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Every now and then I wonder if my time would be better spent pursuing something with a better chance of success than comics. If I spent half the time I spend on comic strips on freelance writing for magazines or even finishing one of my unfinished (and in many cases, unstarted) books, my odds of finding success would seem a bit better.
I thought about this last night when a really good idea for a story came to me. The moment felt like the old days, when I had a fairly easy job with lots of free time that allowed me to write nearly every night. First, the idea comes, followed by a few hours of thinking the story out, following each twist and exciting turn that it takes. Brainstorming a story is such a rush! There really is nothing else like it! Of course, the downside to that is that oftentimes, I overthink the story and wind up no longer interested in it by the time it is all worked out. I miss the process.
Now that I write for a living, the days of fiction writing (and time to pursue such) are a thing of the past. So, it was with some excitement that this new story came to me. Not sure what genre it would best be suited, as it contains elements of supernatural and sci-fi. Very light on the sci-fi, element, though. While I was happy to have this story come to me, unfortunately, I had a dilemma - I only have a little bit of time to work on my creative stuff and it usually goes to the comics. So, what to do?
Well, last night, I chased the story, ignored the comic, which is probably not a popular choice with those who visit my site to see a COMIC! (sorry, gang) But it was the right choice for me. I haven't finished the story yet and there are some things I'm not sure I like, but it felt good to write fiction for a change.
I'll consider putting the story online once its done, if it doesn't suck, that is. Anyone know any good sites for posting short stories? Maybe something with some networking and reader interaction?
But back to my original thoughts -- sometimes the easiest choice would be to end the comics and work on these other things which might have more of a chance of providing an income. One might say it is my responsibility to my family to do so. But I can't do that until I feel I've put forth an honest attempt to get syndicated.
For those wondering, the new Todd and Penguin will be delayed until Monday. I liked this Monday's comic. The problem with serious and depressing storylines with a comic that updates so infrequently is that it stretched on forever. I'm well aware that it can be tough on a reader, so I tried to interject some funny, while still pushing the storyline.
**Note to Rob, who asked how Stephen King's "Cell" is going. My hectic schedule has kept me from getting too far into the book yet, but I am looking forward to finishing it. Most of my recent reading has been limited to Wired magazine, a few nonfiction books and newsfeeds.Labels: the drawing life, todd and penguin, writing life |
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I know you have gotten crap before about getting serious in your comics but I think when you go off track and look at something from a serious point of view, the resulting comics are a breath of fresh air.
I've read Cell - interesting concept.
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Hey, David - I ran your question about networking/feedback sites past a friend I know who's also trying his hand at writing. His response:
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There's a couple of big ones, whose names escape me at the moment,
where amateurs post loads of stuff and review each other and such.
Ah, there's one, writerscafe.org is a big one.
I hung out on mywriterscircle.com for a while, good group but wasn't for me.
If it is even half-good, he should consider sending it out to a paying
market. duotrope and ralan are good sites for looking up those.
But, yea, finding other fiction writers to share with and get feedback is important. I'm still working on that part, the networking.
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Hope this helps at all?
I understand about the King book ;) Best of luck keeping it all rolling!
R
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There is a site that I have seen, but not looked into deeply yet. I love to write, too, but my life has become too hectic to actually sit down and write..and I am sure you know exactly how that goes. anyway, the site is http://www.pagesunbound.com/ Good luck!
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This is a little late to the party, but I'd like to second the recommendation for Pages Unbound. The girl who started it, Lexi, is absolutely amazing and so versatile in her writings, and is kind of writing her own rules on the new frontier of web novels. She created the site to give other authors a place to put their work and a chance to network and experiment. It also gives those of us who just enjoy reading a place to go and find unique treasures to devour.
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Name: Blogger Dad
Home: Florida, United States
About Me: I was a reporter at a Florida newspaper, where I covered city politics and draw editorial comics. Now, I'm a Blogger Dad (click the link for my webpage - the blog on the bottom is for Todd and Penguin) in search of a job and attempting to write a book or four.
I'm also a cartoonist, how most of you know me, who draws Todd and Penguin, Taking Up Space and the occasional other titles, featured on KeenSpot.com.
I'm married (sorry, all you ladies interested in overweight guys who spend too much time drawing) and have a one year old son and two cats. Three of the above mentioned poop way too much!
See my profile...
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posted by Blogger Dad at 
I know you have gotten crap before about getting serious in your comics but I think when you go off track and look at something from a serious point of view, the resulting comics are a breath of fresh air.
I've read Cell - interesting concept.