While I wait for artists to turn in pages for Dusk and Miss Masque, I’ve found that I’ve had some writing free time (but enough time to get these articles in early, sorry Jim). So I went out to searching at a couple of websites to see if there was anyone who needed a writer’s help on their project. I found a couple and the one I’m currently focused on is tentatively titled “Grimm” at this point at time.
Grimm is the idea of artist Gregg Paulsen – http://greggpaulsen.deviantart.com/. He had an ad on DigitalWebbing.Com looking for a writer to help with his concept. It’s just the same as if I’m asking for an artist to help with a project of mine. We all have our strengths and weakness so there is never any harm in asking for a little art. I am tempted to rant on the subject about the “Writer/Artist”, but that’s for another time.
So for this project it was fairly straight forward to get started. First Gregg told me his idea and showed me some sketches. Then we bounce around a few ideas and I got his approval on a rough outline. Currently I’m writing each of the 3 issues and submit each one to Gregg for approval. I’m currently working on the 3rd issue, so hopefully I’m doing something right.
I can’t really get into the details about Grimm. But that said, I can touch on the themes I’m focusing on overall in the story. For me the story is basically the ultimate bad day for the unsuspecting lead. He just keeps getting crapped on until but the climax of the story, he can do nothing but lash out at every one. Kind of a extreme exaggeration of the frustration that builds from the stress of normal everyday life. It’s actually a theory of mine that the reason so many people today are on medications that moderate emotions and moods is because modern life has evolved in such a way so rapidly that humans haven’t had a chance to keep up with those changes. We’re stuck in a world that we weren’t built for. Not that Grimm gets that deep about the topic, but that’s what’s in mind, helping to shape the overall plot of the story. At it’s simplest, it’s a violent action story and that’s where the fun is at.
Now why did I take this project? Well I definitely liked Gregg’s art. His game plan to submit to publishers like Image is a sound one. With his style and quality of art and my writing I think it would be a good fit for Image. I’ve actually submitted to Image in the past, so I’m familiar with Image’s policy’s and their thoughts on what they’re looking for. They liked Dusk’s writing fine, but there were issue with the chosen art styles for the book so things didn’t work out. As a lot of reviewers have noticed, there’s a manga bent to the art in Dusk, but know I’m just getting off topic. But Gregg’s art is more in a strongly familiar American style. I think it will work well, especially with the story we’re making.
Also, this does help to keep my name out there as a writer. There more projects you do, the more chance to get readers familiar with your work. With most entertainment, you always have to stay current and in the public eye to keep people’s interest and be in there short term memory. It’s the old marketing adage that it takes 10 impressions before a person will remember the ad (or in this case my name). A part of comics is building a brand, and creators can be a brand. And you have to market that brand. Your name should mean to readers that they will get a good story that they will enjoy. This also means you should be aware of what type of stories that your write. Most genres are okay, but crossing over into say porn may have a negative effect on that brand name. Perfect example is Stephen King. When I say his name you know exactly what I’m talking about and even what type of story. Stephen King’s name is guaranteed to sell books and some critics would even argue that his name sells books regardless of the quality of the writing of that book.
And that’s the current project I’m working on.
David Doub was a IT professional in the Dallas-Forth Worth area for the past decade, but after several turns in his life he’s going back to his first love, comics. Come read David’s journey has he tries to make it as a writer and creator in the comic industry. The only companion with him on this journey is his cat Jordon, who happens to like the taste of paper. 
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