Cover for Chapter 3: Pillars in the Well
This spread was actually made after this chapter was torn from a bloated chapter 2, to make this it's own, reasonably sized chapter. I made this cover with a knowledge of what was to come, and I feel that it is getting more dynamic. . .
Title Page
Radalus, again appearing to speak to nobody, as ghosts do. Again breaking the mold with negative space. Also added to the beginning when this became it's very own chapter.
Riding the Wind
This Kazoon guy is quite surprisingly useful, huh? We look into where some other adventurers are, then come upon on a strange fleeing herd of beasts, and Boom!
Look in on your competition, from a reasonable distance. Get a good overview of where you are, and scout ahead, carefully.
I drew this twice, changing a variety of shapes to circles, to help them look better together, and imitate the shape of Trambite.
Maybe they will notice that fin shaped thing isn't a rock formation soon, but they're really going fast now . . .
Are good ideas crossing your path? What will you do with them? Do they relate to your goals, or do they deflect you from them? Can you take advantage of the changing landscape, or will you get tripped up?
Look in on your competition, from a reasonable distance. Get a good overview of where you are, and scout ahead, carefully.
I drew this twice, changing a variety of shapes to circles, to help them look better together, and imitate the shape of Trambite.
Maybe they will notice that fin shaped thing isn't a rock formation soon, but they're really going fast now . . .
Are good ideas crossing your path? What will you do with them? Do they relate to your goals, or do they deflect you from them? Can you take advantage of the changing landscape, or will you get tripped up?
Biffaloo Beast Feast
Take a quick break for a meal. Look around you, and confer with your friends. Some miracles might happen, though not necessarily with the sudden appearance of self cooking feasts.
This was a crazy page, but it still seemed to me to fit.
What is distinctly creative about this? I broke the grid a bit with that explosion, and I also broke the probability, and some of the seriousness. I remember in the Wizard of Oz books, when things would happen that were simply there to show that the place was made for fun adventure, and convenience, like a friendly walk through a lollypop playground. A little nonsense never hurt anybody, and it expands your mind and your range if you put in unexpected, crazy things.
Go with the flow of the unexpected. You have to eat.
This was a crazy page, but it still seemed to me to fit.
What is distinctly creative about this? I broke the grid a bit with that explosion, and I also broke the probability, and some of the seriousness. I remember in the Wizard of Oz books, when things would happen that were simply there to show that the place was made for fun adventure, and convenience, like a friendly walk through a lollypop playground. A little nonsense never hurt anybody, and it expands your mind and your range if you put in unexpected, crazy things.
Go with the flow of the unexpected. You have to eat.
Underneath the Waves
This page sprung instantly and simply from the fact that Trambite got sooty, when the bifaloo beast exploded.
But the meaning goes deeper. The light refraction here is extra extreme, because this is the Sea of the Unconscious, and there's a lot more beneath the surface.
There's hidden meaning, and mountains and forests, and crowds of slowly moving stone people. There may be a simple conversation on the surface, but there are hidden agendas, expectations, twists and shadows and personality conflicts to navigate. And of course, a monster's tail, if you hadn't already guessed.
This one was fun to draw, figuring out how to show the submerged world, and the massive sea creature with an agenda of it's own. This is the first one not to originate with a sketch in Sketchbook Pro - I sketched it directly in Illustrator, then made the ink lines over the top. Very spontaneous of me.
I like expressing the change in size, that makes me feel small, but also makes me see that there is a lot more going on, in space and power, than I usually notice.
I wonder whether the sea monster noticed that there was an explosion on it's back?
But the meaning goes deeper. The light refraction here is extra extreme, because this is the Sea of the Unconscious, and there's a lot more beneath the surface.
There's hidden meaning, and mountains and forests, and crowds of slowly moving stone people. There may be a simple conversation on the surface, but there are hidden agendas, expectations, twists and shadows and personality conflicts to navigate. And of course, a monster's tail, if you hadn't already guessed.
This one was fun to draw, figuring out how to show the submerged world, and the massive sea creature with an agenda of it's own. This is the first one not to originate with a sketch in Sketchbook Pro - I sketched it directly in Illustrator, then made the ink lines over the top. Very spontaneous of me.
I like expressing the change in size, that makes me feel small, but also makes me see that there is a lot more going on, in space and power, than I usually notice.
I wonder whether the sea monster noticed that there was an explosion on it's back?
Goomchug and the Cosmic Gladiator
Ever suddenly come upon something that didn't fit? A big idea, that opened your mind because you didn't see it coming, can be welcomed early, but could throw you completely off if it hits you too late.
This one came with a psychofant, a fan, an academic who wants to understand and maybe have something big to follow or to worship. The Cosmic Gladiator is a mystery, something you know is too big to truly understand. Maybe a monster, who can kill you without even knowing it did. This might be the threat that you avoid facing, because you know you are too small, too slow, whatever weakness you want to name. Or maybe he is a hero, who has special abilities and grand objectives. Do you have the courage to wake him up, or are you going to tiptoe away, staying on the ground. You may not be able to find out if he is a monster or a hero.
This page hit me three weeks ago, all of a sudden, because I felt like I was avoiding opportunities, and I had an idea for a character, but he didn't fit anywhere. I made him huge, and shoe-horned him in here. Now he feels like he was already there, waiting for me to turn that corner. But he comes with plenty of mystery, that I cannot answer. His name says a lot. Maybe Goomchug has left some notes behind.
This one came with a psychofant, a fan, an academic who wants to understand and maybe have something big to follow or to worship. The Cosmic Gladiator is a mystery, something you know is too big to truly understand. Maybe a monster, who can kill you without even knowing it did. This might be the threat that you avoid facing, because you know you are too small, too slow, whatever weakness you want to name. Or maybe he is a hero, who has special abilities and grand objectives. Do you have the courage to wake him up, or are you going to tiptoe away, staying on the ground. You may not be able to find out if he is a monster or a hero.
This page hit me three weeks ago, all of a sudden, because I felt like I was avoiding opportunities, and I had an idea for a character, but he didn't fit anywhere. I made him huge, and shoe-horned him in here. Now he feels like he was already there, waiting for me to turn that corner. But he comes with plenty of mystery, that I cannot answer. His name says a lot. Maybe Goomchug has left some notes behind.
Second Guess
I was hopeful this little inserted scenario didn't derail the forward direction, but it seemed fittingly weird and mysterious, and we're on the Sea of Consciousness, so maybe it fits.
Anyway, I looked forward to coloring it, feeling like the Cosmic Gladiator adds a touch of ancient nonsense, and a sense of awesome unknown power.
Creatively, you don't really need to seek out danger. It comes to you, in the form of challenges and hurdles and fences and mental blocks. You just have to determine if you will be stalled.
Danger can motivate you to get going, so facing it may not mean letting it catch up with you. Trambite is a little distracted by what he saw under the waves, but he realizes that moving on is becoming more critical.
When I wrote this, I felt like moving on is not really what I am doing, so from here I am getting back to my plan, with fewer detours. Maybe.
Don't let your goals get mixed up with each other . . . Positive goals go to the front of the line, or they won't propel you forward. It doesn't help to focus on the fear and danger.
The Cosmic Gladiator. We don't know much. He is covered with white tattoos on blue skin, and he appears to have a face on his chest. Does he have another head under that helmet?
I don't know yet. I love mystery, and he came into the story almost fully formed on a whim. There's something deeper there.
There are great big things that us tiny mortals don't know. They may not be determinable at all. Like the vast history of our galaxy, and how we came to be in a solar system with no other life . . . apparently. Move on to what you do know. One step at a time. The stars just came out.
Anyway, I looked forward to coloring it, feeling like the Cosmic Gladiator adds a touch of ancient nonsense, and a sense of awesome unknown power.
Creatively, you don't really need to seek out danger. It comes to you, in the form of challenges and hurdles and fences and mental blocks. You just have to determine if you will be stalled.
Danger can motivate you to get going, so facing it may not mean letting it catch up with you. Trambite is a little distracted by what he saw under the waves, but he realizes that moving on is becoming more critical.
When I wrote this, I felt like moving on is not really what I am doing, so from here I am getting back to my plan, with fewer detours. Maybe.
Don't let your goals get mixed up with each other . . . Positive goals go to the front of the line, or they won't propel you forward. It doesn't help to focus on the fear and danger.
The Cosmic Gladiator. We don't know much. He is covered with white tattoos on blue skin, and he appears to have a face on his chest. Does he have another head under that helmet?
I don't know yet. I love mystery, and he came into the story almost fully formed on a whim. There's something deeper there.
There are great big things that us tiny mortals don't know. They may not be determinable at all. Like the vast history of our galaxy, and how we came to be in a solar system with no other life . . . apparently. Move on to what you do know. One step at a time. The stars just came out.
Sandcastle City
Leaving the Sea of Consciousness behind, our travelers get a chance to see the creative work of some mysterious, possibly small, civilization. It's getting dark, the moon is up and shadows are growing long. The most ephemeral of creations, these sculptures of sand could not have been here long. Uendyr thinks the sandcastles are a possible distraction or lesson, but their creators don't even have our travellers in mind.
Are they experiments, practice, or are they actually lived in?
If you are on your own creative project, see this as an opportunity to see what others have done, or try something new, that is not like what you are doing. Cross pollination is a great way to expand your view and your own creative productions. Sand castles have their own limitations, but they can be made quickly, with sand or dirt. Or build a prototype model. Those are good too.
Are they experiments, practice, or are they actually lived in?
If you are on your own creative project, see this as an opportunity to see what others have done, or try something new, that is not like what you are doing. Cross pollination is a great way to expand your view and your own creative productions. Sand castles have their own limitations, but they can be made quickly, with sand or dirt. Or build a prototype model. Those are good too.
Dream Sand Prototype
Time to make something, finally! I feel the compulsion to get my hands dirty, and get that feeling of accomplishment bringing a dream to life. It must be dream sand, to defy gravity like that!
Put the pressure aside, and try to make a prototype of your idea, incomplete though it may be. If you experiment, you find what does and doesn't work. You get a practical sense whether your project is even realistic, or needs a direction change. Caution and judgement to the wind, this is not the final.
But of course, you are being watched.
This was an especially challenging one. Again, I designed this to fit here just two weeks ago, and the lighting needed to work for a moonlit night. Not sure if it does. I also had to cobble a machine together which was originally thought up a couple years ago and left in a lost pile. The parts actually have meaning in this process, but it wasn't completed. So this is my prototype, abandoned, then reworked to fit here. I even reused a previous pose of Uendyr to save time.
Put the pressure aside, and try to make a prototype of your idea, incomplete though it may be. If you experiment, you find what does and doesn't work. You get a practical sense whether your project is even realistic, or needs a direction change. Caution and judgement to the wind, this is not the final.
But of course, you are being watched.
This was an especially challenging one. Again, I designed this to fit here just two weeks ago, and the lighting needed to work for a moonlit night. Not sure if it does. I also had to cobble a machine together which was originally thought up a couple years ago and left in a lost pile. The parts actually have meaning in this process, but it wasn't completed. So this is my prototype, abandoned, then reworked to fit here. I even reused a previous pose of Uendyr to save time.
The Flaming Eye of Scrutiny
This one had a longer title, but it wouldn't fit: "The Soggy Sands and the Flaming Eye of Scrutiny". They have arrived at their destination, to find danger and confusion and darkness amid the soggy sands of a desert that isn't. As usual, Zendu wants to rush ahead and Trambite wants to hold them back. Lots of contrasts and surprises here, including thorned, huge, fast growing vines.
One of their pursuers has almost caught up, and is stalled for a moment to turn the whimsical sand machine into glass, apparently fulfilling a prophecy that the miniature Cog is aware of. The assistant cog represents the logical measurement of projects, the hooded leader cog represents the analysis and interpretation of projects. Both are necessary for judgement.
They're in the city of random miniature cog citizens, living in temporary structures of their own design and mold. They make life from what is available.
Your projects may be reaching a milestone, where you determine if your structure will hold what you have planned to hang on it. You need to find a high point to evaluate your work thus far, take a breath and consider your efforts. Leave something out for the critics to see and respond to. Samples and Prototypes and models. But you move on, get some distance between you and the crowd, so you can continue your process and reach your higher ground.
Then there is the armless idiot monster, and his crazy rider. Guess away.
How does your project stand up under scrutiny?
One of their pursuers has almost caught up, and is stalled for a moment to turn the whimsical sand machine into glass, apparently fulfilling a prophecy that the miniature Cog is aware of. The assistant cog represents the logical measurement of projects, the hooded leader cog represents the analysis and interpretation of projects. Both are necessary for judgement.
They're in the city of random miniature cog citizens, living in temporary structures of their own design and mold. They make life from what is available.
Your projects may be reaching a milestone, where you determine if your structure will hold what you have planned to hang on it. You need to find a high point to evaluate your work thus far, take a breath and consider your efforts. Leave something out for the critics to see and respond to. Samples and Prototypes and models. But you move on, get some distance between you and the crowd, so you can continue your process and reach your higher ground.
Then there is the armless idiot monster, and his crazy rider. Guess away.
How does your project stand up under scrutiny?
Climbing the Pipes
"What is it for?" asked Uendyr. They've finally arrived at the tower, after seeing it in the distance for quite a while, and they're headed for the top.
So what is it? And why is it infested with vines?
Plumbing to a great toilet in the sky? Who knows?
Well, it represents several things. The most basic is a place to hang things, to organize what you have found, arrange in a practical way, ready for use. It's like a medicine cupboard, a closet, a corkboard collage, a rack for collecting discoveries, a map on the wall, a kinetic sculpture, a departure point . . .
It is also a symbol for higher ground and planning ahead, getting a view of what came before and what comes next. Which we do a lot in the creative process.
It is an unfinished machine, a Rube Goldberg-ish contraption, a steampunk wonder in a strange soggy desert, a lighthouse that just needs to turn the light on.
It is also the introduction spot for the next character in the story, based on my oldest son, who has been waiting to be introduced into the story since it began.
Read on, and find out who, or what he is. Monster? Sometimes. He is a teenager now. Genius? Most definitely.
So what is it? And why is it infested with vines?
Plumbing to a great toilet in the sky? Who knows?
Well, it represents several things. The most basic is a place to hang things, to organize what you have found, arrange in a practical way, ready for use. It's like a medicine cupboard, a closet, a corkboard collage, a rack for collecting discoveries, a map on the wall, a kinetic sculpture, a departure point . . .
It is also a symbol for higher ground and planning ahead, getting a view of what came before and what comes next. Which we do a lot in the creative process.
It is an unfinished machine, a Rube Goldberg-ish contraption, a steampunk wonder in a strange soggy desert, a lighthouse that just needs to turn the light on.
It is also the introduction spot for the next character in the story, based on my oldest son, who has been waiting to be introduced into the story since it began.
Read on, and find out who, or what he is. Monster? Sometimes. He is a teenager now. Genius? Most definitely.
Monkey's Looking Glass
Tricky page this.
Lighting was the last addition, and a lot depends on it working, since the dark obscures the details.
We've narrowed down to our goal, and found a monkey there, criticizing, questioning, getting in our faces.
People don't naturally accept new things easily. Sometimes they have a power position to defend, and they don't like people challenging their territory.
Your goal may not be what you thought, so I hope you're more flexible than the monkey.
So what are you going to do now? Have you held on tightly despite negative feedback?
This is not Alice's looking glass. It is a magnifying glass. However, I loved the opportunity of using that reference, since this story's origin owes a lot to the whimsy and dreamlike story of Alice.
Sorry Zendu, no monster, no army, just a very annoyed monkey.
Lighting was the last addition, and a lot depends on it working, since the dark obscures the details.
We've narrowed down to our goal, and found a monkey there, criticizing, questioning, getting in our faces.
People don't naturally accept new things easily. Sometimes they have a power position to defend, and they don't like people challenging their territory.
Your goal may not be what you thought, so I hope you're more flexible than the monkey.
So what are you going to do now? Have you held on tightly despite negative feedback?
This is not Alice's looking glass. It is a magnifying glass. However, I loved the opportunity of using that reference, since this story's origin owes a lot to the whimsy and dreamlike story of Alice.
Sorry Zendu, no monster, no army, just a very annoyed monkey.
Gadgets and Gliders
The Pipes.
Not the safest place to be, and kinda cluttered, the secret workshop of Mazardak is a jumping off point, and a place to get a breath, get some planning done, and then leap. It is at once a goal and a starting point, to be visited when you need a view, a change of direction, a parking spot for a moment.
Try to negotiate with the monkey, and get information out of him . . . and more information, needed or not. Head in the clouds or above them, this is a nice break from the ground . . unless you're afraid of heights. Getting a different view can be good for your process, especially if you find a high point.
Get your tools out, and go get some if you don't have them. Trade some, or make some, and gather your best practical gadgets. Cover your dining room table.
Then find an expert who has already been involved, a wise mentor who can give direction based on experience.
Mazardak is based on my oldest teenage son, and both of them can sometimes be grouchy, but they sure do have a lot of cool stuff.
Mazardak is a kind of semi-native of the Isle Obscura, with knowledge of what has happened before you arrived, and some perspective on who's who and what's what. Like all good explorers, he asks lots of questions, and isn't afraid to be pushy to get ahead. But he also doesn't stay in one place long, and gathers information constantly to get a more accurate idea of his next move.
Just don't ask for any bananas. This is not your usual blue monkey. He might push you off the edge if you get too close.
Not the safest place to be, and kinda cluttered, the secret workshop of Mazardak is a jumping off point, and a place to get a breath, get some planning done, and then leap. It is at once a goal and a starting point, to be visited when you need a view, a change of direction, a parking spot for a moment.
Try to negotiate with the monkey, and get information out of him . . . and more information, needed or not. Head in the clouds or above them, this is a nice break from the ground . . unless you're afraid of heights. Getting a different view can be good for your process, especially if you find a high point.
Get your tools out, and go get some if you don't have them. Trade some, or make some, and gather your best practical gadgets. Cover your dining room table.
Then find an expert who has already been involved, a wise mentor who can give direction based on experience.
Mazardak is based on my oldest teenage son, and both of them can sometimes be grouchy, but they sure do have a lot of cool stuff.
Mazardak is a kind of semi-native of the Isle Obscura, with knowledge of what has happened before you arrived, and some perspective on who's who and what's what. Like all good explorers, he asks lots of questions, and isn't afraid to be pushy to get ahead. But he also doesn't stay in one place long, and gathers information constantly to get a more accurate idea of his next move.
Just don't ask for any bananas. This is not your usual blue monkey. He might push you off the edge if you get too close.
The Monkey's Tale
Getting comfortable around the table, Mazardak tells his story. We find out what he has been doing here on "The Pipes". And they eat some fruit.
Most of these recent pages were not story boarded until recently, inserted to give the story more meat and interest. I realize I haven't developed the story behind each character, but now you can see more interesting information, and hint at more of the meaning and reason behind it.
In the creative process, a lot of information and resources are gathered in the beginning, within easy reach and as needed. When you are getting further into your specific project, there is less readily available information that truly fits, and you have to go further out. You have to thin out your jungle to get a better view of what is available that fits your needs. Mazardak has made a home here that soon will be surrounded by deep water, and he knows it. And the new discoveries are getting scarce.
He also recently met another native, in a flying mansion, who apparently has some great furniture to trade. Who is that mysterious character, and what was he looking for? Where did he come from? Is there more island that hasn't sunk, where our travelers can go? The mystery builds as I reveal more of the plan behind this trip to the land of creativity, and the characters who drive it.
Most of these recent pages were not story boarded until recently, inserted to give the story more meat and interest. I realize I haven't developed the story behind each character, but now you can see more interesting information, and hint at more of the meaning and reason behind it.
In the creative process, a lot of information and resources are gathered in the beginning, within easy reach and as needed. When you are getting further into your specific project, there is less readily available information that truly fits, and you have to go further out. You have to thin out your jungle to get a better view of what is available that fits your needs. Mazardak has made a home here that soon will be surrounded by deep water, and he knows it. And the new discoveries are getting scarce.
He also recently met another native, in a flying mansion, who apparently has some great furniture to trade. Who is that mysterious character, and what was he looking for? Where did he come from? Is there more island that hasn't sunk, where our travelers can go? The mystery builds as I reveal more of the plan behind this trip to the land of creativity, and the characters who drive it.
The Beauty of Multitasking
For the first time, I had to back up one page, and insert an event that had to go right here, because certain things need an explanation. Does Mazardak live here alone? Where did the scary vines, and the fruits come from? How did this small monkey get all this structure built?
He has his own princess already. His grail that kept him alive. He makes up for her not being a talker. The first beauty, and possible princess of the Quest.
Ipheona is a completely new character, and she represents other people's wonderful creations, that you know instinctively are beautiful, but they are spoken for, and fit someone else's genius. She is a powerful multitasker in a very small body, with a network of connections to get things done. Beautiful, functional, and she can grow several kinds of fruit to keep you alive.
Who wouldn't want that?
He has his own princess already. His grail that kept him alive. He makes up for her not being a talker. The first beauty, and possible princess of the Quest.
Ipheona is a completely new character, and she represents other people's wonderful creations, that you know instinctively are beautiful, but they are spoken for, and fit someone else's genius. She is a powerful multitasker in a very small body, with a network of connections to get things done. Beautiful, functional, and she can grow several kinds of fruit to keep you alive.
Who wouldn't want that?
Dreaming Awake
Time for a rest. And a dream.
I built much of this story from dreams I have had. Of course, I modified them to fit the story, and some were day dreams. I love the way my mind would fill in details and worlds when I would dream of the most amazing things. Then I would wake up confused, because they didn't make as much sense. I would be wondering how so much could happen in one night, with the details of a full action movie.
This right panel also harks back to a page in book 1, when Wender wakes in his bed. Is he really awake this time, if he is seeing Radalus the ghost?
This was an awkward page to make, since it is really a transition of two styles, and I'm not entirely happy about it. However, I need to move on. There are only a few pages left, and the chapter will be done.
The teacher has arrived, even if the boy is too sleepy to completely understand. Maybe more mysteries will get some answers before the chapter ends.
I built much of this story from dreams I have had. Of course, I modified them to fit the story, and some were day dreams. I love the way my mind would fill in details and worlds when I would dream of the most amazing things. Then I would wake up confused, because they didn't make as much sense. I would be wondering how so much could happen in one night, with the details of a full action movie.
This right panel also harks back to a page in book 1, when Wender wakes in his bed. Is he really awake this time, if he is seeing Radalus the ghost?
This was an awkward page to make, since it is really a transition of two styles, and I'm not entirely happy about it. However, I need to move on. There are only a few pages left, and the chapter will be done.
The teacher has arrived, even if the boy is too sleepy to completely understand. Maybe more mysteries will get some answers before the chapter ends.
Dreamscape Lessons
The page of my dreams. Literally. (Can you use that word to describe dreams?) The structures of this city were inspired by many of my sleeping dreams. Some were old sketches and day dreams, and some were just inspiring shapes.
I don't want to describe every meaning that this page has packed in it. Your dreams are your own, and you will have to imagine your own perfect city of your future. It's sketchy, and incomplete and not fully rendered. But it is paradise to you. I could not do this image justice, because it is just a hint at the power of dreams.
Look in close at the details of your goals and dreams, and see what inspires you, and make a written plan to get there. As Radalus says, "Think Big, without limits!"
Hopefully this page makes sense without my explanation. Who likes a lecture? Moving on.
I don't want to describe every meaning that this page has packed in it. Your dreams are your own, and you will have to imagine your own perfect city of your future. It's sketchy, and incomplete and not fully rendered. But it is paradise to you. I could not do this image justice, because it is just a hint at the power of dreams.
Look in close at the details of your goals and dreams, and see what inspires you, and make a written plan to get there. As Radalus says, "Think Big, without limits!"
Hopefully this page makes sense without my explanation. Who likes a lecture? Moving on.
Lightning Discovery
That was a short dream lesson!
What is going on?
To be honest, this page is more for flow of the story than anything else, since Uendyr needs to come back to reality (sort of).
They were being chased, after all.
Creatively speaking, you could say it is time to collect your energy, your wits, your resources, and abandon the shelf you are on, to find new places and things.
What is going on?
To be honest, this page is more for flow of the story than anything else, since Uendyr needs to come back to reality (sort of).
They were being chased, after all.
Creatively speaking, you could say it is time to collect your energy, your wits, your resources, and abandon the shelf you are on, to find new places and things.
Talented Arrival
That mysterious figure coming out of the shadows, he's your talents revealing themselves.
He may take a while to show up, but don't underestimate him.
I have wanted to insert Spinnder into the story for a long time. He's impressive, and exciting and he was inspired by friends, and especially my kid's friends. Like talents, you don't know what he's capable of, but you can guess he's always ahead of you. But this is the place that finally made the most sense, close to the end of the chapter.
Now, read the next page, and find more revealed about this curious and capable fellow.
He may take a while to show up, but don't underestimate him.
I have wanted to insert Spinnder into the story for a long time. He's impressive, and exciting and he was inspired by friends, and especially my kid's friends. Like talents, you don't know what he's capable of, but you can guess he's always ahead of you. But this is the place that finally made the most sense, close to the end of the chapter.
Now, read the next page, and find more revealed about this curious and capable fellow.
Spinning Conversation
I have a difficult time writing conversation, if you cannot tell. This has been one of my most challenging pages, and I redrew it 3 times before I came up with the current version.
Honestly, dialog is hard, and I still don't think it works great.
Dialog was the reason I never got far on a novel.
I wasn't sure what needed to be said, in this longest of conversations, but I knew that Spinnder had to interact with our main character.
This is the point where you look back in on yourself, and determine if your creative goals fit your talents and interest. Mazardak knows they need to leave, but Uendyr still has questions, which maybe this little fellow could answer.
There is more to say about this. Take pictures of your cool discoveries. Have your meeting, to make sure you all understand each other's strengths, and that your direction matches, at least for now. Get in touch with someone who knows, who is willing to share their talents. Communicate.
Honestly, dialog is hard, and I still don't think it works great.
Dialog was the reason I never got far on a novel.
I wasn't sure what needed to be said, in this longest of conversations, but I knew that Spinnder had to interact with our main character.
This is the point where you look back in on yourself, and determine if your creative goals fit your talents and interest. Mazardak knows they need to leave, but Uendyr still has questions, which maybe this little fellow could answer.
There is more to say about this. Take pictures of your cool discoveries. Have your meeting, to make sure you all understand each other's strengths, and that your direction matches, at least for now. Get in touch with someone who knows, who is willing to share their talents. Communicate.
Time and Talents
Your alarm just went off, and you're late for your deadline. Get your idea in the air, and go somewhere with it. It's too early to expect talent to answer and solve everything, because you may not be ready, but you have to go. The monsters have arrived.
I redrew this one quickly and it actually came together much easier than the last one. The sun has arrived, and the chapter will soon end, propelling me into the next step in the story of the creativity machine. Maybe this bad weather can finally be left behind!
With some mysteries finally answered, I create some new ones. What is Magriloftigus, and where is Spinnder really going?
The organizational rack, which is the tower of Mazardak, is the outline, the general plan, which has been erected from the base surrounding jungle, until the Sea of Consciousness has risen to hide the jungle. This is supposed to mean that you came up with an idea, from which you have hung and dangled meaning, purpose, some important details, and some direction to head from here. You take your history and your interests with you, but you head for the unknown, hoping time and talent is on your side.
I redrew this one quickly and it actually came together much easier than the last one. The sun has arrived, and the chapter will soon end, propelling me into the next step in the story of the creativity machine. Maybe this bad weather can finally be left behind!
With some mysteries finally answered, I create some new ones. What is Magriloftigus, and where is Spinnder really going?
The organizational rack, which is the tower of Mazardak, is the outline, the general plan, which has been erected from the base surrounding jungle, until the Sea of Consciousness has risen to hide the jungle. This is supposed to mean that you came up with an idea, from which you have hung and dangled meaning, purpose, some important details, and some direction to head from here. You take your history and your interests with you, but you head for the unknown, hoping time and talent is on your side.
Abandon the Editor
The Monster has arrived, and it is ugly. The Editor has wrapped claws and tentacles on your structure, and it is time to leap away, quickly.
In the early stages of a project, your inner critic will try to stop you, discourage you, and other people may not see the potential you see and try to turn you by their judgments and practical considerations. "That ship won't fly, those parts are in the wrong order, you are not good or intelligent or strong enough".
This isn't the end of the book yet. It's only nearing the end of chapter three, and you can still mostly withhold judgments. All you are doing now is taking your resources and ideas, and choosing a direction to go next. Our friends aren't really freaking out yet, and you don't need to either. Despite the ugly editor breathing down your pipes.
It's getting close. Maybe less than a month. I am anxious to complete this chapter, and take a break, but I have to get these friends of mine off the pipes and away from the monsters. Yes, there is some pressure, but it's all coming from me. That's the great thing about doing my own creative project, among many other great treasures. However, this isn't everything in my life, and I need to read a few good books, which are exciting and humbling, because I am not a good writer. I sure have learned a lot though.
So get everything together that you might need, and take all of your research, your tools and weapons, grab a bite to eat, and board that plane for lands unknown and success unexplored!
In the early stages of a project, your inner critic will try to stop you, discourage you, and other people may not see the potential you see and try to turn you by their judgments and practical considerations. "That ship won't fly, those parts are in the wrong order, you are not good or intelligent or strong enough".
This isn't the end of the book yet. It's only nearing the end of chapter three, and you can still mostly withhold judgments. All you are doing now is taking your resources and ideas, and choosing a direction to go next. Our friends aren't really freaking out yet, and you don't need to either. Despite the ugly editor breathing down your pipes.
It's getting close. Maybe less than a month. I am anxious to complete this chapter, and take a break, but I have to get these friends of mine off the pipes and away from the monsters. Yes, there is some pressure, but it's all coming from me. That's the great thing about doing my own creative project, among many other great treasures. However, this isn't everything in my life, and I need to read a few good books, which are exciting and humbling, because I am not a good writer. I sure have learned a lot though.
So get everything together that you might need, and take all of your research, your tools and weapons, grab a bite to eat, and board that plane for lands unknown and success unexplored!
Greed in the Teeth
Let's get everything together, buckle up, and get out of here! Don't forget the extra wings!
Get moving, and don't let the teeth of greed distract you. It's not about just what you gain on the surface. The passion of the goal is productive in itself, without the promise of immediate treasure or fame. In fact, those things, improperly managed, have destroyed many.
Does it seem like our adventurers are unprepared? With a monster staring down the runway at them, and another ripping their floor out from under them, they don't have a lot of choice. How motivated are you to get going, with whatever preparation you have, and go?
When I started this novel in full color, I had many details for this beginning figured out and written down, but the end chapters are still very hazy, and even though I know what I want to be accomplished, many details have been determined working on the page that contains them. Be open to that, and you will be able to push through the monsters, the fires, the deadlines, the storms, and find the lights in the sky.
The right panel is entirely new. This would have been the last page, but I felt that it was too sudden, so I extended the story. I hope it makes sense and feels right, like it does to me.
Get moving, and don't let the teeth of greed distract you. It's not about just what you gain on the surface. The passion of the goal is productive in itself, without the promise of immediate treasure or fame. In fact, those things, improperly managed, have destroyed many.
Does it seem like our adventurers are unprepared? With a monster staring down the runway at them, and another ripping their floor out from under them, they don't have a lot of choice. How motivated are you to get going, with whatever preparation you have, and go?
When I started this novel in full color, I had many details for this beginning figured out and written down, but the end chapters are still very hazy, and even though I know what I want to be accomplished, many details have been determined working on the page that contains them. Be open to that, and you will be able to push through the monsters, the fires, the deadlines, the storms, and find the lights in the sky.
The right panel is entirely new. This would have been the last page, but I felt that it was too sudden, so I extended the story. I hope it makes sense and feels right, like it does to me.
Escape to the Future
Pause for dramatic effect . . .
Okay, I am still getting my footing, creatively speaking. That is one of the reasons for this experiment. See if I can take a story that I didn't know how to write, and figure out an unconventional way to express it, for my kids. It is accomplishing that, so it is fulfilling it's purpose. I still have only a couple readers, who are friends and relatives, plus my kids, for whom I am doing this, and who I hope someday to print it for.
Other reasons I am drawing this story are:
I have a fascination with each of the ideas, characters, places, and situations
Add to work portfolio and hone my skills
Explore where creativity comes from, how it is used, what works best, feel good about using it and sharing what I learn
Contribute and express what I feel is worthwhile
Not so dramatic. This page is completely new, because I have to end the chapter without making it seem abrupt. Extending it out just enough to feel satisfied at the completion next week.
Then I take a break to read some actual good books.
And think about the ideas and steps that make up the coming progress of creativity in my story.
Enjoy your moment in the sun, when you get purposefully going on your project. Don't let greed stay in your view, and be wary of stragglers.
Okay, I am still getting my footing, creatively speaking. That is one of the reasons for this experiment. See if I can take a story that I didn't know how to write, and figure out an unconventional way to express it, for my kids. It is accomplishing that, so it is fulfilling it's purpose. I still have only a couple readers, who are friends and relatives, plus my kids, for whom I am doing this, and who I hope someday to print it for.
Other reasons I am drawing this story are:
I have a fascination with each of the ideas, characters, places, and situations
Add to work portfolio and hone my skills
Explore where creativity comes from, how it is used, what works best, feel good about using it and sharing what I learn
Contribute and express what I feel is worthwhile
Not so dramatic. This page is completely new, because I have to end the chapter without making it seem abrupt. Extending it out just enough to feel satisfied at the completion next week.
Then I take a break to read some actual good books.
And think about the ideas and steps that make up the coming progress of creativity in my story.
Enjoy your moment in the sun, when you get purposefully going on your project. Don't let greed stay in your view, and be wary of stragglers.
Introspective Closeup
Another surprise insert. One more time, before chapter's end, we look in close to see our adventurers, defining what kind of experience each of them wants, and why they are still here.
It's past sunrise, over the Sea of Consciousness. They're on their way - but to where?
It's a tight ship, stocked up and speeding away from danger . . . or toward it.
Remember what and who you are being creative for. Notice the effects of the process on your friends. Enjoy the trip.
It's past sunrise, over the Sea of Consciousness. They're on their way - but to where?
It's a tight ship, stocked up and speeding away from danger . . . or toward it.
Remember what and who you are being creative for. Notice the effects of the process on your friends. Enjoy the trip.
Flying on the Wind
The first chapter just started the process of finding creativity, truth, beauty, and facing some dangers. The adventurers did more avoiding the fight than facing it, and traveled over a mostly submerged area of a place called the Isle Obscura, eventually to find it disappear completely beneath the waves. Luckily, they got a ride from a nerdy monkey.
This chapter, and this process isn't perfect, yet I am a perfectionist. I decided that if I had worked on the story for over 20 years, I had better make something of it, even if it is full of mistakes. By revealing some of my process, I hope to show how important a creative process somewhat free of judgement is. I know there are holes in the plot and weaknesses in just about every page and plot point, and the dialog has been the hardest thing for me. I do hope to improve it a bit, but mostly I want to forge ahead, because there are at least 6 more chapters to go. Hopefully it gets easier as I go.
However, the experience of planning and drawing and coloring and lettering this book has been wonderful, and added a lot to my life. My children love it and often ask about it, or even contribute ideas to it, because the main characters are all based on them. I am the robot, and it suits me perfectly. I am always asking questions, and trying to understand the life that experience largely as an observer, like Uendyr. My wife humors me, without really being involved yet, until a character based on her appears in a later chapter.
Anyone who likes to draw, I hope you can find some joy reading it, and anyone who like to read, I hope you find the characters interesting.
The sky is wide open, a clean slate for your bright future goals. Take a deep breath, again, because the next chapter takes our adventurers somewhere new: Underground. The next piece of the process of creativity is research.
This chapter, and this process isn't perfect, yet I am a perfectionist. I decided that if I had worked on the story for over 20 years, I had better make something of it, even if it is full of mistakes. By revealing some of my process, I hope to show how important a creative process somewhat free of judgement is. I know there are holes in the plot and weaknesses in just about every page and plot point, and the dialog has been the hardest thing for me. I do hope to improve it a bit, but mostly I want to forge ahead, because there are at least 6 more chapters to go. Hopefully it gets easier as I go.
However, the experience of planning and drawing and coloring and lettering this book has been wonderful, and added a lot to my life. My children love it and often ask about it, or even contribute ideas to it, because the main characters are all based on them. I am the robot, and it suits me perfectly. I am always asking questions, and trying to understand the life that experience largely as an observer, like Uendyr. My wife humors me, without really being involved yet, until a character based on her appears in a later chapter.
Anyone who likes to draw, I hope you can find some joy reading it, and anyone who like to read, I hope you find the characters interesting.
The sky is wide open, a clean slate for your bright future goals. Take a deep breath, again, because the next chapter takes our adventurers somewhere new: Underground. The next piece of the process of creativity is research.
