Lately, I’ve been going through a bit of a rough patch when it comes to writing. For the past few days, I just haven’t been able to get anything out on paper, and it is simply the worse. This experience once again has me reflecting on how to maintain sanity in this life style.
I know, I’m being a bit dramatic, but it can be pretty bad sometimes. There are days when ideas occupy your head in mass, and you just want to get them out. Then there are days where you agonize over what you could have done differently. Then there are days when you just can’t do anything at all. It’s strange and horrible and I wouldn’t wish it on anyone. That’s not to say writing isn’t great, obviously I love it. I do it all the time (well, except recently!)
And the thing about comics is, you have to change the way you think. Writing this is very easy, the flow of words is natural to me. When you start writing comics, it’s like a different language at first. You have to adapt a new way of writing. Sure, there is the format difference, comics looking more like a scripts, but it’s more than that. You have to see every panel in you mind, while also advancing the plot. You’ve got to have the words and pictures in tandem in your head all the time. It’s tough.
Then there’s the subject matter. Anymore, comics are pretty much used to tell whatever story you like. But, when you start out, there is still some idea that it can only be used for genre stories. Superheros, fantasy, sci-fi. There is nothing wrong with those stories, I love them myself, but I’d like to try other things with this medium. It really weighs on your brain!
Anyway, how to stay sane? I guess I don’t really know. I simply trudge on until I have something worth…well, anything. I think about the great ones who came before me, and well, they probably started off wondering what they were doing too. The best thing to do is keep reading, keep trying to write (even if it’s nonsense) and keep in mind why we do what we do. Writing comics is the thing I want to do. Actually, I think it was the thing I was meant to do. I guess that’s mostly the thought that keeps me sane.
Keep writing, friends.
Hot Cakes Comics 