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 class is $295 and runs eight Thursdays (no class July 18).

The classes are taught by me, Jim Higgins. I’m a former DC Comics editor, small alternative comics publisher, and have taught comics classes and workshops for 20 years at The School of Visual Arts in NYC, and at CalArts, UCLA Extension, Meltdown Comics, The Society of Illustrators of Los Angeles, and more. I’ve appeared as an expert on comics on ABC News Nightline, BBC Radio, Storage Wars, KPCC Radio, and more.