comicsexperience.com

Tuesday, January 17, 2012

WORKSHOP GUEST: Writer Michael Alan Nelson on Strengthening your Craft

In last month's Comics Experience Creators Workshop, special guest Michael Alan Nelson spoke about his career writing a number of series for BOOM! Studios, including Hexed, 28 Days Later and, currently, Valen the Outcast.

During the discussion, Nelson advised workshop members to focus not just on their strengths, but on improving their weaknesses.

But, he said, creators should avoid thinking, "'Oh, my biggest weakness is that I work too hard.' No, be honest. Because that's what helps you improve and become a better writer."

Nelson used himself as an example. Coming from a prose background, he said, he had some difficulty adjusting to the space limitations of the comics medium.


"I would write too much dialogue, not understanding that there's only so much space on the page," he said. "I would get notes that said, you have to cut 50 percent of what's written. I had to learn how to find the most economical way to get something across."

By focusing on your weaknesses, Nelson said, you improve your craft and work to become a well-rounded creator, rather than a "one-note" writer or artist.

"We always want to be improving," he said. "We want to get better at our craft. And that's what it is; it's a craft, it's something we have to work hard for and learn how to do."

And Nelson's advice for strengthening your craft is simple: practice, improve, and gain input from others.

"Take criticism to heart," Nelson said. "If you bring your portfolio to an editor for a portfolio review, listen to what they have to say. Don't ask them, "do you like it?" Ask them, "does it work? What can I do to improve?"

Together, Nelson said, practicing your craft and networking with creators and editors are the best way to break into the comics industry.

"If you love telling stories, become the best storyteller you can be," he said. "Eventually, somebody will give you a chance."

Those interested in learning more about Nelson and his work can go to mansmachinery.blogspot.com.

Creators Workshop sessions take place every month, and feature special guests giving members real-world knowledge that will help them succeed in their comics career. Additionally monthly Creators Workshop Book Club sessions feature guest writers and artists discussing the craft and art of comics, as well as the business side of the comics profession.

Our next live Workshop will be held Tuesday, January 24, 2012. We'll be joined by special guest Paul Tobin, discussing his extensive work on the Marvel Adventures "all-ages" line as well as his work with DC Comics, Dark Horse, and Top Shelf.

Read more about the session with Paul Tobin right here.

There's still plenty of time to sign up before the next session. We hope to see you there.

-- Posted by Paul Allor

21 comments:

  1. Live a full life, but only if you know about this site https://topessaybrands.com/review/varsitytutors/, as it will quickly and efficiently close your written work on it, and this will be your assistant when writing written works, namely term papers, abstracts

    ReplyDelete
  2. We focus on keeping our prices low, but unlike other academic writing services online, we never sacrifice quality for the sake of price paper writing. We thrive on service orientation; our mission is to increase customer loyalty by providing nonparallel services and after sales support.

    ReplyDelete
  3. I'm a third year student preparing for my attachment and our professor asked us to write a five page essay. I was so stranded a few hours ago trying to find someone to help me complete my project. I found paraphrasing service and will keep using their essay writing services. Everything was done as per the agreement and the end product had outstanding quality. What I loved most about my experience there is the professionalism and transparency.

    ReplyDelete
  4. Good evening people! Once you hire our grade miners professionals for your essay, you always assured we would provide your essay according to the deadline you indicated. Our essay experts are experienced in working fast and still finding success in producing the desired standards of that essay assignment.

    ReplyDelete
  5. oh wow, thanks to sharing this blog, recently my professor give me a research topic for a person Michael Nelson, your blog is so good and informative , but your website design is very old and your website speed is very low, i suggest you Top Web Design Services Providers Near me , who redesign your website and resolve your website speed problems ,

    ReplyDelete
  6. It depends a LOT on the manager overseeing the store, as I can attest from my experience working at various Michaels locations. I've worked for managers who were incredibly kind, supportive, and laid back, as well as bosses who were condescending, unpleasant, and spoke down to me. Fortunately, 3d video creation services I've really experienced more of the first than the second. The rewards program, however, changed earlier this year and has significantly improved; today, you truly receive incentives based on how much you spend.

    ReplyDelete
  7. Crafting is not easy at all it depends on your mindset and how you choose the right words for the right topic. Creativity is important factor either if you're belong from the teacher video company you have to put many efforts to become professional so doing work hard would help you to become one of the strongest person in the market.

    ReplyDelete
  8. This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete
  9. I work at best driving school uk with automatic and manual instructors. If you are interested, contact me.

    ReplyDelete
  10. This is quite unique post. Thanks for sharing. I am working on my on the go louis Vuitton bag in USA. We can delivered a quality staff to you .

    ReplyDelete
  11. This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete
  12. In the UK, you can meet all kinds of manual and automatic driving instructors . Let me know if you're interested.

    ReplyDelete
  13. Keeping in mind your budget, we have a wide selection of fashion-trending products with us, such asLOUIS VUITTON NEVERFULL MONOGRAM which is a luxury brand.

    ReplyDelete
  14. guide me on how to write a book review for a text?
    I find it challenging to begin because a cheap reliable essay writing service text book contains both fiction and nonfiction as well as a poem.

    ReplyDelete
  15. This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete
  16. Nelson recommended workshop participants to concentrate not just on their strengths, but Relax Beauty Massage spa, also on addressing their flaws.

    ReplyDelete
  17. Thank you very much for this kind of information sharing with us...I really appreciated you for sharing an informative blog.
    file uncontested divorce virginia

    ReplyDelete
  18. Writer Michael Alan Nelson offers valuable insights into strengthening your craft as a writer. For aspiring writers in Canada, expert cv writing services in Canada can assist in showcasing your writing skills and achievements, improving your chances of securing writing-related opportunities and advancing your career in the literary world.




    ReplyDelete
  19. This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete

Followers