‘You Have to Live. Why not Win?’ intertwines life lessons, humor, and compelling characters within stunning illustrations, engaging readers in an entertaining and insightful exploration of friendship, racism, and personal growth. Why was this an important book for you to write?

First, thank you for your kind thoughts! In terms of why it was important to write the book, people are bombarded with negative messages these days. It’s no secret that we are living in an era of turmoil. There is a tremendous need for positive messages that inspire people to improve themselves and their communities.

Larry Thornton has overcome immense hurdles in his life. Imagine what it must have been like to integrate the Montgomery, Alabama city schools in the late 1960s. We tried to capture the feelings of the daily abuse and humiliation, and Larry told me that seeing the images brought those feelings back to him in ways he never would have expected.

A pivotal moment in Larry’s life, and in the book, happened when he was the manager of a sign shop for Coca-Cola. One of his employees drew a picture on the whiteboard in Larry’s office showing a black man hanging by a noose from a tree. Next to the image were three words: JUST A REMINDER. Larry quickly figured out who drew the image and then needed to decide how to react. Larry’s surprising response changed the perpetrator’s life, the lives of the perpetrator’s family, and even Larry’s life in profound ways.

This is just one illustration of many where Larry has served as a positive and energizing force. He helps people understand that each of us has the tools available to us to win in business and in life. We just need to work hard, build strong relationships, and accept accountability for our actions.

Can you discuss your collaboration with illustrator Dave Dodson and how you all achieved the balance between the compelling narrative and the stunning illustrations?

When I suggested to Larry that his life story would work well in a graphic novel format, he was concerned that the format might not effectively convey the serious elements of his experiences. I then showed him Dave Dodson’s graphic history on the murder of Emmett Till. Larry realized that if Dave Dodson could capture Till’s tragic saga with respect and dignity, then Dave could do the same for Larry’s story. So I reached out to Dave to ask about his availability. Because Dave found that he loved Larry’s story and life lessons, he readily agreed to work with us.

This is my fourth graphic novel, and it stands out as the best authoring experience among them by far. Dave’s request of me was to provide storyboarding that included as much detail as possible about what I was envisioning. We very quickly developed a shared understanding of the look and feel that was needed. The tacit knowledge we shared was so strong that Dave could almost read my mind. It gave me a little glimpse into how artistic creation must feel like magic for super successful collaborators like Bono and The Edge from U2.

The book stands out with its humor, yet manages to deliver profound lessons. How did you manage to seamlessly blend these elements without diminishing the impact of the themes?

That is a challenging configuration to achieve but it was important because if you can make people smile, they are more likely to accept the serious messages you are offering. Revising, revising, and then revising some more was key to finding the right balance. And because we limited the chapters to six pages each, every word had to count. There is no fluff in the dialogue.

The book contains an overarching discourse on societal issues and personal development. What message or impact do you hope readers will take away from ‘You Have to Live. Why not Win?’?

It’s become fashionable in some circles to declare that the American dream is dead. Larry’s story defies the naysayers. He is an example of the American dream come true. The odds were not in his favor, but he became a winner in business and in life. The key reasons why he has succeeded are instructive. The first is people. A series of people have altered Larry’s path, including a crusty high school English teacher named Miss Nichols who changed Larry’s life by encouraging him to go to college. The second reason is perception. If you believe you can be successful, you can. Larry routinely failed high school classes and had little belief in his future. Miss Nichols changed Larry’s perception of himself by showing confidence in him. The third reason is perseverance. When Larry decided to become a McDonald’s franchisee, tremendous roadblocks were placed in his way. But he steadfastly stuck with his plan, and he eventually turned his detractors into allies. Readers that embrace the importance of people, perception, and perseverance will have a new roadmap for winning.

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You Have to Live…Why Not Win? is a book that follows the remarkable life of Larry D. Thornton, a successful entrepreneur and respected business leader who grew up poor and black in 1960s Alabama. Co-written by Dave Ketchen and Larry D. Thornton with illustrations by Dave Dodson, the book explores Larry’s journey from his humble beginnings to his eventual success, detailing both the agonizing and delightful moments of his life.

Through Larry’s experiences, the authors highlight three key themes that are essential to winning in life.

The authors uses Larry’s story to inspire readers and to convey the message that everyone has what it takes to win in life. By taking a determined approach to life’s challenges and investing in relationships, readers can achieve their goals and find success. You Have to Live…Why Not Win? is a book that is sure to motivate and inspire readers to achieve their full potential.