AWBU to try and write a graphic novel...

[ScarletLady02]

Bit of a random one, but an opportunity has presented itself for this to happen. I have a friend who is a very talented graffiti artist and his drawn work is amazing and unlike anything I've seen. DH is obsessed with zombies and horror and has had an idea for a novel kicking about in his head for a while.

We were chatting the other day and my friend said he'd love to illustrate a graphic novel. Me and DH thought his story idea would actually work perfectly in this medium so we decided it might be worth a try.

None of us have any experience doing anything like this, although DH has read thousands of graphic novels. His story is good (in my opinion) and hasn't been done in this way before (think a fresh take on the classic zombie outbreak story - I don't want to give too much away). I'm going to help in the research and continuity area as that sort of thing frustrates DH, he's much more of an ideas man.

Is it a stupid dream, or should we give it a go? He's started toying with character bios so our friend can have a crack at designing the main characters as a starting point. More importantly, does ANYONE have any experience in this area (art, design, publishing) that could maybe offer some advice or point me in the direction of some helpful sites etc?

Give it a go, definitely. What have you got to lose?

My main response is just to see how you work as a collaboration- it might be quite frustrating for him if you change things make things better Three heads are not always better than two. But I don't see it as a stupid dream, the worst than happen is you have a niche fun (scary) birthday present to give to selected friends, the best is that you create something novel and exciting that others want to pay to read.

Sounds amazing. I've been telling myself since the age of 13 that I will one day get my vampire story published. It has mutated so many times since I originally wrote it that it is now completely unrecognizable. And it is bugger all like Twishite and the like. Proper, throat-ripping, blood-gargling vamps in mine! Go for it - I'll buy it!

Why are you in AIBU? Can you not post this in another more appropriate section? If you look at the Topics list, you could find several likely places in which to post.

[sick and tired of people posting in AIBU when they simply want people to look at their post]

That's a good point Mumsyblouse - he's quite open to my suggestions at the moment, but I don't want him to think I'm muscling in etc. I've mainly offered to help by researching locations in London (where it takes place) so the cityscapes can look identifiable and things like that. He's got quite a definite idea for the story and characters in his head, and it's good, I won't mess with it. We're inviting our friend round for dinner later in the week to bounce ideas around.

YANBU to do for no other reason than because it's in there and it's good to get it out!!

The boring bits are finding agents, editting, sometimes completely re-writing, cutting huge chunks of love, being rejected, again, and again... but if you are prepared for that, keep at it.

Research research research. (There are 1000's of site that can help, I can't say for sure which are the best as I've not been published yet!)

Good luck!!!

I'm sorry if my placing irritates you lainiekazan - if it irritates a lot of people I'll have it moved. I thought it might be seen by people with experience and therefore they could let me know if it was worth investing time in, so wanted to know if it was reasonable to start such a project.

I agree this is not an AIBU.
Good luck though Op, though I think you've set yourself a hard task.

You can self publish on the Apple iBooks store now. Could be worth a look for you.