FIRST COMIC AND A RANT

Today, Quick debuted WE'VE NEVER MET, the bimonthly ("every other week") comic by me and Chad Thomas. You can find the print version in racks around the Dallas Fort Worth area.


Lovely, isn't it?

For this project, I'm trying to create a narrative that operates on a few levels. Yes, it will be a humorous self-contained comic on topical issues. Yes, it will also be an ongoing story about a "poor little rich girl" searching for love and trying to start her band. And it's an opportunity to editorialize about Dallas and the creative community within this city.

So, let me share two observations:

OBSERVATION #1. This first comic page was inspired, in part, by the efforts of PAC-WE -- a Dallas based group dedicated to insurance reform and equitable access to health care for freelance creative professionals. I've noticed that a few times every year, there's a huge benefit concert/auction/gallery show etc to help some poor local cover medical expenses and a necessary operation. Think about that for a second. Some guy or girl needs heart surgery, and we hold the artistic equivalent of a bake sale. Something is seriously wrong with health care in America, if this is how we handle it. On one level, it shows the incredible charity of people in Dallas. (If I need a kidney transplant, I know the Happy Bullets will be playing somewhere in my honor!) However, it also reminds us of how limited insurance options are for someone self-employed.

OBSERVATION #2. With this first comic, I also wanted to say something about Dallas's consumption of art. We have no lack of talented people, and yet, our patronage of local art, local theater, local film, local fashion, local comedians, local music, local comics (!) is sorely lacking. Artists love their art. We cherish our art, but we'd probably raise more money selling jello shots at a bar on McKinney Avenue. This says something about what Dallas values. This might be true of anywhere in America, but the reputation of "plastic Dallas" is a hard one to shake.

Last Saturday, April and I went to see Elvis Perkins at House of Blues. These drunk girls next to us were talking the entire time. Why you would pay that much money in service fees alone and not enjoy the concert is beyond me. Another girl next to us told them to shut up. (Something we were all thinking.) These drunk girls then began to torment this other girl, and one even poured her beer on the girl. Why you would waste your $6 beer is also beyond me. I overheard the persecuted girl reply sourly: "Welcome to Dallas."

Really? Really?! Do the drunk idiotic girls of Dallas make a bigger impression than the thoughtful concert-goers who genuinely adore Elvis Perkins? Oh yeah, and then that drunk girl tried to pick a fight with someone else.

This will be an ongoing theme in WE'VE NEVER MET. Who owns our reputation?

I don't mean to suggest that it's an "us versus them" situation, an expansion on jocks versus nerds. (In all fairness, there are some cool places in Uptown, West Village, and Victory Park.) I hate to acknowledge it, but I've been to the Doublewide numerous times, and the bar area often looks more crowded than the stage area. Deep Ellum struggles to keep music venues and art galleries open, and it's our fault. Dallas fails to support local creators. Is this an unfair assessment?

My friend Matt told me a story about a couple that went to Hawaii and ate every night at Chili's. A little absurd? In the same regard, why would you live in Dallas and not check out jazz at Amsterdam Bar on Mondays, eat at Cowboy Chow, visit the Kettle Art gallery or the Public Trust, drink coffee at Murray Street, enjoy a local band at Lee Harvey's on a Friday or Saturday (no cover), watch a midnight movie at the Inwood, cheer your favorite roller derby team, hide away for a weekend at the Belmont Hotel, see a play from the Audacity Theatre Lab or Undermain Theatre? These are just my personal favorites, off the top of my head. I know I'm missing a lot.

I don't mean to sound pessimistic. I'm really not. All the elements for Dallas being a great city are there. These elements just haven't come together on a scale that would allow it to have any momentum. Instead, we just keeping pushing and pushing. I hope WE'VE NEVER MET might get people thinking and talking about what's great in Dallas. Or maybe, as retribution, someone will pour their beer on me.

QUICK PRESENTS COMICS!

In my little world, this is a big deal.

Next Thursday, November 19th, Quick (Dallas-Fort Worth area’s free weekly entertainment newspaper) will debut a full page, full color, comic series written by me and illustrated by Chad Thomas. It's titled: WE'VE NEVER MET. It's the story of Liz, a girl who grew up in the secure bubble of Dallas wealth and privilege -- and after graduating, moved to a studio loft in Exposition Park to pursue a career as a musician, working two part-time jobs.

It's a story about the small creative community within Dallas. You can expect some humor, some local flavor, and if they will let me, a little bit of relationship drama. The comic will appear every other week in Quick.



Alternating weeks with WE'VE NEVER MET will be a comic feature written by Stacy Austin Sheffield (aka Geoff Johnston) and illustrated by Cal Slayton.

Let me emphasis how cool this is: Quick is publishing a regular ongoing comic series. Nothing syndicated. It's specific to the Dallas-Fort Worth area. I'm excited to see what the response will be.

Thus, I now have a comic in D Magazine (illustrated by Paul Milligan) that appears every other month, and a comic in Quick that appears every other week. D Magazine has a readership of 30,000 people. And Quick reaches more than 90,000 per week. The potential audience is staggering.

UPDATE: "With a circulation of 65,500 and 6.45 readers per copy, we get about 422,000 readers every month. So there." - Tim Rogers of D Magazine

On an artistic level, I'm encouraged by the freedom I've been given and the opportunity to write something ongoing. It will be interesting to sit back and see where the story takes me. WE'VE NEVER MET may only last a few months, or it might be the beginning of something epic. Who knows? Either way, it all starts November 19th.

BETTER THAN A CAMERA

Josh Boulet sketched this piece while I was teaching my class for the ArtLoveMagic Artist Workshop -- that's Ben Moss on the left and Michael Lagocki on the right. We had a great conversation that probably could've gone another hour. Oh well, some other time.


Right now, I'm listening to Robert Gomez's BRAND NEW TOWNS. (Check him out on iTunes. I love his music.) Staying up, and I'm working on a new project for Quick, a collaboration with Chad Thomas.

More details in the next few days.

ONE NIGHT STAND COVER

Here it is, as designed by the amazing April Wenzel --

I have approximately 8 minutes left on our Kickstarter pledge drive. That's 8 minutes left to pre-order ONE NIGHT STAND. I'm visiting some print shops today to get estimates and find the best deal possible. I'm also working on my class for Saturday's ArtLoveMagic workshop. And last night, I met with Geoff Johnston and the editor of DFW's Quick to discuss a project. (Announcement coming soon.)

DEADLINES

Today is the deadline for artists working on ONE NIGHT STAND. As of right now, I have sixteen finished pages and I'm waiting on the remaining half. I'm getting anxious emails from anxious artists. I feel bad causing such torment upon the busy lives of comic book artists. Seriously. We're all swamped with work, and sometimes a project like this can be a real albatross (so thank you to everyone contributing). I set the deadline to have enough time to layout, print, and ship everything a week before the December 30th release date. It also coincides with end of my Kickstarter pledge drive -- five more days left -- so that funds will be available in time to print. The deadline wasn't completely arbitrary. My apologies to those artists cursing my name as they ink the final panel.

On my end, it's exciting. This is probably my favorite part of the process. I love seeing the art for the first time. And I've never worked with this many people on a single project. It was an interesting exercise to script all these one-pagers on a single theme. I tried to complete five pages every day. Each artist is incredibly talented, and the styles are all varied. This project includes artists I've worked with on other projects: Paul Milligan (How To Lose Big), Tom Kurzanski (Karma Incorporated and Antigone), Brock Rizy (Emily Edison), Daniel Warner ("50 Miles to Marfa"), ZeeS ("Siren Song"), Cal Slayton (The Last Babysitter), and April Wenzel (our relationship). This project also includes artists who are brand new to comics, and several pros I've always wanted to collaborate with.

My next step is to arrange the completed pages in an aesthetically pleasing order, and get the files ready. Then, I need to find a good local print shop. Preferably not Kinko's. After that, I'm sending fliers to the retailers I've contacted -- and doing a bit more promotion.

LAST CALL!

There are ten days left on my Kickstarter pledge drive. It was exciting to hit our goal so early, but it also caused the contributions to slow down. The goal represents the bare minimum I need to get the mini-comic printed and distributed to as many stores as possible. When you factor in the fees subtracted from Kickstarter (5%) and Amazon (4%), printing (one color cover, eight b&w interior pages front and back), and shipping -- the $800 we have so far is great, but we could do so much better.

Project page (CLICK HERE)

Think of it this way: I've found 25 people willing to pledge to ONE NIGHT STAND. Compared to other comic book projects (that I would also highly recommend), these numbers are actually kinda low.

Gordon Alpin has 182 backers.
Jamie Tanner has 108 backers.
Poorcraft has 226 backers.

Surely, I can get more than 25 people to each pledge $5 to get this mini-comic sent to as many North American retailers as possible.

NEWLY ADDED REWARD: As a last minute reward level, for anyone who donates $10 or more, I will send them a hand-made thank you card -- with a crappy little sketch from me. I'm not a great artist, but I will certainly try to make it look nice. Crayons? Markers? Glitter? I'll try anything to make your card... special.

Plus, we still have two slots open for the $100 level: art + care package + ten comics ship to the store of your choice + 1 comic shipped to you + thank you listed in the comic.

So, there you go. I'm leaving this project in your hands. I'm not the type to keep knocking at your door. (Oops. We're dealing with a mixed metaphor.) I greatly, greatly appreciate everyone who has donated so far. We're almost done! But it would be awesome if we could get a few more supporters on board before I start printing and shipping this mini-comic. Thank you!

Project page (CLICK HERE)




HOW FAMOUS ARE YOU?

Yesterday, I was invited to the Burleson Public Library (Burleson, population 30,300) to speak with the Manga Club (population 15). I was introduced as an award-winning comic book writer, which I guess is technically true. I talked about the manga industry versus the American comic book industry, and what American comic book creators can do to be competitive in the future. Afterwards, one kid asked me to sign his YuGiOh card. "M'kay."

Then another kid asked me to sign his school ID. "Cool."
Then someone asked me to sign his Nintendo DS. "Uh... sure."
Then a person asked me to sign his cell phone. "Sure, why not?"

At that point, a kid looked at me and asked suspiciously: "How famous are you?"

Damn. I've been discovered.

"Not very." He looked disappointed. I was disappointed. "I'm locally well known... in Dallas... in certain social circles... especially with people who read comics."

I WON'T TELL DIAMOND. IT'S OUR SECRET.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: ONE NIGHT STAND MINI-COMIC TO ARRIVE ON DIAMOND'S "NO SHIP" WEEK

Comic book retailers in North America have a long committed relationship with Diamond Distributors. They're a cute couple. However, since Diamond will not be shipping any new comics during the week of December 30th, David Hopkins is offering a ONE NIGHT STAND. No strings attached.

Written by David Hopkins, ONE NIGHT STAND is a series of one-page vignettes, a collaboration with 32 artists -- including Ryan Dunlavey (Action Philosophers), Christopher Higginson (Ghouly Boys), Sina Grace (Books with Pictures), Mark Murphy (Tiki Joe Mysteries), and Daniel Warner (Cocopiazo). All the stories center around a theme of casual sex and brief intimate encounters.

"The instant I heard about this project I wanted to be a part of it," says Ryan Dunlavey. "David is one of the most outspoken advocates for indie comics -- and a great writer to boot -- so I knew if he was putting it together I'd be foolish not to get involved."

The goal is to distribute free copies of ONE NIGHT STAND to indie-friendly retailers across North America. The stores can then sell those copies to customers looking for something new on December 30th.

"I realize mini-comics are not the easiest books for a retailer to move, but it'd be nice for an independent comic to steal the spotlight for at least one day," says David Hopkins. "I'm not trying to turn a profit. It's my slutty way of saying thank you to retailers who sell independent self-made comics throughout the year."

Preview page by Nate Bramble, creator of the webcomic Hermit Hill


Funding came through Kickstarter, a pledge-drive website used to support ideas and endeavors. After only three days, Hopkins was able to raise $500 for basic shipping and printing needs. The project site also allows people to pre-order the mini-comic.

ONE NIGHT STAND is part of an initiative by IndyComicBookWeek.com. A retailer does not have to join ICBW to receive ONE NIGHT STAND, but obviously their participation is appreciated.

"It would be great if stores encouraged their local talent to put something together for December 30th," Hopkins says. "End of the year, the economy has been crappy; indie comics seem like the most appropriate way to celebrate."

##

RELATED SITES:
http://antiherocomics.com
http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/994120775/one-night-stand-mini-comic-and-casual-encounters
http://indycomicbookweek.com
http://www.hermithillcomic.com

ONS UPDATE

Aaron Taylor sent me this pin-up in support of our ONE NIGHT STAND project. When we started, I had to cut the comic down to 32 pages, which means some artists weren't able to participate, because of promises I made first to other artists. It happens, but I felt terrible having to cut anyone. Aaron's pin-up art is greatly appreciated. Online promotional exclusive?


Right now, I'm working on a press release for ONE NIGHT STAND and an email to gain the support of more retailers. The scripts are all written, but I'm keeping busy.

For more updates, click here or visit the Indy Comic Book Week website.

CRIMES AGAINST FICTITIOUS CHARACTERS

Paul Milligan accuses me time and time again (usually when we're bored at conventions and need something to debate) that the women in my stories get unfairly beaten upon. I apparently have a bad case of "Women in Refrigerators" as a plot device. In my defense, (1) several of my stories have strong leading women. If you are the protagonist, the conflict follows you and you're an easy target. (2) The men in my stories also get beaten upon. Basically, if you are a character in one of my stories, expect bad things. (3) Joss Whedon is my spirit guide. It's the "I learned it from watching you" rebuttal. I don't just love Whedon. I study him. I've read all the scripts for the first three seasons of Buffy. I watch his shows with a notebook in front of me. Not kidding. I'm ready to learn. And you think I'm bad? You should see what he does to the women in his stories. In fact, I imagine he uses excuses 1 and 2 quite a bit as well.

For public record, here are my crimes against fictitious characters. Their lives were in my hands. I'll let you be the judge. Spoiler warning. Also, it's a fairly complete listing of everything I've worked on in the past seven years, published and unpublished.

SPACE TO OCCUPY *stage play, performed at UTA* No women were harmed in this story. One was homeless, but that's it. A guy douses himself with gasoline and attempts to set himself ablaze. Guy, not a girl.

THE INSIGHT *comic book, never published* Okay, a college girl is murdered. She develops psyche powers from her boyfriend (it could happen), and she accidentally discovers that her professor murdered his own son. The prof kills the girl to cover up his previous crime. Later, the psychic ghost imprint of the girl forces her boyfriend to kill the professor. I'm sure it would make sense if you read the script. Maybe not.

SOME OTHER DAY *mini-comic, self published* No women were seriously harmed. A mom punches her own teenage daughter. One pastor is killed when a piece of space shuttle debris lands on him. (read the comic)

FIGHT TO LIVE *short story featured in DEAD@17 ROUGH CUT VOL. 1* No women were harmed in this story. In fact, one girl comes back to life. That should count for something. (read the comic)

THE SPARROW *short story featured in DEAD@17 ROUGH CUT VOL. 2* No women were harmed in this story. A pastor dies saving a baby girl's life. Hmmm. Maybe I should look into how often I kill off clergy in my stories... (read the comic)

CFI SILENT FOREST *short story featured in SILENT FOREST TELEVISION PARODY SPECIAL* A golfer, male, is found dead. His head shoved in the ground. (read the comic)

THE STRANGER WAITS FOR ME *short story featured in WESTERN TALES OF TERROR #2* A woman is shot to death, but more guys were shot to death. (read the comic)

OMISOKA BRIDGE *graphic novel, never published* In this tale of a young samurai searching for his family, his mother sacrifices herself to save his life.

ROCKET SCIENCE *comic book, never published* Late 1950s, alien invasion. The human resistance is led by three gifted teens (think Hardy Boys and Nancy Drew) with access to some sweet jet packs and ray guns. Besides most of the world being wiped out by the invasion, no women were hurt? My Nancy Drew-esque character survives.

JACK RUBY *graphic novel, never published* Non-fiction. JFK dies. Lee Harvey Oswald dies. It shouldn't be too much of a surprise.

THE LAST BABYSITTER *graphic novel, never published* A quirky teenage girl loads up on guns to protect the neighborhood children against the robot apocalypse. Sorry to spoil the ending, but the babysitter dies at the end of chapter three to save the kids.

EMILY EDISON *graphic novel, published by Viper Comics* A large monster attacks a city. If they were any deaths, they occur in the reader's own imagination. Only death mentioned is my own. Off panel, the English teacher is eaten by the large monster. Alas, Mr. Hopkins. Beyond that, there's girl-fighting-robots violence. One girl is attacked by tiny spider-bots.

SIREN SONG *short story featured in DARK HORRORS* A dad searches for his missing daughter. He is lured into the ocean and drowns. (read the comic)

BULLETPROOF WEST *comic book, never published* Co-written by Jamar Nicholas. I don't remember any women dying in this one. Although, Annie Oakley beats up Lillian Smith.

THE HENCHMAN *short story, never completed* A poor guy breaks his leg. Twice. (read it here)

BETRAYAL OF THE MAN-EATING COW CLONES *one pager featured in THE TICK'S 20TH ANNIVERSARY SPECIAL EDITION* The Tick's sidekick Arthur gets mauled by ravenous cows. (read the comic)

VIRGINIA 1939 *short story featured in THE BRADLEY BOYS ADVENTURE MAGAZINE* An editor is punched by Dash Bradley. (read the comic)

ANTIGONE *comic book, published by Silent Devil* The lead character Antigone, she's horribly beaten and then commits suicide. Her lover Haimon kills himself. Haimon's mother also commits suicide. None of this is my fault. It's an adaptation from a play written by Sophocles. Blame him.

KARMA INCORPORATED: POOR MR. WILSON *graphic novel, published by Viper Comics* In chapter one, Susan throws hot coffee on Art Gellman. In chapter two, a police officer is beaten, kicked, and tied up. A man is shot and killed. A guy is thrown through a window. Yet, for some reason, people seem to remember chapter three as the violent one. Marsha is beaten badly, pistol whipped and choked. Her antagonist gets his face bashed in with a remote control airplane.

KARMA INCORPORATED: VICE & VIRTUE *graphic novel, unpublished* I released the script earlier this summer (click here). Their headquarters blows up. Susan is badly injured. Someone dies later in the story, but I don't want to give anything away. A woman is shot, but she lives.

LAKE ARCHER *comic book, never published* I scripted the first four issues of this ongoing series about a small town under quarantine. In the first issue, there's a woman found dead in her SUV. Also, a man is shot during a bank robbery.

FRONTIER *graphic novel/manga, still in development* Can't really share much about this one. In the name of disclosure, a main female character does die, but so do lots of other people. It's a story about a wealthy family driven into the frontier (hence the name) as a result of war.

DELTA COUNTY *graphic novel, still in development* The story revolves around a school shooting in a small town. Four students die. Three boys. One girl.

HOW TO LOSE BIG *graphic novel, still in development* I'm working on this project with Paul, and I'm proud to say no women were hurt in the main story. One girl is pushed over in a convention brawl, but that happens all the time. However, in the backup story "Princesses vs. Unicorns" -- it's not pretty. Unicorn and princess carnage. Grenades, shotguns, and chainsaws are employed.

50 MILES TO MARFA *short story featured in POPGUN VOL. 3* Con artists ditch a car in the middle of nowhere and walk home with the loot from a bank job. I don't want to spoil the ending, but it does support Paul's hypothesis.

THE HEIST AND THE HEART ATTACK *short story featured in POPGUN VOL. 4 (unreleased)* This story is about the bank job hinted at in "50 Miles to Marfa." As the title suggests, someone has a heart attack. And someone punches an old lady.

ASTRONAUT DAD, VOL. 1 *graphic novel, published by Silent Devil* No women were harmed in this story. However, in the second volume, some bad stuff happens. I would argue that the "bad stuff" only exists to show the very real tragedies that can occur in life.

UNTITLED PROJECT *graphic novel, still in development* Centers around the murder of a young girl. It's loosely inspired by actual events.

Here's my closing defense. The most important people in my life are all women. Could it be possible that my writer's imagination leads me to dark places and I can't imagine anything worse than something terrible happening to the people closest to me? It's catharsis to confront my own fears as an artistic expression?

D MAGAZINE, PRODUCTIVE PROCRASTINATION, AND NO NEWS

The October issue of D Magazine is now available. On page 20 of the "Pulse" section, Paul Milligan and I have our SOUVENIR OF DALLAS comic. I really enjoyed writing this one. We brought back the red neon pegasus and made fun of Reunion Tower. You can buy a copy at any local grocery store or bookstore. And of course, if you love the comic, write the editors and tell them.

Procrastination is a monster -- a terrible horrible beast seeking to take away what you hold most dear, your creative willpower. So many fall victim. Here's how I procrastinate: I create another project, get excited about that and then move away from what I was working on. Yes, ONE NIGHT STAND started as a way to avoid writing my novel. It's true. Now that I've written all the scripts for that lovely mini-comic, I'm back to my novel. And wouldn't you know it? There's now another idea I've been toying with, a future graphic novel that is invading my headspace.

These distractions can be good things. In the case of ONE NIGHT STAND, I'm incredibly optimistic. If you look at all the talented people involved, it might be one of the best projects I've ever worked on. Plus, the support for this endeavor has been tremendous (click here). However, sometimes, these new ideas keep me spread too thin. This is how I end up with six projects-in-progress and nothing published.

Speaking of, I don't have any updates on the status of ASTRONAUT DAD or HOW TO LOSE BIG. So there. My wise and mighty agent is on the hunt for a publisher. Hopefully, there will be some good news soon.

Same for EMILY EDISON 2. Brock and I are working on another Emily Edison graphic novel. However, we don't have anything we can report. Except the working title. It's... nah, I can't tell you. Sorry.

Don't forget that Brock is posting a Koo story (Emily's half-sister, remember?) on his site. This story will act as a nice lead into the next graphic novel. Thus far: Prologue - Part 001 - Part 002 - Part 003

KICK ME. SUPPORT INDIE COMICS.

After only a day, I'm already at the half-way point for my goal on Kickstarter (click here for my project page). I'm trying to raise money to cover the printing and shipping costs for ONE NIGHT STAND. Here's the promotional video I put together...


It'd be great if we can meet our goal. However, at this point, I'm kinda hoping we can raise beyond the $500 goal, which would allow us to do even more with the mini-comic. All support is greatly appreciated. (click here for more details and updates)

TO BURLESON AND BEYOND

I recently finished all 31 one-page scripts for my ONE NIGHT STAND comic project. Done. I'll have more to say about that tomorrow. Right now, I want to mention three speaking/teaching events coming up.

Thursday, October 22nd, 4:30 PM at the Burleson Public Library -- I will be speaking to their Teen Anime/Manga Club about the future of comics and job opportunities in the field. Hey! Stop laughing. I'm sure job opportunities exist. I know plenty of people who have had them. (I'm just not one of those people.) My presentation will be a more thoughtful variation of this rant I posted back in April. The event is for 12 to 18 year olds only, but you don't have to live in the city of Burleson to attend.

Saturday, November 7th, 10 AM to 3 PM -- ArtLoveMagic is hosting a workshop day for artists. More details soon. I don't know what I'm allowed to say or what's been announced. I'm teaching a class on "Creative Partnerships and Publishing in Comics." Once again, I realize I'm not the best expert in publishing, but between now and then, I'll think of something smart to say. I think Paul Milligan is helping with this class, but we haven't talked about it.

Friday, April 23, 2010 -- I'm speaking to the students at Bennett Elementary in McKinney, Texas. Comic books and such. I'll also tell the kids to stay in school. Hugs not drugs.

I'm available for all sorts of events. You want to hire me? I'll talk your frickin' ear off about comic books. I want to do something with the Writer's Garret. I emailed them a few times, but we never confirmed anything. They are still trying to figure out if what I do "counts" as writing. (Kidding.) And of course, the demand for comic book scriptwriting classes might be low too. (More likely.)

HALF HOUR WASTED

Here's the interview with Brent Schoonover and me on the Half Hour Wasted podcast (click here). In this episode, we talk about the completed ASTRONAUT DAD -- all the dirt and details.

Enjoy. We're highly quotable.

THESE PEOPLE MAKE ME LOOK GOOD

AN OPEN INVITATION

Hello friends and acquaintances,

Diamond Comic Distributors will not ship any new comic books for the week of December 30th. There's been some talk about reserving that week for independent creators to provide original material for our favorite comic shops.

A year ago, I created a project called MINE ALL MINE. The mini-comic was a series of one page vignettes -- about thieves, crooks, scoundrels, con artists, etc. Each page, a different artist, written and arranged by me, all about stealing stuff. Here's the online version.

I'd like to do a similar comic book to be released on December 30th. It's going to be called ONE NIGHT STAND. Stories about "casual encounters." The stories won't all be overtly sexual or explicit. Like MINE ALL MINE, I'm working with a broad definition. This mini-comic will explore sex and intimacy, guilt and anonymity, risk and fantasy. Lovely stuff.

I want to use this ONE NIGHT STAND concept as an opportunity to grow as a storyteller. I'd like to work with people who are experienced comic book artists, but also talented artists who have never attempted a comic before. It's only a one page commitment (hence "One Night Stand"), and should be a good opportunity to try something new.

April Wenzel is working the cover. It's going to look good, heck-I-wish-I-thought-of-this-first good.

IMPORTANT: If you're interested, let me know and I'll send you a script as soon as possible. Due date for the finished inked and lettered page is October 30th. I need it grayscale, 300 dpi, tiff, 5.5"(width) x 8.5"(height). Put your name on page somewhere at the bottom, title at the top. I'll credit myself on the title page, along with all the participating artists.

Please, any other talented people who you think might be interested, let them know.

I'll print enough mini-comics for you to have copies. Send me a list of your favorite comic shops, and I'll make sure they get complimentary copies as well. If you want to print and sell your own or feature your own page on your site, whatever you want to do with it is up to you. A few months after the print version of the comic book, I'll make everything available online. Any copies I sell will be used to offset the printing.

I'm excited about what will come together. If this one page project sounds like fun, join us. If not, no worries.

IT'S BEEN AWHILE

I haven't posted anything in quite a few days. I've been busy with my first week back at school and Kennedy's first week of school. It's just one of those chaotic seasons.

Dallas Comic Con was good (photos posted). I had dinner with lovely local artist and professor Erica Stephens, also hung out with Kyle Kondas. Great guy. April got back from China, so it's wonderful to have her home. April and I went to the Star Wars gallery show at the Soda Gallery. Afterward, April, Paul Milligan, and I went to Lee Harvey's to see two bands. *ahem* I finished Gaiman's The Graveyard Book audiobook. Read ASTERIOS POLYP and Andi Watson/Simon Gane's PARIS. Brent Schoonover and I did an interview for the Half-Hour Wasted podcast. It should post sometime in next two weeks. I'll share the link, once I have it. Last night, April and I went to a football game, and then to the Ozzie Rabbit Lodge.

And I'm working on a project for Indy Comic Book Week.

There. We're all current.

WORD TO THE GENIUS

I finished listening to the audiobook for ELEMENTS OF STYLE by Strunk and White. I've read ELEMENTS a few times (and I teach from it in my Creative Writing class), but it was nice to have Frank McCourt's narration. He added some humor I never noticed before in a few of the lines.

For any writer, I consider it required reading. Seriously. I'm a full blown disciple of this little book and E.B. White's reminders on style. This section is especially comforting:

"What," an imaginary student asks Mr. White, "if it comes natural to me to experiment rather than conform? What if I am a pioneer or even a genius?"

And Mr. White answers:

"Then be one. But do not forget that what may seem like pioneering may be merely evasion, or laziness--the disinclination to submit to discipline. Writing good standard English is no cinch, and before you have managed it you will have encountered enough rough country to satisfy even the most adventurous spirit."

I've never considered myself a genius or experimental, but I keep feeling if I can't be one (a genius) or at least fake it -- then there will be no room for me among the career writers. I love E.B. White's dismissive tone. He has no patience for the genius. He's addressing the writers who sweat each line and every word. Which means, he's talking to me.

TALKING ABOUT DALLAS COMIC CON

Is it a shameless plug if it's posted on my blog? Free HOW TO LOSE BIG buttons! Free bookmarks! And lots of cool people will be there.


You can follow related twitter posts about Dallas Comic Con here. I'll try to update throughout the day. See you tomorrow.

MY THOUGHTS ON JOHN HUGHES

I'll confess it's difficult to mourn the passing of John Hughes. For one obvious reason, I didn't know him. To me, he was always an adjective. "John Hughes" described a type of movie.

A John Hughes movie had something important to say. A John Hughes movie often dealt with teen alienation and the absurd battle for acceptance, acceptance from peers and parents. A John Hughes movie introduced the viewer to a world of humorous stereotypes and then fleshed them out until they were beautifully nuanced three-dimensional characters. Think of Duckie in PRETTY IN PINK (written by Hughes, not directed). Think of Cameron Frye in FERRIS BUELLER'S DAY OFF. Think of every single character in THE BREAKFAST CLUB.

A John Hughes movie is incredibly funny, but deceptively moving as well (SHE'S HAVING A BABY). You are likely to miss the point of a John Hughes movie depending on your perspective. As a teenager, I was outraged Duckie never got together with Andie Walsh. As an adult, I absolutely get it. The movie might be one of the most mature movies on the subject on young love (Just because you have things in common with someone, it does not obligate anyone to love you the way you love them). Likewise, with SIXTEEN CANDLES, if you juxtapose the wedding to the final scene between Samantha and Jake (you can also throw in the morning-after scene with Farmer Ted and Carolyn) you get a deeper statement on our expectations for the possibility of romantic love. I'm not making this stuff up. It's there.

The movie snobs may scoff, but I believe THE BREAKFAST CLUB is one of greatest screenplays. I reference it repeatedly in my Creative Writing class. It is a flawless movie, amazing structure. It behaves like a stage play, but was crafted for the screen. Only a John Hughes movie could integrate a cheesy dance number and still make it work. Claire Standish and Allison Reynolds doing that dance in the library is the most adorable two seconds in film history.

John Hughes had many imitators. "80s movies" became a genre in itself, primarily because of Hughes. Most copycats were mindless teen comedies, which failed to understand the respect John Hughes showed to his young audience. Even the good copies fell short. SAY ANYTHING, written and directed by Cameron Crowe, had the obligatory wacky graduation party. It had all the Hughesian archetypes. The movie shifted to a deeper message. Even still, the ending was too heavy handed and the comedy was forced. Yes, I dare challenge SAY ANYTHING. (It wasn't until JERRY MAGUIRE that Cameron Crowe found his voice as a director.)

John Hughes wasn't a genius. Actually, he might have been. I don't know. However, anyone who could write and direct the way he did, who could work with young actors and bring out such performances, had to be an amazing person. His movies are on my shelf. To say "John Hughes is gone" doesn't quite fit into my brain. What do you mean? He's right there (as I point to my DVDs). Fact is I didn't know him, but he knew me. And I think that's what made him great. He really understood how his characters felt and it perfectly mirrored his audience. Whenever we forget what it's like to be a teenager, to be young adults on the verge of needing everything "figured out," his movies are a reminder.