Creating a Graphic Novel : Art – Food – Photography

Check a recent post of mine: Idiot’s Guide to Creating a Graphic Novel. Now check the comments. I’ll wait . . go check . . .

Nat Gertler, author of the book posted a comment on my site!! I have to admit I was a little sceptical that it was actually him to start off with. A quick check on google for Nat’s website and I emailed him directly asking if he did post that comment and a promise of a donut (and beer!) if he was ever visiting Australia.

Nat :
If I ever find myself Down Under, I will indeed take you up on that donut. Right after figuring out why I’m in Australia (and, if I recognize this scene from movies, why there’s a bump on my head, a smoking gun in my hand, and a brand new wedding ring on my finger.)

I have to admit I was still a little shocked that he found my site! Anyway I got to ask him a question I really wanted his opinion on.

The Question :
Almost every site or book on how to create a comic / graphic novel or break into the industry usually ends with how difficult it is. Even with that . . why do you think there’s still so many budding writers / artists out there still trying?

Nat :
Every article on giving birth also talks about the agony of the effort… but in the end, you have your baby.

Some are trying because they don’t know how hard it is. Some are trying because they have a sense of it, but feel its worth an effort. Most are overconfident in their abilities. That’s not a bad thing. It’s tough, but you’ll never get through it if you don’t believe you can.

Is it always wise? No. For some, it will be failure, at times painful or expensive. I’m not one to tell you that if you try hard, you’re going to make it. But I can tell you that if you don’t try, you’re not.

I really value what he wrote.
It’s kind of the purpose of this site really . . . I decided I want to make the attempt knowing full well the effort it could take. Some days are good and I get a lot of writing done, some days aren’t so good and I end up procrastinating. You’re bound to not succeed if you never make the attempt.

To Nat a big thanks for writing Creating a Graphic Novel (lots of great stuff in there) as well as replying to my emails. I hope you drop into this site from time to time.