The following is an interview with Sivan Piatigorsky-Roth regarding the recent release of the graphic novel, Diana: My Graphic Obsession, through Street Noise. In this interview, Fanbase Press Editor-in-Chief Barbra Dillon chats with Piatigorsky-Roth about the creative process of balancing a research-heavy project with bringing such a personal story to life, what he hopes that readers may take away from the story, and more!
Barbra Dillon, Fanbase Press Editor-in-Chief: Congratulations on the release of Diana: My Graphic Obsession! For those who may be unfamiliar, how would you describe the book’s premise, and what inspired you to tell this story?
Sivan Piatigorsky-Roth: Thank you! The book is partly a biography of Princess Diana and partly an exploration of what it is about Diana that has drawn in so many people, myself included, with such intensity. I look at some mythology, some history, and some of my own personal story to try and reflect on how and why she became this kind of figure.
BD: The novel deftly combines Princess Diana’s story with your own personal responses to monarchy, pop culture, performance, gender, and sexuality. What can you share with us about your creative process in weaving these narratives together, and what have been some of your creative influences?
SPR: I wrote in separate little pieces and then assembled them together. I would do a few pages at a time and then piece them together in different orders, loosely around the timeline of Diana’s life. This helped give it some overall structure. Someone I really admire in the combined autobiographical/history/theory space is Alison Bechdel, particularly the way she did Are You My Mother? And I’m definitely inspired by and learn so much from my friends who make art and comics.
BD: At Fanbase Press, our #StoriesMatter initiative endeavors to highlight the impact that stories can have on audiences of various mediums. How do you feel that your story – and Princess Diana’s – will connect with and impact readers?
SPR: My favourite thing about Princess Diana as a figure is that people connect to her in so many different ways. She’s been used as a touch point to talk about almost anything you can think of, because so much has been projected onto her. I hope people connect to the book however they find a way in, and I hope they are able to project something meaningful onto it.
BD: What makes Street Noise the perfect home for Diana: My Graphic Obsession?
SPR: Street Noise has been so wonderful to work with. Their commitment to graphic nonfiction is unique, and the idea of a personal and political narrative with a heavy research base told in comic form is not necessarily the perfect fit for a lot of publishers, but it felt so natural at Street Noise.
BD: Your story beautifully contemplates why and how so many of us are able to connect with larger-than-life individuals like Princess Diana. Do you foresee expanding your stories into subsequent books, if given the opportunity?
SPR: Probably not this particular story, but I would love to keep writing and drawing going forward!
BD: Are there any upcoming projects on which you are currently working that you would like to share with our readers?
SPR: Not currently, no. I’ve been focused on school, and I’m enjoying drawing for fun without a particular project in mind.
BD: Lastly, what is the best way for our readers to find more information about Diana: My Graphic Obsession and your other work?
SPR: You can follow me on instagram at @sivanbasha and Street Noise at @streetnoisebooks.
