What I'm trying to say.

"The theme should be the consistent driving force of the plot."

-Writing for Comics & Graphic Novels with Peter David, pg. 64.

When I started writing for comics, I thought had everything in order with the usual essentials. Plot. Setting. Characters. Story structures. Everything. But in recent years, I came across something else that plays a central part of storytelling and it's theme. There have been many discussions about how it works in fiction and the role it plays. Most of the time it's the "moral of the story" but it's not always the case.

When you look at Buffy: The Vampire Slayer, you think Sarah Michelle Gellar fighting the scum of Sunnydale's nightlife. That's just only the surface of the series. What the series is truly "about" is the highs and lows of high school from teen issues, desperation for acceptance, and what happens when you sleep with that "nice" boy. Basically it appealed to anyone who thought high school was hell.

  Everyone including the the show's leading lady was dealing with their own end of teen angst while fighting vampires, ghouls, and beasties.

As I think about my own stories, I wonder what themes did I put in without even knowing it. The first thing in my graphic novel I found was redemption. A member of my book's supporting cast was inspired by a relative who was sent to prison for a few years, and he decided to keep his nose clean when he got out. Seeking redemption is a relative thing for all of us when wrongdoings of the past are hanging over us. What makes my secondary character "real" in that regard is how he's looking to build on a second chance despite the fact what he's done will never be erased.

The theme of the story should be as solid as the story's plot. If it's not as strong as your plot, then your story can't sustain itself. What you should do is think about what you're going to "say" in your story while planning the story in your mind. For me, nothing's important as what you're "saying" in your fiction.    

Reconnecting with Myself.

At times like this, I can't help but think I let writing become a sole purpose in my life while forgetting other aspects of myself. Don't get me wrong I enjoy creating fictional worlds for comics but I do other things to maintain my sanity as well as the next person on Earth. For this week I'm going to touch base with what makes me a unique individual.

Here's what I enjoy doing.

Sketching. As long as I can remember I've had a soft spot for art especially since childhood. I can't exactly recall my first drawing but comic books had a great effect on me when I read The Death of Superman at the age of six. Recently, I did a random sketch as therapy over college studies and missing #FebWritingChallenege.

Cooking. Like any self respecting person I can make a really good dish in the kitchen like a Philly cheese steak sandwhich and shrimp lo mein. 

Reading. Comics. Novels. I read 'em all! Don't get me started on what book I consider really good.

And that's what makes up the man here. When you're a writer of any genre, you have to keep in touch with yourself or the hobby will consume you completely and you're at a loss on who you are an individual. 

Keep in touch with yourself, friends.

The Misadventures of a Working Adult/College Student!

The following is a non-writing related blog.

When I started going to Oklahoma City Community College a few years ago, it was to not just earn a degree or to earn a degree so I can get a better paying job, it was to make myself a better and informed person. The idea hit me when I had a professor for American Federal Government lecture about what makes college an important aspect of human growth.

In some regard I felt that I hadn't taken the time grow myself as an individual. That's one of the things in life I regret today. Now for what's happening right now, I'm currently taking a couple of courses in Psychology and Federal Government. They both are turning out interesting for it makes me think about how they affect our everyday lives.

American Federal Government opened my eyes as to how I'm not political, by any means, but there are issues that I feel compassionate about like gun control, immigration, and health care. I know a thing or two about Congress and the House of Representatives but it goes beyond what I knew before.

 Psychology is another matter. It sheds light on what little did I know about human behavior to the foundation of the science of the human mind. Anything in the subject is just interesting and it's not just about "bearing your soul" to a professional as it's typically put. If there's something to take away from psychology is that not only does it help the mentally distressed but explores the workings of mind.

My overall experience in a community college has been a very good one. I got to know other bright, unique individuals who are after the same thing I am. To grow as an individual and contribute to society for generations to come.