Amanda: Can you tell us what you’re most proud of about this book?

Jasmine: As cheesy as it might sound, I’m really proud that this book became a reality. I got to work alongside a powerhouse dream team with Teo, Bex, and Ariana. It was a leap of 2am courage to reach out to Teo, who has been a huge inspiration to me since I first saw his art but we only knew each other in passing. The fact that he replied, excited for the concept of Brooms, was unexpected and incredible. From the start, this book has had a roller coaster of a journey with highs (our editor, Nick, and the whole team at LQ have been hugely enthusiastic supporters for our book as soon as we pitched it) and lows (y’know, a whole pandemic, the emotional impact of several overlapping social movements, and general life surprises) so finally seeing it in my hands and getting to share it with everyone is something I’m really proud of.

Teo: In all honesty, my answer would be the same as Jasmine’s. None of us could have ever been prepared for making this book during the course of some really tumultuous (and oftentimes scary) years, and to have reached this point where we can share BROOMS with the world feels incredible. There were many times where I felt like I couldn’t finish this book, but giving up was never an option. It couldn’t have been done without LQ and their unwavering support; not to mention the entire creative team. I couldn’t have asked for a more skilled, professional and dedicated team to work with. 

Amanda: What is the most important thing you hope that readers get from this story?

Jasmine: This is a tough one, because I know that different readers will find different things to focus on or connect with in this book, but what I really hope every reader takes from our story is a sense of hope. The world is often an unkind place, and powers of oppression and cruelty aren’t easily struck down. But I wanted to show that hope is always there, in big and small ways, for better lives and better futures. That’s the serious answer though, I also just want readers to have fun.

Teo: My hope is that readers truly see themselves reflected within the world of BROOMS. Though, if I were to be more specific, I would say that I really want trans and/or gender expansive readers to feel seen. We have always existed — all throughout history and around the world — and it was important to me to represent that indomitable fact throughout the book. I can only imagine how impactful a book like BROOMS would have been to a confused, younger me. I hope this book provides validity and confidence to readers who need it. 

Amanda: What are some themes you worked to tackle in this story? 

Jasmine: We touch on a lot of themes in this book, from race, to class, to unjust legal systems, to queerness in a magical historical setting. But the one I really wanted to focus on and what I hope readers see as the core of this story is the theme of finding a community where a person can be their truest and most joyful self. I wanted to tell a story about what sort of things might change in a setting like Mississippi in the 1930’s when people can develop magic powers, and more importantly, what would stay the same? But this isn’t a book about trauma or The Struggle, it’s a book about thriving despite those obstacles because of the bonds these characters build between each other. I love a good romance or adventure, but I love reading about the strength of friendships. It’s something that I think translates across any time period or genre.

Amanda: Are you a part of any writing groups or communities? How have they helped you in your writing and in your publishing journey?

Jasmine: I’m not currently part of any writing group, though I have fellow comic and writer friends who I chat with here and there about story ideas, and that helps a lot. Having someone to bounce ideas back and forth with is something I find really helpful. They often have viewpoints and ideas that I hadn’t considered since I’m so close to the story and my idea of the world, and it’s good to have a fresh outside perspective to see the bigger picture (or to tell me that something just isn’t working.) It really does improve my writing and without those conversations, a lot of my stories wouldn’t be quite as strong in the end. I feel incredibly lucky to have those folks in my life, and I always hope I can do the same for them in return.