The Shafter Press - Serving the community since 1922

The latest in the Shafter Library and Learning Center's ongoing series of author appearances, featuring Saida Woolf, was a standing-room-only event.

Jamie Stewart | The Shafter Press

Saida Woolf described what colors represent in the characters.

Woolf is a 19-year-old writer and graphic artist from Tehachapi. She began working on her book, "Soulstream," as a sophomore in high school. She finished it during her senior year, signed a contract with graphic novel publisher Scout Comics, and then took a year off so she could promote the book. In September 2022, she began attending San Jose State University, where she is majoring in animation.

Woolf gave a presentation on how she created "Soulstream." She focused on character design, the meanings of colors and shapes in the creation of characters. Each student was then given a chance to design their own comic character. They were also given trading cards and a small print of Woolf artwork.

Participants had completed a coloring contest prior to the event, and 1st to 3rd place winners were announced, with prizes for all. Every student was given a copy of "Soulstream," thanks to the support of the California State Library. Woolf then signed books and posed for photos with her excited young fans.