This summer I shared my novel draft here on Substack, one chapter at a time. Despite not really having experience with comics or graphic novels, I also included development artwork exploring whether or not this story should be told that way (and whether or nor I want to be graphic novelist).
I wanted to know:
Should this story be told like this?
Am I even capable of effective panel-style storytelling?
How do I translate really difficult topics like PTSD, dissociation, abuse, and generational trauma into this format?
Are people engaged by this story? Does it resonate with anyone?
How would I feel about doing this kind of work for the waaaaaay more than eight weeks it would take to finish the real thing?
This episode is all about the answers to those questions.
In this episode:
How fast-paced creating “on stage” actually helps my perfectionist tendencies—even though it seems scary.
Ideas for how to make longer term, big projects work for my brain (despite ADHD).
Owning the kind of work I want to make (deeper, sometimes dark, more meaningful stories), and recognizing that this format will allow me to do that more than other things I’ve done.
My (BIG SCARY) plans for the near and far future, and some smaller steps I’ll be taking to get there (spoiler alert: it’s making graphic novels, and querying agents.)
I actually think I’m really good at visual storytelling this way, and I’m making myself type this right now so I can internalize it more instead of convincing myself it sounds too braggy and deleting it.
What’s next on my project list (like the picture book on neurodiversity
and I are self publishing) and how this graphic novel experiment can help me approach it creatively
Stick around til the end while I have a wobble with imposter syndrome for a moment, then turn it back around and make it into a mini pep talk for both of us.
Things I mention:
Read Things Not Said (and see the development artwork)!
My post about visually communicating how different brains work for How It Feels To Me
How It Feels To Me (you can still preorder, or donate a copy for when it’s printed!)
The Good Ship Illustration Business Course (that I’m currently taking on my quest to become a published graphic novelist) (even typing that is a bit terrifying, but I’m proud of myself for it)
Brandon Hayman and his comics, The After Death (book two coming out soon!)
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