Thursday, December 30, 2010

Research Notes #2-“Dick Giordano and Me”


The critical review of the first year of Break-Out Comic Book Experiment
If it happened to the late, great Dick Giordano, then I guess it’s good it happened to me.

Friday, December 17, 2010

False Dawn #12: Crossing Over Part Two-Short Story Format

False Dawn #12 : Crossing Over

Part Two of Four: The Truth
Short Story Format
Devin Leigh Michaels

“Mom’s a statue?” I demand.

Uncle Connor can’t meet my eyes. “Yes.”

“But…she’s a statue. Like, stone and rock and Mount Rushmore.”

“Well, technically, she’s been frozen, like a Popsicle or those waffles you pop in the toaster, but—”

That did it. I snatch my uncle like nerds grab first-edition comics and slam him against the wall. “Technically!? TECHNICALLY!”

And before I know it, the words spill from my mouth faster than the Flash can run. “In the last six months, I’ve been traveling the East Coast with a reincarnated immortal and a were-phoenix. I’ve been attacked by SHADOW WARRIORS who have kidnapped you and Mom, and I’ve been transported to another dimension through the head of Edgar Allen Poe and almost been eaten by a freakin’ live dragon. I’ve found out that the two people who have never been three feet from me my entire life are actually immortals called Sojourners, and maybe—just maybe—I might not even know them at all. And you use the word ‘TECHNICALLY!’”

False Dawn #12: Comic Book Script

False Dawn #12 : Crossing Over
Part Two of Four: The Truth
Comic Book Script—Plot for 22 Pages
Devin Leigh Michaels

After Connor frees himself from the warriors, the gang finds out the truth about Connor and Addy's abduction, but just what that is might change everything.

Thursday, December 9, 2010

Who I Want to Grow Up To Be

Hey, my first question! (*waves to SaphGem*)

Where do I get my inspiration, and who do I read?

My inspiration--I hate to use cliche answers, but right now, I'm sitting in training for my new job with the lights low. In front of me, model-straight blond hair sweeps the college's students athletic shoulders as she fidgets on her computer. She sighs and slurps her iced coffee, rolling her eyes as the dark shadow comes up behind her.

"Oh, Bruce, you think you have me?"

In one rapid movement, she's on her heels, pulling her batarang, only to stop inches from the attacker's chest. 

"Tim?" she asks, her batarang still heaved to stab. Buffy has nothing on her.

Tim pulls off his cowl. "Will people stop doing that? That's the fifth time this week."

Hey, I'm just the fly on the wall. Actually, "Steph" was a member of my class, but the point is: Inspiration comes from everything and everywhere. My mom walks with two canes (just like Tim does now--except she needs them), so the limp in "Jammed Hip" came from her plight. Raleigh's name is actually a take on my sister's nickname, Reigh. Your stories and your characters are here--you just have to find them.

As for writing/editing idols, I aspire to be (like) Judd Winick, Geoff Johns, Fabian Nicieza, Mike Marts, Jim Lee, Tony Daniel, Ed Brubaker, Chuck Dixon, and Devin Grayson. (THERE ARE TONS MORE!) I know many people didn't appreciate Ms. Grayson's tenure on Nightwing, but she's really paved the way for female Bat-Fans. She was the first  female writer on a mainstream Batman comic (Gotham Knights still remains one of my favorite comics of all time.) She is the only woman to achieve that feat.

So, I hope this helps. Trust me. As you keep on with your writing career, you'll learn what I have. There really is no such thing as writer's block. You just have to persevere.

Dev

P.S. Judd, please finish your "Long Shadows" twist! I really, really want to know! (Saying that as if Judd reads this...*laughs*)

Wednesday, December 1, 2010

"Baptism of Fire"/STORY GIVEAWAY





As promised (albeit a tad bit tardy)  to ANON, "Baptism of Fire" is now uploaded on my fanfiction page. If you can't access it, send me an email or post a reply, and I'll send you the link.

STORY GIVEAWAY!

The story giveaway is currently going on, so if you've become a follower (*waves*), email me the characters/idea you want. If you haven't yet, it's quick and easy. Become a research assistant, and I'll write you a story with the characters of your choice. Send me an email or comment right here on the blog, and I'll get write (HA!) on it! But hurry! I'm looking to close the giveaway by the end of the year.

Thanks!

Dev