Loglines are the Real Deal – TIP
Loglines are so simple, people complicate them. They aren’t a marketing gimmick, not a trick, not an abstract symbolism. IT’S THE STORY IN ONE SENTENCE. Include the essentials. Make it […]
Tips
Character Arc Payoff – TIP
The pay off of a character’s arc (and in turn, the story as a whole) is directly proportional to the amount of change. We recognize character change primarily through overcoming […]
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 […]
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 […]
Kill Phone Calls and Texts – TIP
When you goto a movie, do you prefer the actor writes a joke on paper and holds it up to the camera OR tells it to another character? Get rid […]
You are a Mirror – TIP
Eat a bunch of crappy food and you’ll get fat, won’t be able to function optimally and eventually have health problems… Why do you think it works any different with […]
Don’t Skim Details – TIP
If you don’t take the time to visually write it, your artist won’t take much time to draw it, the reader won’t take much time to read it. Don’t be […]