This is my “200-level” class, meaning you need to have taken the Making Comics (or the Creating Comics) class before you can take this. If you’re in one of those classes now, you can take this even if the other one’s got a few sessions left.
Instead of focusing on doing a short comics story like in the Making Comics class, this eight-week class focuses on writing a detailed outline for a graphic novel, a miniseries, or the first story arc of an ongoing series. Any subject matter, any genre, even non-fiction. The story is workshopped in detail, the structure is analyzed, and the writer makes final decisions about what’s in and out, all with the aid of the group, finishing with a scene by scene outline. There will be lots of discussion of the different facets of the comics market, and where best to pitch the project when it’s ready, as well as how to find artists. Students finish the class by writing a one-page pitch and a five-page proposal/outline ready to pair up with art and send out to publishers.
The workshop is led by Jim Higgins. Jim’s been a writer and editor in the comics business for over 20 years. He’s worked as a screenwriter and been a comics consultant for films and TV. He was an editor and assistant editor at DC Comics in the Paradox Press division and is the editor and publisher of New Thing, an international anthology of short comics stories. He’s been teaching writing and drawing comics at major art colleges and institutions such as Otis College of Art and Design and Calarts for many years.
SILA Members: Remember to choose the Members Category for your 10% discount.