We chat with author and illustrator Fern Haught about The Baker and the Bard, which is an enchanting, gentle fantasy tale of friendship, determination, and respecting nature in their debut graphic novel.
Hi, Fern! Can you tell our readers a bit about yourself?
Hello! I’m Fern, and I’m an author and illustrator currently based in Cleveland, OH. I attended the Cleveland Institute of Art and still occasionally return to teach courses adjunct in the Illustration department. I can often be found in my art studio, at the library, or at a favorite coffee shop. Supporting small businesses and attending art and comic fairs is super important to me. I have a cat named Honey who’s a big, incredibly distracting, baby. Collecting little items to display has become a bit of a staple in my art studio. Some latest additions to my shelves are miniatures, frog stuffed animals, and Snoopy memorabilia.
When did you first discover your love for writing and drawing?
I’ve clung to both books and art as outlets since I was a small child. Struggling to connect with people my own age meant I often had time to delve into fantasy worlds and to read a novel in an evening. I enjoyed the act of focusing on fine details and imagining backstories for the many fairies, dragons, and creatures I’d sketch.
In more recent years I developed an interest in crafting stories professionally from professors in college. Creative writing courses appealed to me from my love for storytelling and finding new ways I enjoyed applying my illustrations to projects. I took a Picture Book course and a Graphic Narratives course and was exposed to much more variety of storytelling styles than what I’d seen before.
Your debut graphic novel, The Baker and the Bard, is out now! If you could only describe it in a few words, what would they be?
Comforting. Whimsical. Queer. Sensitive. Adventurous.
What can readers expect?
Readers can expect a thoughtful and cozy journey through a fantasy realm of my creation. A low-stakes adventure centering on best friends who are perhaps too curious for their own good and often getting up to unexpected trouble. It’s a tale of friendship, queer identity, and being gentle with yourself as you grow. The book touches on topics of found family and learning how to find balance in how we interact with our environment. This sweet story about Juniper and Hadley, our baker and bard, is illustrated in a colorful and light style.
Where did the inspiration for The Baker and the Bard come from?
Many stories I appreciate are quests traveling through nature, and I have a similarly high level of interest in science as I do storytelling and fantasy. My grandfather was a scientist who used electron microscopes in his studies, and as a child I was fascinated by his shelves of books. The books listing native plants, crystals, bugs, and mushrooms held my attention and still do. Much of the setting and natural elements included are self indulgent because I adore drawing those subjects. For the story I allowed my characters to inspire me. I usually enjoy creating my main characters first and allow fleshing out their pasts to inform their futures.
Were there any moments or characters you really enjoyed writing or exploring?
I really enjoyed writing the moments where our main characters are able to have times of growth or reflection. The two nonbinary characters, Hadley and the fey Thistle, show different interpretations of what it means to be nonbinary. Through their sensitive talk around a campfire they show there isn’t one cut and dry way to be trans. Each person can have their own nuanced experience of gender and that’s beautiful.
Can you tell us a bit about the process when it comes to both writing and illustrating?
The process of writing and illustrating has been a learning experience. I tend to like it best to thumbnail and sketch pages simultaneously with my script writing. In graphic novels, such a visual medium, I think the art being very tied into the writing phase is key. For the illustrating portion, you need to find a style you genuinely enjoy the process of crafting. I make stories because I love it, so if I didn’t enjoy the act of creating my illustrations as much as I like the final product I don’t think it would work for me. Keeping on deadlines, whether self imposed or by your publishing team, is also super important!
This is your debut published graphic novel! What was the road to becoming a published author like for you?
Mine was probably similar to other author’s stories. I queried my amazing agent Maria Vicente after she showed interest in one of my stories during a pitch hashtag event, and then we found interest from Feiwel and Friends. Maria has been integral to my success and building my confidence as a storyteller. There have been other projects set aside along the way to prioritize The Baker and the Bard and I’m very glad to have done so. This book has always felt like the correct one for my debut.
What’s next for you?
I hope to continue my friendship with the cozy fantasy genre and keep sharing a variety of viewpoints in my queer stories.
Lastly, are there any book releases that you’re looking forward to picking up this year?
I’m looking forward to picking up The Diablo’s Curse by Gabe Cole Novoa and Celestial Monsters by Aiden Thomas!
