Tessa Hulls on Her Graphic Memoir 'Feeding Ghosts' on Longform Podcast #571

Writer and artist Tessa Hulls discusses her new graphic memoir, titled Feeding Ghosts, in episode 571 of the Longform Podcast. Hulls, whose work has appeared in publications including The Rumpus, The Washington Post, and The Capitol Hill Times, reflects on the deeply personal journey behind her debut book and why she initially resisted exploring its subject matter.

Hulls describes Feeding Ghosts as “the thing I have spent my entire life running from,” emphasizing that both her personal and professional paths led her away from the story. She characterizes the eventual creation of the memoir as “an eventual act of resignation rather than a desire,” underscoring the reluctant yet transformative nature of the project.

The graphic memoir centers on Hulls’ family history, charting a narrative that spans generations and cultures. Through vivid visual storytelling and candid prose, she invites readers to examine themes of identity, displacement, and inherited trauma. The book’s title, Feeding Ghosts, serves as a metaphor for confronting the past in order to nourish both personal and collective healing.

Hulls’ career spans writing and visual art, with her work frequently exploring complex emotional landscapes. Her essays and reportage have been featured in prominent outlets, bringing nuanced perspectives to issues of family, memory, and resilience. In this episode, she shares insights into her creative process, revealing how long-held silences were broken through the act of artistic creation.

The Longform Podcast, known for in-depth conversations with writers and journalists, provides listeners with an intimate look at Hulls’ motivations and challenges. The episode was released in March 2024 and is available for download, offering audiences a chance to engage with her reflections on storytelling and self-discovery.

Feeding Ghosts marks a significant milestone in Hulls’ body of work, signaling a shift from avoidance to artistic clarity. The memoir stands as both a personal reckoning and a public offering, inviting readers to consider their own relationships to history and heritage.

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