388: Making Queer Fairy Tales (with Melanie Gillman)

We’re joined by cartoonist and author of Other Ever Afters, Mel Gillman to chat about growing as an artist, how allegories of fairy tales grow over time, and breaking the structures to write good horror. Also, the premiere of our new favorite segment: Foraging Corner.

Content Warning: This episode contains conversations about or mentions of queerphobia, arranged marriage, divorce, colonization, genocide, bodily fluids, gentrification, and classism. 

Guest

Melanie Gillman is a cartoonist and illustrator who specializes in LGBTQ books for kids and teens. They are the creator of the Stonewall Honor Award–winning graphic novel As the Crow Flies, Other Ever Afters, and Stage Dreams. In addition to their graphic novel work, they teach in the comics MFA program at California College of the Arts. 

Housekeeping

- Recommendation: This week, Julia recommends The Strange Case of the Alchemist’s Daughter by Theodora Goss

- Books: Check out our previous book recommendations, guests’ books, and more at https://spiritspodcast.com/books

- Call to Action: Check out Big Game Hunger!

Sponsors

- Blueland creates everyday eco-friendly cleaning productions that save you money and space, without any plastic waste. Get 20% off your first order when you go to blueland.com/spirits.

- Wildgrain is the first bake-from-frozen box for artisanal bread. For a limited time, you can get $30 off the first box - PLUS free Croissants in every box - when you go to Wildgrain.com/Spirits to start your subscription.

- BetterHelp is an online therapy service. Get 10% off your first month at https://betterhelp.com/spirits

Find Us Online

- Website & Transcripts: https://spiritspodcast.com

- Patreon: https://patreon.com/spiritspodcast

- Merch: https://spiritspodcast.com/merch

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- Goodreads: https://goodreads.com/group/show/205387

Cast & Crew

- Co-Hosts: Julia Schifini and Amanda McLoughlin

- Editor: Bren Frederick

- Music: Brandon Grugle, based on "Danger Storm" by Kevin MacLeod

- Artwork: Allyson Wakeman

- Multitude: https://multitude.productions

About Us

Spirits is a boozy podcast about mythology, legends, and folklore. Every episode, co-hosts Julia and Amanda mix a drink and discuss a new story or character from a wide range of places, eras, and cultures. Learn brand-new stories and enjoy retellings of your favorite myths, served over ice every week, on Spirits.