. And the book didn’t disappoint: It was creative and funny and original and I really enjoyed reading it.
I’ve been disappointed in a lot of current YA novels. (A girl can only read so many supernatural romances!) So I just wanted to say thank you for creating such a unique and creative book. “Happyface” was refreshing to read.
Thanks again! :)
A Happy Reader
Just wanted to stop by and say I absolutely loved HAPPYFACE! It was a great take on all the things that kids today have to deal with in varying degrees. Great job!
I also put a review up on my site There’s A Book: Review – Happyface by Stephen Emond Hope you enjoy!
Thank you so much for the compliments, Lennie, Bruno Me, Alena and 1st daughter! Glad everyone is liking the book! :D
HAPPYFACE, best book I ever read.
just wanted to ask if we are related.
Hey Mr. Stephen. I just wanted to thank you for writing this book, right now i’m attempting to make a short documentary film on middle school/ high school life and this was the idea I was going for, how everyone puts up this “mask” of what they want people to view them as. I loved your book and was wondering if there’s going to be a second somehow I love your writing and the drawings make the story, thank you again, your very inspiring.
– Chloe (14)
Hi Chloe – no plans to make a 2nd Happyface book, but I’m working on my next book now. Similar style as Happyface, I think fans of HF will definitely like it!
Hi Michelle, not related as far as I know. There’s actually another Stephen Emond here in CT… it’s still a fairly uncommon last name. Does everyone call you EDMOND too??
Read Happyface and loved it. I could really relate to it. It is one of those books that will stay with me forever.
Thanks Trish!
I just read your book happyface!!! i loved it! Truly an amazing book, lol! I’m doing it for my project and i showed it to my friends they loved the book!
-Hailey(:
Gee thanks, Hailey!
love happyface book i can really connect with it i did a proj 4 it and it was the truth or dare scene since i said happytime the teacher didnt lik it but i did it anyway happyface is very inspirational and great for the teenage mind
I loved your book happyface. I was just wondering if there will be a continuation/ series?
No plans to continue the story as of now, but I suppose you never know! I’m working on my second book now, that should be out next fall!
i loved happyface its was touchy sad and happy i wish it was a seris heck i whant more the way it was told the story everthing was the happy side of me.one thing though did happy face get together with cloe or gretchen….in the end i cried of joy to see the happyface story come to life!!!!!!
Happy face was amazing! It was very real and touching. I couldnt put it down, EVER! Your an amazing author and artist :)
Thanks, Morgan!!
I just picked up Happyface today in a bookstore and liked it so much that I actually bought it, which I never ever It’s just such a realistic portrayal of high school and relationships and the insecurities we all feel that I can’t even put it down!
Besides the fact that your drawings alternate between hilarious and beautiful, which just made this book something I wanted to own.
Thanks, Steve.
Dear Sir,
I checked out Happyface from the library a couple of days ago and just finished it. I could simply not put it down (my mom got kinda angry with me when I stayed up to read it instead of going to bed, but she was happy in a way because I have never been so interested in a book before). It was so easy to relate to, and though I have never had the same kind of family issues he is faced with, I could really relate to all the other aspects of his social life. I feel badly now for having checked it out, so I think before the week is out I will go buy a copy because I think I will read it several more times, and it has really inspired me to draw more often than just insignificant doodles on homework assignments that make them difficult for my teachers to grade. I am going to recommend Happyface to the Trevor in my life (the guy who stole the girl I love) in hopes that we will someday be better friends. Thank you so much! You truly are a magical person.
Hey Steve! I just finished reading Happyface. I have to say- this was possibly one of the best books I’ve read! It was great! However, I was disappointed that you never shared the main characters’ name! But I guess that makes it special, and more interesting. This was truely a touching story, and I can’t wait to read more from you! I loved your drawings as well. My mother is an artist so I’ve become big on art too, being able to connect the story line with an actual picture (not just in my head!) was different, but I loved it! The way it was written as a journal was genius! Keep up the great work, and thanks for the amazing book!
-Anna
hey steve! i just finished reading your book “HAPPYFACE”
i really enjoyed reading it. i am a 15 year old boy and i cant easily relate the character happyface to me. i will be going to buy some more of your books. keep it up steve(: HAPPYFACE is currently my favorite book(:
-andrew
I am a college sophomore. I just read happyface and looooooved it. Words and artwork. Do you ever send autographed comics/drawings? If you do I would love something.
I also wanted to recommend Adrian Tomine’s work. He’s great.
Hi Vivian – seeing as this is the first request of such a thing I’ve recieved, I think I can find the time to send you something. :-) Just send me an email to let me know where to send it – emoboyrocks at yahoo.
Heeey!
I’ve just finished reading Happyface this morning, and it’s amazing. I love it! It is full of happiness, nerves, shock, and typical teenage issues that most teenagers can relate too.
Hey Steve!
I was just wondering; how much of Happyface is part of your real life from when you were 16 years old? Did Happyface’s parents’ characters come from your parents, and did you have a brother who was in a car accident? I was just wondering how much is your real life.
Plus, I saw your comment saying that you would send a picture to somebody, and I was wondering if you could draw me a simple drawing of Happyface with his friends and send it to me? I would be SO happy if you could, it would be so amazing.
xx
Hello, sorry this is my third comment in a row, but on my last comment asking for a drawing it put my name down as Scarlett. Sorry, it was supposed to say Charlotte – stupid AutoCorrect!
I love happyface!!!!IS the story really part of ur life?? You really had a life with full of suprises. :D
LOves from SINGAPORE!
Hi Charlotte – sure, send me an email at my emoboyrocks email address to let me know where to send it, and I’ll mail you a drawing. The last person who asked never wrote me!
Writing is funny, a lot of it does come from my life, but it’s usually in details and more abstract ways. I pull from all kinds of sources when I write. My parents did divorce early in my highschool years, and i did move from a town I was considered a “loser” in to a town where I slowly learned I could start over. Happyface’s parents aren’t very much like mine at all. His Dad was based partly on the lead singer of the band EELS. I do have a brother but he’s very much alive; but I had a friend who died in a car accident when I was in highschool that I based some of Chloe off of. A lot of the “real” details come from stuff like Gretchen’s house and family, which are similar to my highschool girlfriend’s, and things like Gretchen’s parties and the karaoke and her friendship with all her exes – those all come from a few other friends of mine.
I like to think in all, I create a story and then pull the details to flesh it out where they fit – but it’s all to serve the original story, which in this case evolved from me writing the words “happy face” in my sketchbook and figuring out what the story would be. Actually that’s how WINTER TOWN started, too…
Thankyou!
I’ve sent you an email (quite a long one) with my address. Thanks so much :)
That’s really interesting, about where your ideas came from. It’s really clever how you have written a whole book in which the story is so easy to follow using comics and speech bubbles all through it. I would never be that talented ;)
Hello, it’s me again, sorry if I’m crowding up your comments page! But I was wondering how you created the font in Happyface from your own handwriting? I saw the thing in the back of the book and I was wondering you made the font. Does it cost anything to do? Or do you need to do it professionally or… what? It would be awesome if I could make a font for myself with my own handwriting. :)
Actually in the end we had to use a font called “felt tip” that wasn’t mine. I had wanted to use my own font, but what worked on my computer wasn’t working on the designer’s. It did make it into the book in one or two spots – I believe Mr. Molly’s handwriting on Happyface’s papers was one of my fonts. Maybe I will make a blog post showing some of the fonts I came up with trying to do that.
I used a program from macromedia called Fontographer. It’s tricky business but no so bad once you get the hang of it. My main problem was like I said – what looked good on my computer had all these weird spaces on the designers. So I wasn’t sure how to fix that. :\