Is it a graphic novel (by which I mean some sort of long-form comic or collection)? Because they're a lot harder and take a lot longer than people think!
I don't have much in the way of advice except stuff I'm sure you already know. Break it down into bite-sized chunks; don't worry about doing 200 pages, just do 8. Anybody can do 8! And then do 8 again and again and again until it's done.
I got stalled on one project. It just turned into a slog that I didn't enjoy working on. What I discovered is that I wasn't telling the story I really wanted to tell. I'd gotten it wrong, and once I figured that out and got it right, it flowed much better. I was 100 pages into that project when I decided to go an entirely different direction, and I happily turned those 100 pages over and started drawing the new version on their backs.
Keep going! Doing anything is always infinitely better than doing nothing.
Thank you Brian! I'm working on a full length graphic novel with material I've never cartooned before. I think you know the challenges better than most! There's learning craft and also being ready to tell a story. Recently unlocked an important piece I was avoiding before because I wasn't ready. Thanks for the advice and support! Taking it to heart and working in 40-minute sessions to keep up the momentum.
i'm right there with you! i will write and revise and take breaks for as long as it takes!! also, strange pilgrims, the collection of stories by gabrial garcia márquez, took decades for him to finish. so, you're in very good company
I've finished one novel, and it took 7 years. The time and energy are always worth it, like you said--this is your journey and it takes as long as it takes. Keep going! 👍✨
You go right ahead and do what you personally need to do. And thank you for sharing your journey with us!
I know the loneliness. It's been eased somewhat by an online weekly Zoom group, but they aren't here outside of that hour, and although my husband is moral support, he still doesn't really understand what writing and drawing and painting and flat out using our imaginations for good and creating takes....and having to do it around Everything Else, including our own struggles.
So Keep Creating and Sharing! You're adding loveliness to this world.
You too! It takes a lot of courage to create and share pieces of ourselves through art. It is easier to see it in others and neglect in ourselves, but we can all stand to be reminded of the value we add. Thanks for reading 🫶🏼
I admit my guilt of being that "Why don't you use AI..." -guy, while my spouse is the artist in our family, sorry for that 🫣 I use AI frequently in my work (RDI), but I still consider the most important part of the work to come from me, even if AI fills in the details (e.g., code or first draft). But it's probably very different in art, where the process itself also counts.
yeah I don't think using AI is all bad. so far, I'm an observer and curious about the use cases I see others trying out. I wouldn't use AI for any of my creative work though. It would defeat the whole purpose of making art. there are no shortcuts for discovering what makes us human and what makes life worth living
We Love All That You Do & More
We Appreciate You Very Much
Whenever You Publish Your Book
We Will Be Buying Your Book
We will be patient enough to wait until You Are Ready
We Love Your Honesty & Your
Vulnerability
Keep On Going …. We Love It !!!
Thanks for spreading that encouragement all around ✨
Is it a graphic novel (by which I mean some sort of long-form comic or collection)? Because they're a lot harder and take a lot longer than people think!
I don't have much in the way of advice except stuff I'm sure you already know. Break it down into bite-sized chunks; don't worry about doing 200 pages, just do 8. Anybody can do 8! And then do 8 again and again and again until it's done.
I got stalled on one project. It just turned into a slog that I didn't enjoy working on. What I discovered is that I wasn't telling the story I really wanted to tell. I'd gotten it wrong, and once I figured that out and got it right, it flowed much better. I was 100 pages into that project when I decided to go an entirely different direction, and I happily turned those 100 pages over and started drawing the new version on their backs.
Keep going! Doing anything is always infinitely better than doing nothing.
Thank you Brian! I'm working on a full length graphic novel with material I've never cartooned before. I think you know the challenges better than most! There's learning craft and also being ready to tell a story. Recently unlocked an important piece I was avoiding before because I wasn't ready. Thanks for the advice and support! Taking it to heart and working in 40-minute sessions to keep up the momentum.
i'm right there with you! i will write and revise and take breaks for as long as it takes!! also, strange pilgrims, the collection of stories by gabrial garcia márquez, took decades for him to finish. so, you're in very good company
I look forward - eventually - to pre-ordering your book.
I've finished one novel, and it took 7 years. The time and energy are always worth it, like you said--this is your journey and it takes as long as it takes. Keep going! 👍✨
I am in the process of writing a book as well. Well, 3 books at varying stages of progress. Just to say, you got this! Writing is not a race!
You go right ahead and do what you personally need to do. And thank you for sharing your journey with us!
I know the loneliness. It's been eased somewhat by an online weekly Zoom group, but they aren't here outside of that hour, and although my husband is moral support, he still doesn't really understand what writing and drawing and painting and flat out using our imaginations for good and creating takes....and having to do it around Everything Else, including our own struggles.
So Keep Creating and Sharing! You're adding loveliness to this world.
Thanks again.❤️🌹🦋
You too! It takes a lot of courage to create and share pieces of ourselves through art. It is easier to see it in others and neglect in ourselves, but we can all stand to be reminded of the value we add. Thanks for reading 🫶🏼
I admit my guilt of being that "Why don't you use AI..." -guy, while my spouse is the artist in our family, sorry for that 🫣 I use AI frequently in my work (RDI), but I still consider the most important part of the work to come from me, even if AI fills in the details (e.g., code or first draft). But it's probably very different in art, where the process itself also counts.
yeah I don't think using AI is all bad. so far, I'm an observer and curious about the use cases I see others trying out. I wouldn't use AI for any of my creative work though. It would defeat the whole purpose of making art. there are no shortcuts for discovering what makes us human and what makes life worth living
I think that there's value in all the learning and work that you've put into your project.
Hang in there!
As a person who's been working on a novel for over 10 years, I feel this so deeply!! It takes the time it takes. But, yeah...I'm "still" writing.
I love reading novels. Those are even harder to write. I'll look forward to yours 🫶🏼
😭I hear you!