You Should Want More for Yourself in Comics

The Extras: A/S/L/A Chapter 14: Beginnings

Dear Up and Coming Comic Writer,

Recently,

Amaka Writes

shared this meme and it speaks to so many of our creative problems.

We start a story, lose the momentum in the middle of it, and end up thinking about our next story. I remember being so excited about Project Rise, Grind, Die and Repeat. I had a detailed backstory about the world and the character’s story for the first two issues. However, the road to the story’s climax was boring and I quit.

What’s problem #1? I quit on my story. How many stories have you quit on? Since 2019, I’ve been in plenty of anthologies. It’s great when I get invited to an anthology, but I want more for myself. I want publishers to ask me to pitch a story. I want an artist to ask to work with me. You should want more, too!! How do we get more?

Right here is the answer:

Check out my advice on how to deal with seasonal jealously and the next steps to finish one of the many projects you have saved on your computer.

The Extras: A/S/L/A

Chapter 14: Beginnings

One year ago...

Maceo is already regretting this. It's fifteen minutes past and he’s waiting outside the bowling alley doors. He’s not at the point where he’s pacing, but he’s close. He’s already theorizing what will happen once he enters. One theory he has is everyone gets up from their chairs and walks out. Another theory is this is the ultimate prank from Feng and his football dude-bros. Pete knows it, he’s figured it out, and that is why he bailed on Maceo. Just as Maceo has entered the nervous stage of biting his nails, he feels a tap on his shoulder. 

He turns to find Jenel with a cigarette hanging off her lips. “You have a lighter?” 

Maceo has never smoked in his life, but her wish is his command. He starts scavenging through his pockets several times over. 

About a minute in, Jenel finally speaks up with a laugh, “I don’t think you have one.” 

Maceo tries to cover himself, “I smoke all the time and I’m really surprised I forgot my lighter, too. Sorry.” She shovels her cigarette into her bag and walks back into the bowling alley. 

Before the door closes on her, she looks up at Maceo. “By the way, we’re at lane nine. You better hurry. The round is about to start.” Maceo looks around and realizes he’s alone and she is talking to him. He doesn’t respond as the door closes between them.
“Did that really happen?” Pete says, arriving almost twenty minutes late. 

Maceo grabs Pete by the shoulders. “Dude! Jenel is one of us. Actually, me, and not you.” Pete slaps him in the back of the head, “Shut up! I got a plan.”