Here's a collection of some of my Tweets on writing. I'm @whisperingloon on Twitter, and I usually tweet about writing, comics, and movies. You know, geek stuff.
As a creator, don't ignore negative criticism. Ignore negative critics. There's a BIG difference.
I've found as a comic book writer, I learn MORE from actually drawing my simplistic little comics. 24 Hour Comic Day was a GREAT boon to me.
Drawing, however awfully, pushes me to think like an artist. So when I script for an artist, I've walked a few miles in their shoes.
Ugh. Not a good sign when the WRITER is bored by the story ... time to take a step back and start over, methinks.
Best tool for great comics: EDITORS
Dragons! Big 'splosions! Swords! Mechanical armor! I love my job! Some days more than others. This is one of those days more than others! :)
In the days of ink and scroll the only hard drive crash you had to worry about was a club to the head or insanity. So I guess I have it good
Worst part about freelancing: Being told outright you don't get the job A. b/c you're not good enough or B. b/c you're not important enough. <-- That tweet followed by this one --> I should have a thicker skin by now, but I still don't. <-- which was followed by this one --> There's got to be some sort of cream that can do it. Probably prescription only, tho. :)
These were all posted on the same day:
#ComicWriting To writers: If you give a character dialogue in a panel make sure to actually mention that character in the panel description. <-- That tweet followed by this one --> #ComicWriting To artists: writers are sometimes forgetful, so remember to look at the dialogue to see if you need to draw someone in a panel
#ComicWriting EVERY page should end in a "mini-cliffhanger" to take readers to the next page.
#ComicWriting The page doesn't have to end with someone's life in danger. Just give the reader a reason to want to know what's next.
#ComicWriting Your page could end with a question in dialogue. An unexpected event. Something to push the reader to keep reading.
#ComicWriting Think of the end of each page (esp. odd numbered) like the commercial break of a TV show. Make readers curious what's next.
And these were also all posted on the same day (it's about writing for comics, but there's a lot that can be applied to prose and film):
some people say a comic is like a movie mixed with a novel. It's not.
#ComicWriting a comic book is like a movie mixed w/ poetry. Make every word count. Each line should push your plot forward.
#ComicWriting each action and line of dialogue should reveal something about your characters.
#ComicWriting long conversations are easy/lazy. Edit yourself. Push yourself to reveal the same thing in fewer words.
#ComicWriting & make sure something visual is going on. Movement, setting, or action. Point OR counterpoint to the dialogue.
#ComicWriting Long dialogue? Short? There is no right or wrong. What's best for the story? Strive for that.
#ComicWriting You may love a bit of dialogue, but let it go to serve story/characters/pacing. That's what readers care about.
#ComicWriting Edit yourself. Push yourself. Have someone else edit you (very important!). Ask & answer hard questions. Repeat.
Back to solo tweets:
Overweight. Scruffy. Wearing a black t-shirt ... w/ a comic book character on it. I'm not doing the comic book writer stereotype any favors.
And from my alter-ego, Professor Negatron:
#HowToMakeComics #FromAspiringWriter Tip #1: The bigger the explosions, the less character development you actually need.
#HowToMakeComics #FromAspiringWriter Tip #2: Snappy, semi-witty dialogue is easier than character driven dialogue, so use it often. Or only!
~ Ben
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