Engaging the Reader in 22 Pages
This was a multi-part post originally posted on the facebook page. It’s long, but the 10 tips discussed below are ones worth knowing. *** The best stories and comics engage […]
Technique
Cuts and Transitions
One fundamental aspect of comic scripting is the transition from scene to scene. Transitions allow the writer to change perspective and advance the story. Artfully done they provide a seamless […]
Pass the Passive Writing
One of the top three problems I see from new writers is passive writing. Because fixing it dramatically improves a work, it’s also one of the first things I tend […]
High and Lows – TIP
Creating the highs and lows of the emotional roller-coaster ride is not done by contrasting flat, dull panels against exciting ones. <<which is what most people think>> It’s done by […]
In Media Res (*Updated 12/19*)
When starting your story remember thy Roman poet’s advice, ”IN MEDIA RES” or “In the middle of things.” This is especially important with ORIGIN stories which tend to have very […]
Anchoring Sound Effects
When scripting sound effects I always specify the source of the sound, like this; 2 SFX (ENERGY) SSSSHHHHHSSSSS 9 times out of 10, your panel description is going to do […]
On the Nose
On the nose dialogue; “Fugetaboutit” In the Writer’s Guide to Comic and Graphic Novels, I talk a bit about good vs. bad dialogue and discuss the writer’s most blaspehmous mistake–on […]
Showing Not Telling
In the Jeopardy, Conflict and Stakes section of the book, I talk about keeping these elements present in the story and “on page” as much as possible. I go on […]