Sample Scene Breakdown
Pinpointing and declaring scenes makes everything more organized and saves you time. The difference between using this approach and not using it when you script, is night and day. Do […]
Author: Nick
Show it Don’t Tell it – TIP
Don’t tell the reader a character is scared. Show that character being scared. Trembling. Jumpy. Stumbling. Sweating. Darting eyes. Hesitation. ▪ About the Author — Nick Macari is a full-time […]
Scripting an Outside Outline
At the end of the Working Writer’s Guide to Comics and Graphic Novels I go through the main method I use to write a script directly from a comprehensive outline… […]
Don’t Focus on Plot – TIP
Starting a new comic series? Don’t focus on plot. Plot focus puts blinders on… it’s a distraction. Focus on discovering and defining your STORY FUNDAMENTALS. Get your foundation straight and […]
Stick to your Strategy – TIP
Do a mini-series, OR do a graphic novel. Or plan ahead that you want to do one, then convert to the other. Changing formats without forethought can produce hiccups, particularly […]
Kill your Passive – TIP
“The break is surrounded by bullet holes.” turns to; “Bullet holes surround the break.” Cleaner, more direct. A better read. Easy as makin’ pancakes. ▪ About the Author — Nick […]
Numbers in Dialogue – TIP
Numbers in comic dialogue? Numerals in names & dates for sure. Comic dialogue/caption space is PRIME REAL ESTATE. My quick and dirty rule, write it out if it’s short-6 letters […]
Introducing New Characters-the Details
Some comic writers write a ton of detail in their panel descriptions… others, not so much. I live and die by two rules when it comes to details; 1) Make […]
Fight Scenes that Resonate
One of the problems with online writing forums is that people often give bad advice… actually, awful advice. But sometimes, the questions asked are worth answering proper. This article comes […]
First and Last
Let’s do an exercise; Pick a movie or comic you enjoy. Doesn’t have to be your favorite—something you’ve memorized since you were fifteen—just something you’re familiar with… ok, got it? […]