You Inspire Me: To Creators Who Pave New Paths

Writing isn’t as solitary a pursuit as many think. Inspiration comes in many forms, but most often, it comes in the shape of people. All month long, we’re asking writers to write a Not-So-Secret-Admirer’s Note to the people who’ve inspired them to take up the pen. Today, cartoonist Khalid Birdsong shares how creator Jeff Smith taught him to take risks.

Khalid Birdsong lived in Japan for two years working as an assistant English teacher on the JET Program, much like the main character in his comic, Fried Chicken and Sushi.  He decided to create a comic loosely based on his time in Japan. Khalid is now living in California in the San Francisco Bay Area teaching art in elementary school. He’s married to a Japanese woman and has one daughter.