Some time in the sketchbook.

(NOTE: These images are fixed now.)

Blogger is giving me a bit of trouble with the images. I don't have the time to work on getting them to pop up right, so you'll just have to squint to try and make out my handwriting - if you care.

I'm trying to figure this book and these characters out. The kids sometimes feel way too young, but I don't think I mind that so much.


I've been trying to prep myself to start this story. After few days of thoughtful deliberation regarding the nuts and bolts of production (drawing size, materials, etc.) as well at narrative format I think I've got it all figured out. Of course finding myself talking to others about how I plan on working has helped a great deal. Kristie and Jarret both helped me think through my process.

I've got to wait until we get our property taxes paid before I order my art supplies. Just out of curiosity, what is your favorite paper to draw on? I usually love Canson Smooth Bristol; I find that it's better for me than Strathmore 300 or 400.


I'm looking for something even smoother and heavier though. I'm looking to order in bulk online as well. I don't want to spend a fortune on paper.
I'll put a few more sketches up soon.

More from Alabama.

Here are a few more of the 400+ pictures I took back in Alabama this weekend.

My dad prepares some meat while our cat (Catbert the Evil HR Director) hangs out (or hangs over):

I nosed around the woods in Happy Hollow looking for an old mine. I didn't find it, but I think I was really close. I'm going to try and look again in the same area when we go home for the 4th of July.

Sunday was Decoration day at the cemeteries where our family is buried. I didn't take any pictures as Morris Cemetery. This one is from Liberty:

Alabama Report.

A bit of my research while back in Alabama.

Crooked Creek:

Morris:

Mullberry Fork:

Robinwood:

Bangor:

More in the Bangor woods:

An upturned Jeep in the woods.

Bangor Cave. This Cave used to be a sort of night spot in the 1930s. There was a bandstand and a bar and other such facilities deep in this cave.

Now the cave has plenty ofvandalism.

Alright.

Reading and rereading.

The only thing worse than writing a story is having to reread it over and over. I'm already sick of my writing. I've still got a great deal to go. I think I have the story laid out, but the specifics are still a bit thin in places. No dialog yet. I'll work out all of that after I'm sure of how I'm going to lay out the plot.

Kristie helped me put up some shelves in my office. The house is that much closer to a library.

Post Editors' Day - Time to write.

Well. Editors' Day has come and gone. Our department had a lovely bunch of visiting editors that came to visit with the students and review a crazy amount of portfolios. Marvel, DC/Vertigo, TokyoPop, Top Shelf, Alternative Comics, Nickelodeon Magazine, and Devil's Due were are represented. They all spoke highly of the professionalism of our students and how receptive they were of criticism and compliment.

It was good to see Chris Staros and James Lucas Jones again. Very nice fellows. And Mike O'Sullivan is always a hoot and a half. It's great to be able to bring all of the editors in to the department.

Kristie is super busy getting ready for her ICE show in June in Atlanta. I doubt that I'll be able to go up with her because SCAD graduation is that same day. As always I must put my job before family.

Julie's show Whigmaleerie is up at the Gallery Espresso and the reception is this Thursday from 6-8pm. If you are in town, you should stop by. Her work is lovely.

Me? I've been doing a great deal of writing. I'm planning another research trip back home to Alabama next week. I need to have my story completely fleshed out before then so I can know what I need to get while I'm there. This will probably be my last chance to really finish my planning on this story before I get to work on it. I want to have it started well before San Diego Comic Con in late July. I've spent almost the last year researching and planning for this story and I will probably spend the next year (or more) drawing it. I hope it doesn't turn out to be a cruddy book.

This story is very important to me and since it's based on so much speculation and unproven theories I'm having to construct a 'definitive' version for myself of what may have happened to those missing boys in 1956. It tough because sometimes I find contradicting elements that I think are both interesting, but I don't want it to be a multiple choice story (like Hollywoodland), so I have to choose one over the other. I then have to try and make it make sense with all of the other elements. I'm used to writing stories with characters that sort of write themselves. I'm not used to juggling so much action and plot and information.

Any who. Since Kristie and got to go see Meet the Robinsons, I've been enamored with the film. I really enjoyed it and recommend it to whoever thinks that it might not be a good film. I thought it was lovely. Not just because it was in 3D either.

I must get back to writing.