Stories without Character Arcs
Genuine story delivers a thesis about how we writers see the world. Our underlying message is our Master Theme. At its most fundamental level, genuine story is new understanding revealed […]
Technique
The Secret Turn Equation – TIP
Want to make your comic hard to put down? Get a strong turn in every 2.25 pages. So simple you didn’t know 😉 ▪ About the Author — Nick Macari […]
Unnatural Exposition – TIP
Writers alway try to justify their exposition to me. When was the last time you encountered a nice hefty chunk of exposition in real life? Handle exposition like someone walking […]
Camera Direction a Dangerous Weapon – TIP
Camera direction should only be used when it actively and directly drives the story, if it doesn’t leave it out. Give the artist the freedom to express himself and tell […]
When in Doubt Add Conflict – TIP
The perfect day is not the perfect story. No conflict = No story. Also; Helping someone with a buddy cop comic: Remember you ALWAYS NEED CONFLICT. Amp it up. 2 […]
Highlighting Minor Characters – TIP
Less developed character, less page time = less narrative significance. Don’t make the character you see twice, for 2 pages, offer the key to the climax. Your story will reek […]
Practical Editing – TIP
When you’re making editorial notes on your manuscript, always attach a direct excerpt to a page reference. //Foreshadow upcoming turn p77 “I don’t think so, drop the gun.”// Page numbers […]
Stop Relying on Dialogue – TIP
Comics are a visual medium. If your story relies on lots of dialogue, you are not writing visually and wasting tremendous potential. This doesn’t mean lots of silent panels, it […]
Don’t Center Stage Symbolism – TIP
The more you “centerpiece” symbolism, the more you shrink your audience. Most folks don’t want to be required to decipher their comic stories. ▪ About the Author — Nick Macari […]
Comicbook Script Format – TIP
A skillful artist can translate a screenplay into a comic. Said artist can translate just about any text into a comic… but don’t delude yourself into thinking a screenplay is […]