My Future Shock Hell (redux!)

[Alec Worley]

"How I broke into comics and why there's no such thing..."

Just posted the first part of a four-part revised and extended article I wrote on 'breaking in' to comics via the Future Shocks slush pile (may it rest in peace). And how those submission tactics have helped me ever since.

There's that Thought Bubble Talent Search coming up in November https://www.thoughtbubblefestival.com/2000ad So please do share with anyone who's looking to enter, as I'll be going into structure and all that stuff over the next three weeks.

Once again, a massive thank you to everyone who's been sharing and subscribing. Really helps get these things to people who may be fumbling in the dark as much as I was (and still am).

[Richard]

Just posted the first part of a four-part revised and extended article I wrote on 'breaking in' to comics via the Future Shocks slush pile (may it rest in peace).

Could you post a link to that please?

[Alec Worley]

Oh my god! What a numpty, I am!
Here ye go... https://alecworley.substack.com/p/my-future-shock-hell-chapter-1-of

[Richard]

Good article! Looking forward to the rest of  the instalments.

[Alec Worley]

Part Two of 'My Future Shock Hell' is now up...

https://alecworley.substack.com/p/my-future-shock-hell-chapter-2-of

"How to survive the submissions process (whether that's comics, novels, shorts, or screenplays) by rejection-proofing your soul"

[broodblik]

Thanks Alec, just to say I am looking forward to more Durham Red

[Le Fink]

Good read, thanks. Interesting insight into the commitment required.

"But I did learn two fundamental principles that have since helped me approach any creative market for the first time, and which I'm more than happy to impart..."

Oooooooo. Cliffhanger! That's how to entice a reader.

[nxylas]

Oooooooo. Cliffhanger! That's how to entice a reader.

Insert Doctor Who sting/Eastenders doof-doof, according to preference.

[Richard]

https://alecworley.substack.com/p/my-future-shock-hell-chapter-3-of

[Alec Worley]

Beat me to it...

[Alec Worley]

Part Four and done!

MY 'FUTURE SHOCK' HELL! Chapter Four: Why Your Best Shot Is All That Will Ever Matter

https://alecworley.substack.com/p/my-future-shock-hell-chapter-4-of

[Jimmy Baker's Assistant]

I greatly enjoyed these articles, though I think I'm many years past the stage where I would consider submitting a Future Shock again. Furthermore, the idea of having to pitch one in front of an audience fills me with abject dread!

Personally, I think writing is so hard because almost everybody can physically do it and yet to come up with a great comics script is so creatively and technically challenging. People just see the story in their head, not what they actually put onto the page. Must have made dealing with the slush pile a living nightmare.

I also think the future for comics and comics writers in particular is probably Kickstarter. It's certainly a really big part of the present....

[Le Fink]

Part Four and done!

MY 'FUTURE SHOCK' HELL! Chapter Four: Why Your Best Shot Is All That Will Ever Matter

https://alecworley.substack.com/p/my-future-shock-hell-chapter-4-of

Another good read. Getting ideas from periodicals is a good idea. I recall reading Wagner/Grant got ideas from the daily tabloids. What a great writing partnership - can help to have someone to bounce ideas off and challenge each other.

[The Legendary Shark]

An interesting and informative series, Alec, thank you.

[nxylas]

I'd be interested in a follow-up saying where you got all these side-hustle jobs like proofreading recipe books etc.