Tim Sievert just recently had a book published titled That Salty Air. The book is a wonderful read. Anyone who enjoys Top Shelf books, such as Craig Thompson’s Good Bye Chunky Rice, will really enjoy this book.That Salty Air follows Hugh, a fisherman. His life is thrown off kilter when he receives a letter informing him his mother has died. His wife tries to help him grieve to no avail. Tim was kind enough to participate in an interview with Big Shiny Robot.

BSR: What inspired your That Salty Air?

Tim: I wrote the story in response to the death of my mother in 2004. It was a very difficult time for me, but I think that working on this book really helped me to grieve. Hugh, the main character goes through a similar experience, so I allowed him to react in a way that I couldn’t afford to. I used the book as a way to channel my energy and frustration into, and I think it worked out pretty well.

BSR: What do you feel works in your book, and what do you think you could have improved upon? Are there any specific spots that didn’t turn out the way you were hoping?

Tim: I feel that the book is based on a solid narrative foundation. Everything that’s supposed to be in there is there amd functions. What I think I struggled with are the characters of Hugh and Maryanne, who I feel come off a little 1 dimensional. (well maybe 1.2) I think there was a lot left unexplored with those two that really could have enhanced the whole book.

BSR: What are some of your favorite comics (serialized or graphic novel)?

Tim: Epileptic, Black Hole, Mother Come Home, Martin Mystery, Marc Bell’s Shrimpy and Paul.

BSR: Who were/are some of your favorite comic creators?

Tim: I’m a big Lewis Trondheim fan as well as David B, Charles Burns, Paul Grist, Christophe Blain, Yves Chaland, Jason King Mini, and Johnny Ryan to name a few.

BSR: Do you have any future projects in the works? If so, could you tell us a little about them?

Tim: I’ve got another graphic novel I’m working on, but it’s definitely not at a point worth talking about. Sorry. Just know that there will be more.