HOW to write a graphic novel about foster care adoption

HOW to write a graphic novel about foster care adoption

Author: Marcy Bursac, Adoptive Mom & Founder of The Forgotten Adoption Option September 9, 2025 Duration: 56:21

Meet my graphic novel writing coach Maria Rodgers O’Rourke! Maria is a writer and certified Story Grid Editor. Her career began in advertising and public relations, moved to nonprofit leadership, and homed in on communications and writing after earning her master’s degree in pastoral studies. Maria is publisher and author of two women’s journals. She’s contributed stories to the St. Louis Post Dispatch and the HuffPost, and to the Chicken Soup for the Soul series. Maria runs MRO Creative, where she supports writers as a developmental editor and coach and crafts her own stories and reflections. Learn more about Maria and her approach at mrocreative.com.


Now in its sixth season, The Forgotten Adoption Option Podcast moves beyond statistics to explore the human heart of foster care adoption. Hosted by Marcy Bursac, an adoptive mother and founder of the initiative, this podcast creates a space for voices often overlooked. Conversations flow naturally with adoptive parents, adoptees themselves, adults who experienced the foster system, and seasoned child welfare professionals. Together, they unpack the complexities, joys, and raw realities of building families through this path. The central, sobering truth guiding these discussions is that nearly 30% of children in U.S. foster care are legally free for adoption, yet many potential families encounter hurdles that prevent finalization. This series exists to bridge that gap with authenticity and practical insight. By listening, you’ll hear firsthand narratives that challenge misconceptions, offering a clearer picture of the process and the profound connections it can forge. Marcy’s role as a mentor shines through in each episode, fostering dialogues that are as informative as they are deeply personal. It’s a documentary-style journey into the layers of society and culture surrounding child welfare, designed for anyone curious about adoption, involved in the system, or simply seeking stories of resilience and belonging. Tune in monthly for these essential conversations that illuminate a path toward permanent homes.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 86

The Forgotten Adoption Option Podcast
Podcast Episodes
HOW to help waiting children find YOU [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 42:48
Jennifer Jacobs & Jessica Stern developed a software platform that uses "family mapping" technology to find forever families for waiting children. Is your data up-to-date and in the right places? Get the scoop on how onl…
Meet Sandra Flach - Adoptive Mom & Author [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 41:39
Sandra is the author of Orphans No More, co-founder and president of Justice for Orphans, and mom of 8 total children, 5 of which are adopted. Dive deeper into fetal alcohol spectrum disorder using Sandra's resources at:…
Q&A with Nathan & Marcy [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 30:42
My husband and I answer your questions about the foster care adoption process from readers of my book The Forgotten Adoption Option and The Forgotten Adoption Option Community on Facebook.
Meet Melody - Foster Youth [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 36:03
Melody speaks of her personal journey navigating life from the inside of foster care. She was in foster care for 8 years but never adopted.
Meet Mary - Adopted Child [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 34:05
Mary was adopted through foster care as an infant.
Meet Dalton - Adopted at Age 6 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 33:24
Dalton shares his personal story about being in foster care and then adopted.