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Matthew Steiner

Greetings CCAS,

My name is Matthew Steiner, a part-time writer who recently wrote a script for a superhero/alternate history comic. I intend to send it out to Dark Horse and maybe some others once my synopsis is done, but I'd be just as happy self-publishing it if I could find an artist (hint, hint).

I'm going to just come out and say this: I am a Messianic Jew, which in this instance means that while I believe Jesus is the Messiah and died for our sins like most other Christians, I do not believe he intended us to stop following the Torah, including the Festivals and eating kosher. I'm only bringing this up because it may get reflected in my stories and definitely in my schedule, so any artist who wants to work with me should have fair warning.

My favorite thing to write about is speculative fiction, AKA sci-fi/fantasy, mostly sci-fi. I love building alternate worlds whose rules work much differently from our own and examining what those differences would mean to its inhabitants.

I'll be honest, I am not entirely sure if I understand how to pace a comic book, or if I am making other mistakes, so any advice from more experienced writers would be appreciated.

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  • I'm write in my off time as well.  I just published my first graphic novel and am working on the scripts for the last two books in the three book series.  I also write speculative fiction and sci fi fantasy.  I have three projects right now that all fall in those generas.  I found my artist on Elance.com.  Freelance artist from all over the world can see your project and bid on it.  I had over 40 bid on mine and I ended up with the perfect partner.  My GN are done like scripts.  In the writing a give a general scene setting at the start of each scene to frame the illustrators thoughts, then describe frame by frame the action, emotions, intentions, focal points, significant interactions and props.  It turned out really well and was fun to see how someone else interpreted my writing.

    I published through createspace.com.  It was really easy.  I also have booth set up for 5 comic cons through the spring and fall.  My first book has only been on Amazon for 4 days and Ive sold over 300 copies.  Much of this has to do with the social networking pages I set up before hand.  I got my books facebook page up to 1300+ followers before the book even came out.

    In any case all that to say that self publishing as a GN writer is very doable without a big name behind you. :)  Takes a little more of your personal time, but its fun and has a snow ball effect.

    You sound like a pretty interesting guy and that will come out in your stories.  Can't wait to see some from you.  Press on friend!

  • You have some good ideas. I am going to pray that God opens an opportunity for you to do this without tha backing of a large publisher, and to start your own organization. I want to see you prosper without any aide from the world but all support and guidance from God! Be blessed. and we are waiting to see and read some of your works!

  • Thanks both of you. I've also heard about story boarding software, I might try that. Thanks again for the warning about Dark Horse too. The main reason I don't want to apply to DC or Marvel is that to my understanding they have an established multiverse which is inconsistent with my own due to a lack of God. The Marvel movie universe is better, at the moment there are no real supernatural forces. I don't suppose you know of any other publishers who I could work with? I could send a copy of my current synopsis to you if it would help.

  • I used to write and draw for Dark Horse Comics in 1991-92 (my work was in the first six issues of Deadline: USA), and can tell you from experience that they were always a month or two late in paying their creators, and from what I hear from others that hasn't changed---whereas DC Comics was always very prompt in paying advances, vouchers for finished work, and royalties (they still pay quarterly to this day).

    My hands are quite full with my own publishing, but best wishes with your project! 

  • Hello Matthew,

    I am not more experienced, but as an aspiring writer I have forced myself to sketch out little Scribble Storyboards with my crude drawings, and believe if you do the same it will be a valuable tool towards getting a feel for the pacing you like. Even stick figures with their dialog balloons can reveal a lot about the weaknesses in a script, especially if you are prone to 'Christian Talking Head' like me.

     

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    Don't be shy to show your storyboards to the artist, there can be a lot of information in it that you might miss just writing text. Like, when you sit to do your storyboard you might realize, like I often do, that you haven't defined the exact setting for the scene, and so forth.

    You probably know all this, but I'll mention it just in case:)

    May God bring you an artist who is a perfect match for you and your script!

    Gerry

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