branching out
a writing practice has to grow
On a whim, I signed up for an online course on making comics. I’m strictly amateur as a visual artist, but I’ve been scribbling for a long time. How could I remix my words with pictures?
I needed to flex some different storytelling muscles.
Jane Porter’s class was relaxed, fun, and yes, a bit scary. Many of the other students seemed like professional illustrators, or at least veteran comics makers. I strayed far out of my comfort zone…and now I’ll go even further by sharing some of the doodling I produced.
Jane always gave prompts or themes as jumping-off points. One week, her prompt was a song.
“Diamonds and Rust” is all about the love affair Joan Baez had with Bob Dylan in the Greenwich Village of long ago (also captured in the film A Complete Unknown) Jane had us listen and free-associate. It brought me into my own memories.
This collage style is just one of the methods used to put the panels together.
It was really exciting to write so concisely and pair the words with drawings.
As I went on in the 10-week course, I began to use fewer and fewer words and let the visuals do almost all of the work. Refreshing!! I experimented with india ink and watercolor…
I’m still a.word person. But filling my sketchbook with clumsy comics let me come at narrative from a different direction. It was so fun to see everyone else’s work, and Jane was a delight. And I loved being a student again. I think I need more of this…
Meanwhile, I also love to teach. I’m offering these courses over at Writing Workshops.
July 11 + 12 Translating Memory Into Fiction — An online weekend intensive with Writing Workshops. Two 3-hour sessions, Sat. & Sun. Open for registration
August 1 Story Structure Simplified: How to Shape Narratives for Maximum Effect — An online weekend intensive with Writing Workshops. One 2-hour session. Open for registration
The writers who turn up in these Writing Workshop courses are really dynamic and excellent people. I’ve been so impressed!
That’s a little news from my world. Oh, and I finished my third novel. More on that soon.
Wishing you a happy weekend and good writing days,
xo, Debra
