One of the fun things about interviews is that if you’re lucky, a creator will mention a new project they are working on that you will get to see come to fruition. Such was the case when, in September 2023, we spoke with talented writer Melissa F. Olson about a project she was working on with Ahoy. In the end, Melissa mentioned a new project (also with Ahoy) that she was working on with artist Sally Cantirino. That project became “Archaic.”
Fast forward to the present, and we get the good fortune of talking to Melissa again. This time, about that hinted-at project as it hits stands in TPB form on October 8th. We discuss what Melissa has been doing since our conversation in 2023 and her creation of Archaic. So, let’s welcome back the talented and busy Melissa F. Olson to GVN Talking Comics.
Writing for a Series as Opposed to Writing a Stand-Alone Novel
GVN: It has been a little bit since we last chatted (September of 2023) about your work on the Ahoy anthology series “Project Cryptid.” Since we covered your creative beginnings that go around, let’s talk about what you’ve been doing since that 2023 discussion. (Aside from your work with Ahoy). This year, you have released two new books. One in your “Old World Chronology” series, Bloodsport, and a stand-alone novel: “The Other Frankenstein.” Is there a difference in the turnaround time for a book in a series as opposed to a stand-alone novel, and do the restrictions of trying to maintain consistency in a series offer different challenges from a book like “The Other Frankenstein?” (can’t wait to read this one)
Melissa: What a great question. In this case, “Bloodsport” was the much easier book to write, because urban fantasy is my comfort zone. At 17 books, The Old World universe is big, but I’ve got a pretty detailed series bible and chronology of series events to reference. It still took me a year to write, but only because I was working on other projects (including ARCHAIC) at the same time.
“The Other Frankenstein” was a whole other experience. It’s my first literary horror novel, so well outside my comfort zone, which meant learning on the fly. It’s also set alongside the events of Mary Shelley’s “Frankenstein: Or, The Modern Prometheus,” which meant extensive research. From start to publication, it took me seven years to get “The Other Frankenstein” out in the world.
Time at Conventions
GVN: With conventions in full swing, do you have any plans to attend Dragon Con or any others in the year, and what have your experiences been in dealing with your fans at these gatherings? I find that the creators are the best reasons to go to a con. I have never had a bad experience with any creator. They are friendly, open, and always gracious with their time.
Melissa: I love Dragoncon, and in a perfect world I’d go every single year. Even though I’m in Wisconsin and Dragoncon’s in Atlanta, I consider it my home con. It’s the only big con I go to that has a dedicated urban fantasy track, which means I have the pleasure of meeting a lot of my readers there. I’ve honestly had nothing but great experiences chatting with readers. Unfortunately, I just couldn’t get my finances to line up to attend Dragoncon this year, so I’m going to miss 2025. Hopefully I’ll be back haunting the Westin in 2026.
The Birth of “Archaic”
GVN: So, I mentioned our 2023 conversation about Project Cryptid, and at the end, you teased a project you were working on with artist Sally Cantirino for Ahoy. That project was, of course, “Archaic.” So, how did this project come about, and was there any question that Sally would be doing the art?
Melissa: When I first started working on the script that became ARCHAIC (It had a different title at the time), my friend Paul Cornell suggested I meet with Sally. They had recently worked on “I Walk With Monsters” together, and Paul was very enthusiastic about Sally’s ability to draw creatures. We had a great meeting, and I knew right away that Sally was the kind of artist who would be awesome to a first-time comic writer.
Later, when I pitched ARCHAIC to my AHOY editor, Sarah Litt, I asked for Sally–and Sarah was so excited. She’d seen some of Sally’s work and wanted to work with her. It was just one of those times when everything worked out.
Being Emotionally Invested
GVN: You mentioned while promoting this book that it was a personal story to you and reflected basic experiences that you could relate to (minus dealing with frustrated Gods). Is it easier to create these stories when you have an emotional investment in the telling?
Melissa: It’s probably the only way I know how to create stories, to be honest! On the surface, I have very little in common with Tess Halliday, the main character of ARCHAIC. She’s an ex-Navy cop who’s been through this crushing public humiliation and found herself on the run from Chicago gangsters. I’m happy to report I do not share those experiences. But I know what it’s like to have to be a parent while you’re going through your own crisis, and how scary it is when you aren’t sure you can keep your kids safe.
Partnering with Ahoy
GVN: You have built a strong relationship with the team at Ahoy, and they have greatly benefited from the excellent stories you’ve provided. Do you believe this partnership could continue? Have other publishers approached you, hoping to take advantage of your prodigious talents?
Melissa: That is such a kind way to put it, and I really appreciate the compliment. I love AHOY; I would work for them on any title, anytime. At the moment, I’m making the rounds to publishers with a couple of other pitches, but if AHOY calls, I’m there.
Current Projects
GVN: Thank you once again, Melissa, for agreeing to speak with us. As always, we would like to end by giving you the opportunity to share any upcoming projects and let your fans know where they can follow you on social media or your website.
Melissa: Thank you! I’m a big fan of BlueSky at the moment; you can find me there as @mfolson. I’m also melissafolson on Instagram, although that account is mostly dog pictures.
In terms of projects, I’m having a ball writing an “ecothriller” sci-fi novel on Patreon, releasing a chunk each month. It’s about a group of scientists who go to an island in Antarctica to study their new de-extinct mammoths…only to find that the island is not as uninhabited as they thought.
Ahoy Comics’ “Archaic, TPB” by Melissa F. Olson, artist Sally Cantirino, colorist Gab Contreras, and Letterer Rob Steen hits stands on October 8th. Look for it locally, where great books are sold.
Senior Writer at GeekVibesNation – I am a 60 something child of the 70’s who admits to being a Star Trek/Star Wars/Comic Book junkie who once dove headfirst over a cliff (Ok, it was a small hill) to try to rescue his Fantastic Four comic from a watery grave. I am married to a lovely woman who is as crazy as I am and the proud parent of a 21-year-old young man with autism. My wife and son are my real heroes.
