Quantum Storytelling

I found myself a concept artist to help visualize some of my scenes. It was an interesting process that started with posting a job ad on ConceptArt.org. After getting over fifty replies I narrowed it down to the ones I liked the best. That’s where it got difficult because what I originally wanted was a different style from the wide variety of artists who submitted, and different from even the final candidates.

So now that I have my artist, I have been scrambling to put together a style guide using reference photos along with a description of my sci-fi world and the scene. I haven’t had time to write because I’ve been too busy managing. I’m very curious to see what the final output will be.

Someone asked me, “What if you don’t like the final picture?” First, I don’t see how that is possible because I chose an artist I liked, but even if it were possible, then at least I would have my own conceptual reference for what I think works or doesn’t work. A final reason is that I’m learning to manage and produce my own project, deal with other people, network, communicate, and organize. This is something I wouldn’t get from just locking myself in a room and hammering at the keys. This is a situation where everyone wins.

The process of working with an artist is also forcing me to think about the graphic novel version of my story, which I’ve always wanted to do. I consider this a learning experience for when it is time to do that.

Sometimes there is more to being a writer than writing.

P.S. On the topic of plain old writing, somebody pointed me to DarkRoom today. For Mac users there is WriteRoom.