How to Completely Lose Your Mind - by Elizabeth Jancewicz & Eric Stevenson (Paperback)

About the Book

Book Synopsis

"As a touring musician, I absolutely adored this heartfelt, honest, and beautifully illustrated account of the unique pitfalls and victories of DIY touring." ―Tommy Siegel, cartoonist and guitarist/singer in Jukebox the Ghost

#1 New Release in Biographies and History Graphic Novels

From the indie band Pocket Vinyl and the artists behind the documentary Drive. Play. Sleep. and the popular webcomic The Touring Test, this hilarious artists' graphic novel memoir chronicles a couple's road trip across the USA as they break a world record.

A world record smashing music tour through 50 States in 45 Days. Together, Eric Stevenson and Elizabeth Jancewicz perform as the band Pocket Vinyl, where Eric slams on the piano and sings while Elizabeth creates a large oil painting on stage. In these artists' graphic novel, watch as they take on their biggest challenge yet: to tour the whole nation in just 45 days, breaking the record for the fastest time a band has played in all 50 U.S. states.

A wild road trip of performance highs, self-doubt lows, and determination. As co-author Elizabeth Janceqicz says, "I knew that embarking on such a monstrous adventure would provide me with stories to tell, but I hadn't realized how much those stories would change me... In retrospect, we learned so much: about how our art helps people, how interconnected we all are, and how easily our minds can descend into mental illness without us even realizing it's happening."

Inside find:

• A breakneck road trip through the local music scenes across America
• An unforgettable story of what life is like behind the scenes on an indie band's record-breaking tour
• A graphic novel on mental health, humor, the love of music and art, and the gifts of human kindness

If you liked It's Lonely at the Centre of the Earth, Marbles, or Can't We Talk about Something More Pleasant? you'll love How to Completely Lose Your Mind.

Review Quotes

"With humor and humility, Jancewicz and Stevenson (creators of the webcomic The Touring Test) share their tale of pursuing a world record via music venues across the 50 states. It's also sprinkled with tips on packing light for road tripping and how to be a better audience member; young adults and veterans of the indie music scene will find something to love."

--Mary E. Butler, Starred Review, Library Journal

"As a touring musician, I absolutely adored this heartfelt, honest, and beautifully illustrated account of the unique pitfalls and victories of DIY touring. It's a deeply fun read laced with poignant observations about creativity, sacrifice and community--I loved every page of it!"

--Tommy Siegel, cartoonist and guitarist/singer in Jukebox the Ghost

"I absolutely HOUSED this comic in one sitting, absolutely loved it. It's a page-turning affirmation of everything I love about a creative life."

--Christopher Hastings, author of Dr. McNinja, Gwenpool, and Rude Tales of Magic

"In How to Completely Lose Your Mind, the pursuit of art for its own sake is a courageous act that cultivates hope, compassion, and the kind of community that makes seemingly impossible feats survivable. An inspiring read for any artist in doubt of whether to pursue the next big thing."

--Zoe Si, Pulitzer-nominated New Yorker cartoonist

"How to Completely Lose Your Mind is a delightful read. Following this artistic power-couple on their epic tour through the US is both inspiring and emotional. Not only does it present a real window into how a hardworking band does their thing, it also shows how uniquely Elizabeth and Eric are able to reveal the kindness of the artistic communities found in every state in this country."

--Matthew Loux, creator of The Time Museum series and Prunella and the Cursed Skull Ring

"A cross-country adventure capturing the fun and the grind of a two-person band trying to break a world record. An uplifting real story of how the kindness of strangers can carry you through to your goals, even when your friends question your judgment."

--Chris Hallbeck, creator of Pebble and Wren

"I was sucked right in! A masterclass in visual storytelling!"

--Chesca Hause, creator of Litterbox Comics

"A heartwarming glimpse into the ups and downs of touring as a band, pushing yourself to the limit, and the overwhelming kindness of strangers."

--Alina Tysoe, author of What's Up Beanie?

"A story filled with heart and luck!"

--Akeem S. Roberts, New Yorker cartoonist

"I feel like every creative journey begins with an essential spark of child-like sincerity that must be protected from an unforgiving reality. In How to Completely Lose Your Mind, we're with Jancewicz and Stevenson every mile of their tour, tired and tested, unquestionably committed, gradually surrendering to the disarming kindness of strangers and friends along the way. This book is for anyone who's ever had an artistic dream, no matter how big or small. I loved reading it."

--Stephen P. Neary, creator of Cartoon Network Studio's The Fungies!

"Elizabeth perfectly captures the highs and lows of touring as a band that isn't a household name. This is your chance to see America without leaving your couch."

--Michael Sweater, author of Everything Sucks

"How to Completely Lose Your Mind captures the frenetic reality of touring long-term for a creative career: where even the best laid plans can't spare you the pitfalls of poor hosts, existential crisis, or emergency. Where the beauty in long drives becomes a balm and the kindness of strangers can move you to tears, all for the sake of art. Anyone who has toured extensively will see their journey reflected in these pages."

--Rachel Dukes, author of Frankie Comics

"How to Completely Lose Your Mind is truly a one of a kind cross-country journey filled with creativity, unexpected turns and rewarding moments that will make you feel all warm and fuzzy inside. A feel-good adventure guide."

--Weinye Chen, creator of It's Weinye webcomics