Scripts, Plot Outlines, and Concept Writing

Writing is, perhaps, the most misunderstood part of putting a comic book or graphic novel together. Readers can only read the dialogue or caption boxes, after all, and it's very difficult to see the bits and pieces that go into the final script. I thought it would be interesting to show how I put a story together.

What's important to note first and foremost, however, is that this is only my way - not the only way or the right way. Just my way. It may or may not work for you. On top of it, I'm also constantly learning and growing. How I first attempted to write a story isn't the same way I'd write one now. I really do believe we learn by doing and art, whether literary or visual, is really about constant growth. Get better. Suck less. Y'know?

Below are some samples from a few short stories I wrote some years ago. For a more current look at my thoughts on writing, you can also download (for free) PDF copies of Stargazer, my two volume all-ages graphic novel series. I included extensive writing notes in the "extras" section of the first volume so you can readily compare the initial brainstorming through final script to actual printed page. The main link to Stargazer is here and you can find links to the PDFs here.

So what follows are how I put together Li'l Kids - the three short stories that serve as background pieces for the road to god knows...

Fast Friends

Breakdown
Plot Outline
Final Script

Brawl

Breakdown
Plot Outline
Final Script


The Old Crow

Breakdown
Plot Outline
Final Script