Margo is joined by Brian Selznick, the wildly imaginative author and illustrator whose groundbreaking books have redefined how we tell stories. Known for seamlessly blending text and image in powerful, cinematic ways, Brian shares the origins of his creative process, the stories behind his best-known works, and the magic of collaborative art-making. Together, they explore what it means to honor both the reader and the story, why grief and love are ever-present themes in his work, and how he approaches retelling iconic tales through fresh and inclusive lenses. From The Invention of Hugo Cabret to Run Away With Me, Brian’s work invites readers into deeply felt worlds where art and narrative become one.

 

Margo and Brian discuss:

• The start of Brian’s creative process and how he moves from words to illustration

• His unique storytelling style and cinematic inspirations

• What it was like to have The Invention of Hugo Cabret adapted by Martin Scorsese

• Collaborating with director Todd Haynes on the Wonderstruck film adaptation

• His philosophy on creative ownership and openness in adaptations

• Designing the 20th anniversary covers for the Harry Potter series and grappling with the controversies surrounding J.K. Rowling.

• The importance of telling authentic queer love stories in his new novel Run Away With Me

• Exploring universal themes of love, grief, and time in narrative

• The reimagining of The Nutcracker with a historical, class-conscious twist

• How Brian sees the future of storytelling as both expansive and inclusive

 

Connect with Brian:

https://brianselznick.com

https://instagram.com/thebrianselznick

 

Connect with Margo: 

www.windowsillchats.com

www.instagram.com/windowsillchats

www.patreon.com/inthewindowsill

https://www.yourtantaustudio.com/thefoundry