Comic Book Movies

Loved watching the trailers for the upcoming comic book movies during the Super Bowl. It reminds me of an article I just read in GQ that talked about the state of film making in Hollywood and the reason we see so many sequels, prequels and movies based on past properties.
The thought in Hollywood right now is that it is better to bet on an established property and capitalize on the fan base rather than gamble on something new. Established properties come with a ready-built fan base and then maybe you manage to grab some new fans along the way.
Sounds good to me. All the more reason to avoid stressing over writing the next great blockbuster. Just write something or draw something or start something and as Seth Godin says so often "ship!" which means deliver it in some format. Make it as good as you can make it and start building that fan base now. the best time to start was a couple of years ago. The second best time is today. (I also stole that from Seth)

Creativity

You know, I love creativity. I love writing, drawing, brainstorming, outlining, filming...I just enjoy being creative. It's a shame that there aren't more opportunities to be creative. Then again, I guess there is really no shortage of such opportunities. Right now, I create in my time after my "real job".
I am starting to realize there is a certain amount of creativity that can be employed in my "real job".
I know there are a lot of other creators out there looking for a venue. I am starting to think that we have to make our own venue a lot of times. Find a tribe of followers, connect with them and market right to them.
I am thinking that the notion of being "discovered" might be a thing of the past, or at least a lot more of a crap shoot than it's ever been before.
There is so much noise out there, it's hard to convince someone you are different enough for them to produce.
Maybe the right path is to produce...and use your product to convince.

Status

Well, no word on publication as of yet. We have a couple of feelers out there, but nothing yet.
So, what do we do? Keep developing and keep sending out submissions.

As always, the key is to write, write, write or if you are an artist it is draw, draw, draw.

Point is...no one can do our push-ups for us (get the metaphor)

So I guess I should go get to work

The weekend

This weekend would be a perfect time to steal some hours to work on your passion. Here's how mine will go down.
I will spend at least a couple of hours reading or watching some good fantasy, sci-fi, superhero action. Haven't picked out just what yet. Maybe I will go see Watchmen again.
Then, I will use that creative energy to dive into writing and hopefully get within striking distance of finishing "Insurrection" this weekend. I am so ready to finish this one up so I can start polishing. It is really coming together.
Hey! You should do the same thing with your own story, or artwork or whatever has been rattling around in the back of your mind. What? Haven't started a story or some artwork yet? This weekend is the perfect time to crank it up!

10,000 Hours

I am pretty sure I read somewhere that it takes 10,000 hours to become an expert on anything. I have spent well over 10,000 hours on my "real job" and I guess I am a bit of an expert. I'm not sure I have spent 10,000 hours on my career as a writer and creator of great stories. I guess it depends on how one decides to spend those 10,000 hours. We could spend them quickly by devoting several hours a week to our craft and hopefully get to the expert level quickly and start getting our "stuff" in front of others.
Or, we could do it slowly...an hour or two a week. It will still take 10,000 hours, but those hours will be spread over decades.
So, what am I saying? If you have a "real job" but are trying to be a writer, artist, movie producer, director or whatever...remember this - If you treat your venture like a hobby, it will reward you like a hobby. If you treat it like it is your life, then the rewards will increase substantially.
Of course one has to have balance with work, family, religion and all that jazz, but the take home message is this - If you haven't spent a few hours working on your stories this week...why not start right now?

Productivity

It's hard to write, draw, create when it's not your "main thing". For most of us, the starving artist concept is all too real. "Green" of Green Gates manages to eke out some sort of living doing what he loves (scaring people half to death) but for most of us we have to work AND create. For many of us, the creative side takes a back seat to the productive side (we do all have to eat).
So...here's the deal...if you have set aside your project or your dream for the last several days, weeks, months...years...even decades. When is the best time to get it out, dust it off, and crank up the creative engine again? Well, I'll tell you - the BEST time to do it was ten years ago, but the good news is that the SECOND BEST time to do it is right now! Today!
SO what are you waiting for? Let's make a deal...I will write today, so how about joining me and putting those creative muscles to work?