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So, I've known for sometime that my goal in writing was going to be pretty tough, but recently, it's been brought to my attention that it's ridiculous and presented with an amateur's attitude to think that it'll happen.
My goal is to write, illustrate, and design all aspects of my children's prose novels.
See, a huge part of storytelling and style is in the packaging. The Spiderwick Chonicles would not be as powerful if Tony Diterlizzi and Holly Black didn't have as much say over the look of the book. The only difference is that I'm not as well known and I want my projects to be a sole effort. From the cover, to the interior illustrations, to the paper and page numbers. To me, having a product that is one passionate person's sole effort (or even a personal team) is a beautiful thing. The alternative is a contrived package that a freelance illustrator and designer were hired to do. They may be perfectly capable of packaging it really well and do great work, but they just won't have the same connection to the work.
And, I'm well aware that sometimes outsiders can make a project even better; that's what editors are for and I enjoy working with them, but that doesn't change the fact that I love all aspects of writing, illustrating, and packaging something, have worked in the field doing that for 5 years now, and truly WANT to pour my heart and creativity into each aspect. That's my goal, and I'm not sure why some people seem to be offended by that.
I've had plenty of people tell me over the years that I can't do something. A high school art teacher practically beat me to death daily with the notion that I was stupid for thinking I could make a living with this "garbage," meaning comic books. Now, everyday I roll out of bed and get to work in comics. And, I'm not starving. So, THERE you mean ol' teacher! :oP
Point is, that's what I want to accomplish, so that's what I'm going to work towards. I'm sure it'll make it harder on me, might have to do some self-publishing, but it's really important to me.
I've also had an outpouring of support from people saying that they appreciate my passion for it and think that if I stick with it, I'll accomplish whatever I set my mind to. So, BIG THANKS to those folks. I hope the rest of you can wish me luck as well.
And if there are any publishers out there who aren't entirely opposed to the idea, let me know. ;o)
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7 comments:
So you want to write, draw, and design... doesn't offend me! But then, I'm a journalist, and you didn't mention taking my job. Yay!
By the way, it sounds to me like you don't need the luck, doll. But I'll wish it for you anywho.
I am a strong believer in the notion that if you want something bad enough, and you are talented and willing to work and not give up even when those rejection letters come in, than it is yours in due time. Best of luck.
Thanks, Anna. You're sweet. ;o)
Don, I really appreciate the sentiment, man. I'm definitely going to stick with it. That's kinda my schtick. ;o)
No one fails, they stop trying.
They'll eventually have to let me do my thing.
Hi Ray. It's certainly doable, as I said over at AW. You just have to be really smart about it.
Thanks for your kind comments over at my place - you can certainly repost anything you like, as long as you make it clear where it comes from.
Good luck!
Thanks, for the feedback, torgo! I take your advice to heart.
Oh, and I posted that Edgar Allen Poe Exec. piece over on the Golden Goat Studios message boards. It's in the Films and Filmmaking section. ;o)
Thanks!
Hi, there. Wow. Thank you very much for the kind words. And best of luck on your novel. Wish I had some really witty and inspiring thing to say to get you motivated, but I'm exhausted. Maybe tomorrow. ;o)
Thanks, again!!
Love your informative post .
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