Grind - Alice In Chains
I was asked by a friend tonight if I'll keep up my webcomic (found here for the one or two of you who still don't know about it by now) after I'm a famous writer. That's a good question, and one without an easy answer. Like so many things I do, it's yet one more strain on my time that takes away from writing, or family, or editing, or sleep.
But is it really just a lark? A hobby? Or is it something more important than that?
I've learned a whole lot about storytelling from producing this strip. I've learned how to carry a story arc through a series of adventures and misadventures. I've learned how to be funny in only four panels (which is honestly pretty difficult - I know I fall flat at times, but I've also had people comment that they've spat mouthfuls of beverage across their screens/keyboards, so I must be doing something right from time to time). I've learned how to let dialogue carry a story, and the usefulness of the "Beat," or silent panel. Like anything else, comedy is all in the timing, even when it's written.
I've nearly quit the webcomic half a dozen times over the past three years for various reasons, any of which would be a perfectly legitimate reason to pack up my toys and go home. However, I've ultimately decided each time to continue with it, and that often brings a fresh perspective and new plotlines to explore.
So will I continue with it when I'm famous? Honestly, I don't know. I'd like to think I'll still have stories to tell in my little plastic soap opera. I've heard that once you're published, your non-writing time spent publicizing your writing tends to crowd out most other things in your life. But I've invested a lot of time into these characters, and have a lot of regular readers invested in them as well, and I'd hate to disappoint my fanbase.
There's a saying that when there's another mouth to feed, you just scramble the eggs, mash the potatoes, and add water to the soup. I suppose if that means my time will be watery soup, then so be it.
2 Critics:
It would be a shame if you had to give it up. When you reach the point when you HAVE to give up something, you'll probably know at the time what it is.
And it'll probably be sleep. :)
As somebody well in touch with that "it's time to pack it up and go home" feeling, I agree with Kristen. You'll know when done is done. :) In the meantime, I will enjoy every single strip I read.
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