Is anyone working on a graphic novel? If so, where do you start?

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   Kevina Oyatedorposted 11 years ago

   Is anyone working on a graphic novel? If so, where do you start?

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   Nellieannaposted 11 years ago

   In writing fiction, write your ending first.  Then design, outline & write the steps to lead to it.  This was the advice given me by a most excellent fiction writer here on HP.  I tried the method for my first serous attempt at fiction and it worked beautifully!

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      Kevina Oyatedorposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      Thank you. I am thinking about starting one.

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   alancaster149posted 11 years ago

   This is a personal issue, and different writers approach a beginning in different ways.
   The retrospective approach can be useful, where you begin looking backwards at an event and work forward in time to the present.
   You can also start at the end and 'demonstrate' in your story how events brought you to that end.
   Or you can 'project' into the future.
   I started my first book with a 'parallel' look into an earlier (fictitious, based on fact) incident, and then began the main story with a physical observation of the surroundings, rather than passive description.
   Use 'strong' verbs that push the story forward. Avoid passive verbs  unless you're 'talking' of preparing your readers for something that will happen. Use dialogue often, to drive the narrative onward to its conclusion. End suddenly.

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   MKayoposted 11 years ago

   I started and worked on a graphic novel years ago. First and foremost, make sure you have a dynamite story or script. No matter how good your art or coloring or anything else, if the story sucks, the rest is a waste of time. You can have the best artists working to make it look good but if the story is weak or cheesy, it will never gain popularity. People want a good story first. If you're the artist, pay good money if you must, but make sure the story is good.

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   Cardisaposted 11 years ago

   I find this very useful and I have heard many authors say it before.http://www.writersdigest.com/editor-blogs/there-are-no-rules/novak?et_mid=616151&rid=233040204
   
   Brenda Novak says to start story when something exciting happens.
   
   The start of your novel should be attention grabbing but does not give everything away.
   
   The story I am working on now is about a Jamaican boy who was gunned downed by unknown assailants while on his way from University. I started it by stating his state of mind and events leading up to it, trying to get the reader interested in the character while making them feel like something was about to happen. At the same time building on the main character so her integration seems seamless. All this happens in the first chapter because his sister will go on a manhunt for the perpetrators which will happen in the rest of the story.

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