Introduction to Comic Book Writing will begin a new session on February 1, 2017.
Taught by writer, editor, and Comics Experience founder Andy Schmidt, Introduction to Comic Book Writing has earned its popularity by helping hundreds of alums begin to make comics – whether for fun, professional development, or to launch a career.
Graduates of the course include working comics pros like Paul Allor (TET, Marvel Universe Guardians of the Galaxy), Amy Chu (writer, Poison Ivy: Cycle of Life and Death) Bobby Curnow (editor, IDW Publishing), and Nick Spencer (writer, Morning Glories). Our course page offers more testimonials from former students on how the course has helped them develop as writers and professionals.
Andy conducts the course with a methodical series of lessons and hands-on exercises to help you learn skills specific to the comics medium. By the end of the session, you’ll have completed a polished comic script, ready to give to a publisher or artist. You’ll also also gain the confidence and practical knowledge to use toward the next steps in your writing goals.
We asked Andy some questions about how he approaches the course, and what students can look forward to learning.
Comics Experience: What excites you the most about the Intro to Writing course?
Andy Schmidt: I love connecting with newer writers. I’ve been asked if I want to pass off the Intro course and I would just teach the more advanced courses. We could go that route, but I just think it’s so important to lay down a rock solid foundation, and I enjoy getting to know writers and watch them become the creators they want to be. So while I’m super passionate about storytelling and the craft, I just love working with the newer students so much; that’s why I keep doing it and can’t stop.
CE: How did you develop the curriculum?
AS: All of the Comics Experience courses were developed under the same basic idea: Is this a course that I wish had existed when I was trying to break into comics? If the answer is yes, then we move forward. I work in real-world applications and stay current with industry standards and trends. And I developed a methodology that can be applied to any project going forward. So basically, I developed something that would have helped me when I didn’t know how to write comics and break into the comics industry.
CE: What are some of your proudest moments from the course?
AS: My favorite thing is when I can see that “ah-ha” moment in one of the students. It’s that moment where something really big clicks into place and they make a real breakthrough in how they approach storytelling or comics storytelling. It’s just awesome when that happens, and it happens a lot. So any time that happens, I get totally fired up.
Another great thing for me is when students go onto to achieve success — and that’s something that each individual has to define for him or herself. It’s not my job to tell someone what they should or should not try to achieve. But several of my students are working professionally as comics writers now, some under exclusive contracts with major publishers, many have written successful creator-owned series, and a host of others have published their own comics and brought them to market. That is just so inspiring when I go to conventions or get emails and students or alumni are making comics happen. It’s just awesome. And now when I go to comics conventions, I’m going from booth to booth or table to table and I see so many students living out their comics dreams and to know that either myself or Comics Experience has some part in that playing out is wonderful.
CE: What advice do you have for those hoping to take your class?
AS: Jump in! It doesn’t matter your experience level. I teach to the needs and levels of every student. You won’t start if you don’t start. It sounds redundant, but for many people, the hardest thing is taking that first step. And honestly, it’s hard work. So get started! You’ll get there, but you’ve got to get started.
CE: What do you hope students will get out of your class?
AS: Like I said above, I don’t set long-term goals for my students. I ask what they want to do ultimately in comics. But what students come away with is a couple of things. 1. A methodology that they can apply to any script they’re going to write going forward. 2. A working knowledge of the comics industry and 3. A full comic script that they can be proud of. And all that adds up to a sense of pride in their own accomplishments from the course.
Intro to Comic Book Writing sells out quickly, so enroll now to guarantee your spot. Course size is limited to keep the class atmosphere personalized, friendly and fun!
Visit our course page for full details, and to sign up now.
Introduction to Comic Book Writing starts February 1, 2017!
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Posted by Meredith Nudo