Hungry Minds Must Be Fed…
Just finished ordering the review copies of Prelude to a Hero in print, due Monday morning (hope that extra $20 for shipping is actually worth it). Then Kathilynn and I can sit down, separately, and mark up the copy–make sure it’s all pretty for you and printable. Looking forward to seeing the final, physical copy!
Also had some challenges when it came to Smashwords. NOTE: make sure to follow their guide, no matter how much you’re convinced of your own cleverness…or you’ll have to do it all over. Resubmitted work, epub checked it (successfully) and now we wait once again. It’s all very annoying, but I’m glad this process is in place: making sure you get the best book possible.
So what now? Other than taking a small breath and perhaps trying to get some exercise?
It’s time to write again. The plotting, the outlining, the expansion of histories and even some game creation with Evan. He’s got an incredible idea for a card game that I’m excited about.
The focus is now upon the Chronicles of a Hero series. The first novel due this fall (2011). Kathi thinks I’m crazy, the kids think it’s cool and the readers need to have their hungry minds fed as soon as possible when it comes to the adventures of Wendell. So I’m working with speed and diligence.
Having gone through this process [writing with Kathi] was a great learning experience, and now I feel like running at full speed–following the carefully outlined course set for this story, and I hope…truly hope, that you’ll be an intimate part of that adventure.
I’m looking forward to answering questions, creating side stories to expand on your interests, creating merchandise you’d actually love to have–instead of creating ‘stuff’ and throwing it at you.
I want to have fun…with you and everyone you know.
Read MoreAdventures in the Impossible
Wondering what happened to Wanted Hero? Wondering why the novels haven’t come to pass?
It’s nothing more than life.
The baby was born, I got a new job and opportunities opened up to use every skill and talent I had to improve the lives of others around the world. Truly. It has been a whirlwind of a ride and it has taken all of my strength to hang on.
Working for Crocodiles International and Roger Anthony is wonderful and the relationships formed have opened doors to publication resources unavailable before. That means Wanted Hero is MORE of a probability now than ever. It does mean Kathi and I need to get back to completing the editing of the first book, but that was only put off due to the new baby and the wedding. Those are past and complete now. We are settling in with the papers before us, so know that Wendell, Dax and Chuck are soon going to be on your doorstep once more.
What is the current project at work? The CROCademy. What one of our programmers says will be the very first TRUE social network on the planet. He explained the comparisons, but I think that when they rushed me to the hospital with blood flowing form my ears. I don’t understand the technical definitions, but it sounded cool.
So life moves on, we are getting back on track and the big hopes and dreams of this author are soon to come to fruition.
Read MoreThe BEST software program for making eComics!
I bet you’re thinking you know what program we’re going to talk about….
Adobe Illustrator? Nope.
Adobe Photoshop? Not on yer life.
Adobe InDesign? Hehe…not even close.
In fact, it’s not even an Adobe product at all.
This is a program that’s considered the workhorse in my arsenal when it comes to eComic production.
It assists in the creation of the eComic, the development of promotional material, web content, optimizes all artwork, and can perform all the needed functions many artist rely on Photoshop for.
What is it?
PhotoImpact Pro
This single program is a lifesaver when it came to the creation of WANTED:HERO. It performs effect art, such as beveled edges, visual effect, word manipulation, panting effects….not with layers (though it has that as well), all with the click of a button. No more working with Photoshop for 20 minutes on an effect, when you can click a button to get the same results and move on. The current version as of this article is version 13;
PhotoImpact® Pro 13 is the ideal choice for digital photography, creative design and web graphics – all in one powerful suite. You’ll get everything you need to organize, edit, manage, and share digital photos – and so much more!
Whether you’re new to digital photography or a seasoned professional, you’ll appreciate the award-winning power and flexibility of PhotoImpact Pro. It not only delivers state-of-the-art image editing and high-end photo filters for enthusiasts, but it also caters to first-time users with an improved Basic Mode plus more than 1,500 photorealistic scrapbook embellishments. PhotoImpact Pro offers dozens of other new features including RAW File Support, White Balance Correction, and the revolutionary SmartRemove Scene Compositor to create a perfect image by combining the best elements of several photos.
Yes, I have Photoshop as well and yes I use it. I get plenty of people wanting to go rounds about the power of the program and how it’s the best on the planet for…whatever. I’m not arguing the validity of any program. I love Photoshop. I just found PhotoImpact far easier to learn, easier to follow, cheaper to buy and it did everything I needed in less than 1/3 the time without having to know the tricks of the trade. It’s just my opinion, and well worth investigating.
Take a moment and check out this remarkable program. Not only is it amazing, it’s very affordable.
So now you know.
Read MoreTools of the Trade
One of the fun aspects of being an artist is using the tools and shaping your new creation, bringing it to life. Going into an art store was one of my favorite places in thew world, walking down the isles looking for the fine brushes, testing ink or shopping for the perfect paper. I could lose myself or hours looking for the right accouterments.
When we were producing Wanted Hero bi-monthly, a series of podcasts were created to help kids understand what they needed to created their own eComics (or other art project they were working on). I was out of town at the time and the Gnomes from Clockworks City were kind enough to fill in when we discussed the ‘Tools of the Trade’.
A heads up: digital information deteriorates over time when it’s not saved regularly. After 2-3 years the quality begins to falter. The actual podcast is old, pulled from our ‘vintage vault’, but the information is still good. Also keep in mind that computer information advances every 6 months…so some of the information in this podcast is good, but better is available, such as the graphics card and WHRN switched to use BLUEHOST Servers (far superior and better service than Ferdiworks.com).
Hope you enjoy and feedback is always appreciated.
Read MoreDo you have an idea for your eComic?
This may sound like a simple matter, but trust me when I say it deserves a measure of time for your consideration.
Do you have an idea for your eComic?
Sure, Brit-Boy is a Superhero from the UK, who has the phenomenal power of mind-over-cheese. He can also flip nunchakus of Leafield at deadly speeds, and slide under doors by transforming into liquid Lincolnshire Poacher…but will that be enough?
‘Enough?’ you ask, flinging your body over your sketches of Cheese-boy, like a protective parent.
What I mean is: ‘Will your storyline hold the interest of your readers?’
Yes Melanie, this even applies to your project, because anyone who draws a cartoon to entertain or convey an idea needs to consider what needs to be conveyed. From a simple one frame comic to a full blown comic book, will it be of interest to your readers. Now that you’ve decided to plug into the electronic center of the Universe (the web), what is it about your story that will set it apart? What have you created which will grab a readers attention…and KEEP it?
This is not a subject to take lightly. This question can actually help make or break your success. Simply being able to draw dynamic heroes, who can shatter meteors in a single blow, will only get you so far. Ok, you can also draw the bodacious babes wearing liquid clothes, but that won’t solve your problem, either.
Wendell soon learns no everyone is interested in "peaceful" negotiations.
In WANTED:HERO, many of the characters were developed over a period of nine years, some even longer. Now, you certainly don’t need that much time…but how well do you know your characters? How detailed is their background? Could you do genealogy on the people in your story? Yes, your Hero can rip apart the world with his bare hands…but what would he say in a normal conversation? Or, how would he react when he finds out his widowed mother, now has cancer and can’t taker care of herself??
In your case Melanie, what is the story about? Do you want people to laugh, cry, or send the author hate mail? Is there a main character that can be used as the center of attention with supporting characters as the ‘landscape’?
That might sound silly to you—but knowing the past of your characters, help you shape a believable future.
Another point to consider–is creating a storyline people can relate to.
Wendell P. Dipmier, the lead character in WANTED:HERO is just an average kid, fresh out of high school, who finds himself mistaken as the last in a royal line of heroes. Many readers write to me and tell me they actually relate to the simple guy who used to live with his mom and was a complete outcast of ‘normal’ social structures (read Wendell’s journal to get an insight into the character). The guy who had an opinion, but was never in a set of circumstances which allowed him to share those views. The guy who loves the band Keane…just like millions of other youth in the US and UK. They watch Wendell’s development through each issue (or reading his personal blog) and see how becoming a ‘hero’ may actually be possible for people like us, after all.
…and yet, all I was doing was telling the tale of my buddy, Wendell.
Asking this question may be a simple matter….but it’s an essential one.
Do you have an idea for your eComic?
Read MoreMy Latest Book
