20 Questions Tuesday: 413 - Erica Schultz

Today I get the pleasure of asking comic book writer, Erica Schultz 20 Questions.  Erica is the writer for the new Xena: Warrior Princess comic book and a myriad of other books. Honestly, looking through her Comic Book DB file, she has been amazingly prolific in her creation of comic books.  She is an artist, writer, editor, publisher, co-creator of the critically acclaimed M3 comic book, etc… I personally became aware of Erica by following her on Twitter.  I had just finished the interview with Eric Palicki, and decided that I should pay some attention to the people he interacts with on social media, and Erica’s name came up in his feed pretty often.  So, I read some of her tweets and realized that I was an idiot for not having known who she was or following her on the twitters.

I would love to know more about her, so I asked if she would answer 20 of my Questions. She has graciously accepted my invitation so let’s not waste any more time. 

My previous career was as a cartographer. So I often think of stories in their spatial components. One of my favorite types of spatial story is the personal geographic story.  For example: I was born in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, and (as an Air Force brat) moved to Montgomery, Alabama on my 3rd birthday. The family moved to a suburb just the northeast of Birmingham, Alabama where I grew up. I moved up to Kent, Ohio to go to college, and followed my fiance to Columbus for grad school.  We have lived in Central Ohio since grad school. Question 1: What is your geographic story?

I was born in Teaneck, NJ (essentially the 6th suburb on New York City), a few miles off the George Washington Bridge. I went to college in Hartford, CT (University of Hartford), then came back to the area to get a job. I lived in Manhattan, Brooklyn, North NJ, and now I life in Central NJ with my husband.

New Jersey gets a bad wrap.  I think that is mainly because there are so many people in NYC and they are compelled to make fun of Hoboken and Newark. In driving through Central New Jersey I was surprised by how nice it really is. 

NJ does get a bad rap, but I think it’s because we’re filled with lots of chemical plants and swamps. It is what it is. We’d spend summers visiting our grandparents in the Bronx or Upstate NY, so you can find beauty or filth anywhere you look for it. I’ll try and be more positive, though.

Question 2: Is there something in New Jersey that you absolutely love that cannot be found elsewhere?

One thing NJ has that I love is the 24-hour diner. I’m sure other places have the typical 24-hour truck stop, but NJ has non-truck stop type diners that are open 24-hours. I spent many a late night of my youth in Louie’s Charcoal Pit drinking coffee and smoking cigarettes with Mike, the waiter from Cypress. My Best Friend and I would go there after working late nights on AP Psychology papers in high school.

Unfortunately, Louie’s closed down about two years ago and was replaced with a Walgreens. The other 24-hour diner in town (Cedar Lane Grille) also closed down several years ago. Sometimes when I go up to visit friends or family, I find the main street shops unrecognizable, but that’s life. It’s an organic ebb and flow of shops and experiences.

I definitely found that “you can’t go home again” feeling the last time I went down to where I grew up in Alabama.  There are so many things that look similar, but very few of the things I grew up with were the same. That being said, I do not get down to Alabama very much since my wife and I are an interracial couple with biracial kids so it had been about 10 years since I had been there.  It just is not that comfortable when everyone is staring at you because of your coupleship.

I’m sorry that your family faces that treatment. It’s easy to say, “Well, it’s the South,” but that garbage goes on everywhere and it’s unconscionable.

So, here comes my usual Question 3: Cake or pie? Which specific kind and why?

I don’t really have a sweet tooth. We weren’t allowed a lot of sugar as kids, so I guess my sweet taste buds never really developed. I’m not a big fan of cake, as it’s usually too sweet. I didn’t even really eat my wedding cake.

That said, if I had to choose, I’d probably say a good apple pie would suffice for me.

My mom decorated cakes as a side gig when I was growing up. I have eaten more cake than should be humanly possible, so I tend to side with pie as well.  I have definitely tended toward the pie spectrum since I eliminated gluten from my diet about 5 years ago. Gluten free baking is neither light nor fluffy.  Dense and crumbly is the norm in that baking sphere.

Question 4: Are there foods you have to avoid? If so, are they foods you wish you could have?

I do have several food allergies. I’m allergic to most fish, ginger, tree nuts, chickpeas, and beans. I’m not deathly allergic to any of them, but breaking out in hives and welts kind of puts a damper on dinner parties. Fun fact: True Texas chili has no beans in it.

I don’t drink alcohol and try to avoid foods that are cooked in alcohol. I know everyone says the alcohol burns off, but I can swear I can taste it.

I guess the only food I wish I could have is pesto. It’s usually made with pine nuts and that causes me to break out in hives. You can make it without pine nuts, but not many restaurants are making it to order, and it’s added to so many dishes that it can sometimes be difficult to avoid.

Having multiple food allergies is terrible. When my kiddos were born they both had multiple food allergies. It is very difficult to avoid multiple foods simultaneously. Most places don’t know how to service people with multiple allergies. We ended up cooking most our food because of those allergies.  Luckily both kids grew out of their respective food allergies (our youngest is still highly allergic to cats)… but now my wife and I have intolerances to different things. It is terrible.

Let’s start going in a different direction. Question 5: What was the first comic book you can remember reading?

I would read whatever my brother would bring home from the spinner racks. I specifically remember reading A Death in the Family by Starlin, Aparo, and DeCarlo and Uncanny X-Men by Claremont, Byrne, and Lee. Aside from the usual Spider-Man and such, A Death in the Family was a comic that I specifically remember reading. It was terrifying to see Jason Todd die.

Later I learned that DC editorial hadn’t decided to kill Jason, so there was a call in poll done. That seems like a kind of Milgram Experiment. Sure, it’s a fictional character, but people really wanted to see Jason dead. Yes, the Joker swung the crowbar, but everyone who called in to say, “DIE, JASON” is responsible!

A Death in the Family was a very disturbing exercise in crowdsourcing in a time when that took significantly more effort. I did love Aparo’s Batman. When I think of Batman, the first image that comes to mind is Aparo’s. Jason Todd was an annoying character, so I really think DC was “priming the pump” when they made the life or death be a poll. They wanted to kill him, but blame the fans.  Super cynical.

See, I find Damian more annoying now, even more so than Jason. He’s a smart-mouthed jerk who reminds me too much of my younger cousin, but that’s beside the point. I always thought Dick was the bravest, Jason was the boldest, Tim was the smartest, and Damian was the brashest.

I am not too keen on Damian myself. He seems a bit too much.  He is a good foil for Dick Grayson, but I too find him a bit annoying.

The first comic book I can remember reading was a Magnus: Robot Hunter issue that was in a Gold Key grab bag that the family got on some road-trip from Alabama to Florida. The family never really went on vacations, we more went to visit extended family, so I don’t remember the visits as much as I remember reading comic books in the backseat of the car. I also remember that Super Friends oversized book from the mid-70’s. Now the first comic I ever bought was a Captain America from 1979. 

Question 6: Did you have any family vacations when you were a kid?

We didn’t really have family vacations because we didn’t have a lot of money. Dad worked for the phone company, and he was striking every 2-3 years when the union contract was up, so he’d drive a cab or work construction even as mom was working full time as a nurse. Three kids need to eat. This was the late 70s/early to mid 80s. We did what we had to.

We did go to Disney World in 1989 for February break from school. It was my first time on an airplane. I remember my dad telling me to chew gum or the pressure of the plane would pop my eyeballs out of my sockets and they’d stick to the tray in front of me. That’s a very good example of my dad’s sense of humor.

Some of the “countries” in Epcot were still being worked on when we were there. I remember Figment, the purple dragon, Michael Jackson’s Captain Eo, and standing in line with a family from Ohio whose luggage was lost on their trip over. Mom was known to (and still does) talk to everyone and anyone when standing in line somewhere. I forget the ride we were waiting for.

Space Mountain was a big thing back then (I don’t know if it still is…I’ve never been back to Disney), and I remember my dad pointing to an empty aisle that was cordoned off next to the line we were waiting in and saying (I’m paraphrasing, I’m sure, in reality, it was expletive-laden) that it was for the kids who got scared so they could run out quickly. I didn’t get scared. I remember it was a fun time.

Space Mountain is the best, but it is not nearly as interesting when the lights are on. One of my friends told me of a time when the roller coaster stopped and they had to turn the lights on.  The mystique was gone for them. My family was able to make a trip to Disney when I was a kid as well, we may have been there at similar times, because the nations were still being built when we were there as well. My grandparents had a winter place in the Orlando area so we had the place to stay. Again, if we went on a trip, it was to visit family.

Question 7: What has your favorite vacation been as an adult (“Adult Vacation” sounds so icky)?

Again, we don’t take many vacations now because both my husband and I are freelancers. When you’re not working, you’re not getting paid. We did take a honeymoon, though (11 years after our wedding). We went to Block Island, Rhode Island for the week and it was really lovely. I love the beach and being near the water, so it was really beautiful. Also, it’s good to get out of your own surroundings for a bit to just be present someplace else.

Being a freelancer is a bit of a chore. The good thing is that you can go on as much vacation as you want. The bad thing is that if you are not working, you are not getting paid. My wife is a self-employed consultant of sorts, and when you are self-employed, you are always working. When you are not working, you are thinking about work that is not getting done, and when you are working you are also trying to chase the next job, because not  much is as important as the next job. It is a hard life.

Question 8: How many projects do you typically have going concurrently? 

Because I edit and consult on people’s work, as well as write, I can have several projects going on at once. Right now, I’m editing The Resurrected from Carnouche Productions, scripting two creator owned books, outlining a third, and working on pitches for several licensed properties. I’m usually scripting two to three books a month and editing or consulting on one to two books a month, so I’m pretty busy. Staying busy keeps me out of trouble.

I thought it would be something similar to that amount of projects.  I do not know anyone who does creative side freelance that is not working on at least three projects and putting together a handful of pitches simultaneously. When you work for yourself, you are always working. It honestly sounds a bit grueling. I don’t think I have the discipline to be able to work freelance. I am more than happy to have a 9 to 5 job that is relatively enjoyable. 

I can be a bit of a perfectionist when it comes to my creative endeavors, and sometimes have a difficult time walking away from a project because I know that I can tweak it just a bit more and make it ever so slightly better. Often this actually leads to me overworking something and making a mess out of something that was intrinsically better the what I over-worked. It is honestly something I have been working very hard on for a pretty good amount of time. Question 9: Do you ever feel completely “done” with a project, or do you always feel you could go back into a story and make it better?

When you’re working for a company like Marvel, DC, or Dynamite, they have specific schedules for books to go out, so your ability to tweak things ad infinitum isn’t really there. However, even if I’m working on a creator owned project, I tend to give myself deadlines so I don’t needle something into a mess.

One of the reasons why publishers want to see finished comics from someone is to prove that you followed through. Done is better than good. Personally, I prefer done AND good, but it’s better to get a draft finished than to continually tweak the same two scenes in a script.

I’m lucky where once I get an assignment, I’m pretty quick to put together a solid outline. For me, a good outline makes all the difference. The outline is my skeleton. The dialogue is the clothing. In between is the muscle and skin, but it all starts with an outline for me.

Deadlines do make it necessary to move on from one project to the next.

Question 10: Fill in the blanks. I find that I am mostly _______. Others find that I am mostly ______. (feel free to ask others if you want).

I find that I am mostly grumpy. Others find that I am mostly angry.

Or it could be written this way:
I find that I am mostly Bruce Banner. Others find that I am mostly Hulk.

I find that difficult to believe since you have been nothing but absolutely pleasant in our back and forth.

Question 11: So, have you ever Hulked out to help reinforce the reputation you feel you have acquired? If so, what did you gamma up for?

I was always a bit of a roughneck, having gotten into fights in high school and college. I’ve curbed that physical side as much as I can, and I think quitting drinking 9 years ago helped a great deal. Though I don’t go to AA meetings often, I try my best to live the program and abide by the tenets.

Because I’ve seen the worst in me, I try my best to really keep it under control (being mostly Banner), but I’ve had my blood pressure rise more than a few times recently. No specifics, obviously, but let’s just say that social media can make my eyes turn green.

Social media is both the best thing and the worst thing ever. I love the amount of connection it allows for me to directly contact people I respect and how it creates a sense of community without the need of a specific geography. I truly love that. I have some, what I would consider, strong friendships that have started with social media posts. Social media is what has allowed me to get in contact with you and for us to do this interview.

That being said, it also allows for less desirable people to congregate as well. It gives people a level of anonymity akin to them being a member of an angry mob. The ability for terrible people to gang up on people is abhorrent, and should have most people’s eyes turning green. I am fairly certain that I will get a certain level of backlash for merely being willing to interview you, but if a married, middle aged, middle class, CIS white male cannot handle backlash, who really can?

Question 12: When did you know that the comic book industry was the thing for you professionally? 

As a kid, I was always writing, drawing, designing, etc. I had wanted to be an architect, but thought I couldn’t hack the math. I was recruited by the US Navy the summer after my junior year in college, but was ultimately rejected for medical issues (does that make me Captain America?).

I had a nearly decades long career at a big New York ad agency as a copywriter and art director working on mostly pharmaceutical ads, so I was being “creative” in a sense, thinking outside the box which was situated in a bigger box.

Then I had a bad car accident in November of 2008, and I had a lot of time on my hands while I was healing from multiple injuries. I started writing a story that ultimately became M3. I didn’t know what I was going to do with that story, but it was just something I felt I had to write.

I didn’t think about M3 as a comic, or writing comics in general until I started working at a studio in New York while I was still healing from the car accident. I was out of work, and started working at the studio before I was fully healed because bills don’t wait. I’d wear my arm in a sling on the train to and from work, but work as a PhotoShop artist and animator during the day without it. We were working on the Astonishing X-Men motion comic “Gifted.” After that project, the studio head had comics work with DC and Marvel. That gave me the opportunity to see how comics were made from scripting to drawing to production to getting them out the door.

After I had a baseline of knowledge, I figured I could take some of the stories I had written throughout the years and adapt them for comics. The first one I did that with was M3 with the phenomenal artist, Vicente Alcázar. Then I just built on from there, working with other artists and putting together comics. Thus leads me to today.

That is truly an awesome story. I love that you did not immediately know that comic books were going to be a thing in your life, because that seems to be different from some of the other comic book writers that I have asked 20 Questions. The other writers and definitely the artists I have interviewed have wanted to be making comic books from when they were small children. Some have taken very circuitous routes to get there, but it was their intention from when they were children. I think this different point of view is helpful to create new stories for characters in comics. Comics need more voices and more points of view. If it is to survive as a medium, it need to diversify the stories it is telling.  

On to something different. Question 13: Do you have any superstitions or rituals? These do not need to be cliche superstitions, like black cat crossing your path (although they could be).  They also do not need to be eldritch rituals to bring forward the ancient ones. For example, when I played soccer in high school, I had a very specific “lucky” sequence and process of getting dressed and ready for a game. I considered it a “lucky” thing, but it was more like a ritual to get into the correct headspace for playing the game. Now, I am trying to build the ritual of meditation into my life to help with the jumble of thoughts that are in my head. 

When I played street hockey in high school and college, I had a specific way of taping my hands up. I also had a runic medallion that I put in my net (I was a goaltender). I have no idea where that went, but it was a silly thing I did.

As far as superstitions, yes, I’m a superstitious person. I touch wood so as to not jinx something. I have no problem with black cats, and ladders are more safety than superstition. I can’t avoid 13, as both my sister and brother in law have birthdays on the 13th of months, but I’ve been known to use white sage to cleanse a space of ill intentioned spirits.

I believe in ghosts. If you’ve ever had a pet, you’d know they see things we don’t. Just this morning, Simon (my cat) was staring beyond me at something that was imperceivable to me. Whatever it was, it held his attention and he was cautious of it. I was just oblivious, but knew enough to say, “Be good or be gone.”

Several friends of mine are avid Wiccan practitioners, so I’ll have my cards read, etc. Some people think that’s just a waste, but I think there’s something to it. Science can’t explain everything in this world (scientists just discovered the use for the appendix last year, and even that’s being discussed), so I believe in there being other forces, both good and bad, at work.

I have tried meditation, and, when it works, it works, but there are sometimes where my mind just cannot be quieted. I just try and take those moments and make them productive. I’ll write down whatever it is is going through my brain, even if it doesn’t make sense, just to ease the pressure on the valve. That usually helps.

I do agree that science cannot explain everything with the current demonstrable and replicable knowledge base that we currently have. There are too many unexplained things in the universe to credibly say that “we have it all figured out.” 

I would also like to be able to use “Be good or be gone” to greater effect in my daily life. There are more than a few interactions that I think could benefit from that kind of interaction. Actually, that brings up my next question. One of the best mottos or credos I have ever run into has been imparted to me by my mother-in-law.  One of her tenets is “Don’t let the fuckers get you down.” and those are definitely words to live by.  Question 14: Do you have any mottos/creeds to live by?

I may have to borrow your mother-in-law’s advice. Please thank her for me.

In AA there are a lot of sayings like, “Let go and let God,” “One Day at a Time,” and “Consider the Source,” that I tend to use in daily life.

One of my favorite college professors (who has since passed) once wrote in an email to me years after I graduated, “Read books. Fall in love. Dream a lot.” That’s been a motto I try to live by. My husband’s aunt, who was a take charge kinda gal, used to say, “Do what I say or get out of my way.” I tend to have that attitude when I feel projects are languishing. It’s not always conducive to teamwork, but the book’s gotta get out the door somehow.

I have enjoyed all of these mottos. The one I used to live by, prior to having kiddos, was “Funny over nice.” That one did not age well, because there needs to be more nice. Especially now, there needs to be more nice in the world. 

Question 15: I can only assume as a writer that you occasionally get writer’s block, so how do you push through that writer’s block? 

Everyone has their own remedy for writer’s block, and that’s to be expected. As writers have different methods of writing, they also have different methods of dealing with writer’s block. Many times I take a hot shower or go for a walk. Sometimes you focus so much on one thing that you can’t even see it anymore, you get snowblind. Doing something with a completely different objective helps. So going for a walk (trying not to get hit by any cars) or taking a hot shower (trying not to scald yourself and get soap in your eyes) helps.

I am in the process of editing a short novel with a friend of mine who is an editor, and there were many a time that writer’s block got in the way of my productivity. Going for a walk with soap in my eyes would have helped. 

Question 16: Are there any questions you were expecting that I have not asked yet?

Is this a trick question?

Not intended to be. I can only imagine how many times you have been asked “What’s it like to be a woman in the comic book industry?” or other vapid meaningless questions. Even when people do not want to be asked the “typical questions,” some still expect them. Sometimes when I do these 20 Questions people get snippy around Q16 or so if I have not asked them the question that they were expecting. I just like to cover my bases. 

Question 17: Who is your favorite comic book character? and what comic book character would you most want to write? If these are not the same character, why is that? 

I think if I had to pick a favorite, it’d be Rogue. I’ll admit I’m jealous that Kelly Thompson gets to write her for Mr. & Mrs. X, but I’m enjoying it, so shame on me for the jealousy.

I also love Hawkgirl and was fortunate to write a story for her with Sonny Liew. DC published 8 pages, but Sonny and I are hopeful to finish the miniseries. I’m really proud of the Daredevil annual starring Misty Knight that came out this week. Marcio Takara and Marcelo Maiolo knocked the art out of the park.

Other characters I’d like to write are Moon Knight, Captain America, Winter Soldier, Beta Ray Bill, Beast, Hellboy, Bluebird, Zatanna, Nightwing, Red Sonja…

To be honest, I want to write whatever I have the opportunity to write, whether I’m familiar with the character or not. I’ll make myself familiar with the character and find something I like about them to make the writing speak to me and (hopefully) readers.

I would pay really good money for your take on Beta Ray Bill. You hear that, Marvel? Really. Good. Money.

Now is when I get nervous in these 20 Questions. It is time to turn the tables.  Question 18: Are there any questions you want to ask me?

Sure…My car is having trouble starting. Do you think it’s the battery, the starter, or the alternator?

Anytime I have had starting issues with my car it has been the alternator.  It has rarely, if ever, been the starter, which one would think would be the problem with a car that is having issues starting just because of the name alone. Battery is easy to triage, if the car can be jumped, it is probably the battery.

We found out it was the battery. Phew!

Question 19: What are you taking from these 20 Questions that you did not bring with you? 

Is this like when you picnic on the beach, you’re supposed to take all the stuff you brought with you back home with you? You’ve asked some thoughtful questions, so I guess what my takeaway is that your aim is to have a more thought-provoking conversation rather than the typical, superficial interview. Right? Wrong?

That is the goal. While trying to cover some of the more typical stuff (what would you like to write? how did you get into comics? cake or pie? You know, the usual) I also like to get more in depth about how you are who you are. I really enjoy this format because I really feel like I get to know the person I am asking the questions more than just a more targeted interview. I do enjoy very targeted interviews, I just like the non sequiturs that this format generates. 

Question 20: What's next?  Be as vague or as specific, as concrete or philosophical, and as near term or long term as you would like.

What’s next, what’s next…well, my run on Xena goes until November. Twelve Devils Dancing’s trade paperback comes out on Halloween, with an incredible cover by legendary artist, Bill Sienkiewicz (New Mutants). I’m working on two creator-owned books with two terrific artists, Emily Pearson (The Wilds) and Liana Kangas (Where We Live), with Yissel Ayala (Clean Room) doing costume designs for those two books.

I’ll be at Keystone Comic Con (Table E1) in Philly September 14th through the 16th, and New York Comic Con (Table G22) in New York City October 4th through the 8th.

That’s about it for right now. : )

Thank you so much for taking time to answer 20 Questions.  I have really enjoyed my time with you. It is always great after these interviews are over because now, whenever I see your name, I think, “Hey, I know her.” 

Everyone should read Erica’s books (most links can be found on her website), everyone should follow her on the Twitters and the instagrams. Seriously though, everyone should seriously buy her books though. Buy her books. If you see Erica in the wild and you read this interview, remember she is more likely grumpy than how you are most likely perceiving her as angry.

To recap:
That was wonderful
Erica is wonderful
Haters gonna hate
Haters are dumb in this instance
I had to fix a leaky spigot 2 nights ago
It was 2 am and the leak disturbed some ground nesting bees
It was late and I got stung 4 times
It was awful
No one like ground bees
Ground bees are dumb as well
I accidentally ordered “scallops in a garlic sauce” instead of “garlic shrimp” from my favorite hole in the wall Chinese place
Scallops are about as dumb as ground bees
The novel is getting close to Kickstarter-able
That is scary as shit
I have 12 of 20 sequential pages accounted for
and about 15 of 24 character sketches
Daunting!
Have a great week everyone

20 Questions Tuesday: 381 - Eric Palicki

One of the reasons that I loved CinciComiCon was that I met really awesome people there.  My second or third year there I had the pleasure of sitting next to Eric Palicki.  Eric is a comic book writer who is currently writing working on a really interesting indy book called No Angel.  I have read a few other of his books.  To be honest, I bought them mainly because I was sitting at a table next to him, and you have to support local, am I right? You know I am.  Anyhoo.. It turns out that the books just happened to be good. He was enjoyable to chat with and I am really happy to get to know him better.
 
So without further ado... let's jump into the questions.
 
I am going to really freak out readers of this here blog, by just shaking things up a bit.
 
Question 1: Cake or Pie, which specific kind and why? (what just happened?!?!?)

Cake. Carrot cake with cream cheese frosting, or rather, "cream cheese" frosting (I'm vegan). Ideally, the cake came from Patty Cake bakery in Columbus, OH.
Carrot cake is a love I inherited from my dad.

Patty Cake's Carrot cake is amazing.  As a kid, I was always a fan of spice cake (which is carrot cake without the pesky carrots).  Number 1: I love that you know about Patty Cake's in Clintonville.  Number 2. Next time I know you will be around, I will bring a carrot cake from Patty Cake. Really. Number 3. I did not realize you are vegan.  That is usually something that comes up with any interaction with vegans.  I kid. I kid.
 
Question 2: Health or philosophical reasons for going vegan, and how long have you been off the meat wagon?

A little of both, along with a bit of peer pressure. I initially went vegetarian about seven years ago,  when three of my closest friends all did it independently and for different reasons, one each for health, the environmental impact, and ethical considerations for the treatment of animals. I figured, I agree with all three of these friends, and if any one of their reasons is good enough to go veg, well, I guess I'm out of excuses.
 
Veganism started as an experiment. If I could give up the bacon, could I also give up the eggs? I just kind of stuck with it, starting about three years ago.
 
All of that said, I try not to be a vegan/veg evangelist; I won't bring it up without cause, and I never judge folks for what they eat.

I think there needs to be a portmanteau with vegan evangelist, it is all right there for the taking, but I cannot parse a "word" that rolls off the tongue.  Maybe "vegangelist"?  Actually, that might be it.  When my oldest was a wee little toddler, due to food allergies he had a limited diet such that he was basically a vegan who could eat meat. It confused many people.
 
As everyone who has read one of these interviews knows, I was a cartographer for about 20 years total, so I have always been interested in the idea of geographic place and the stories that associate with that geography.  For example, I was born just outside of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma moved to Montgomery, Alabama when I was a wee toddler, moved up to the Birmingham, Alabama area for the rest of my childhood until I went away to college at Kent State University in northeast Ohio.  In Kent I met the woman would I would marry and moved to the Columbus area after college to live with and marry her.  I have been in the Columbus area ever since my undergrad college years.  Question 3: What is your geographic story?

I was born in Toledo, Ohio, where I lived well past high school and graduation from the University of Toledo. Shortly after graduation, I took a job as an technical writer (not much else you can do with an English degree, frankly), and I bounced around a few gigs in Northwest Ohio before taking a job in Columbus, doing the same kind of work. In November of last year, I packed up everything I owned and moved out to Seattle, following my girlfriend. I'm one of the lucky few who, on a rare cloudless day in the Pacific Northwest, can sit in view of both the mountains and the ocean (assuming you'll give me the benefit of the doubt and accept that Puget Sound is part of an ocean -- but you tell me; you're the cartographer).

Well, a sound is technically an offshoot of an ocean or a sea, but typically if it is a named water body but attached to and consisted of the same water chemical make up as the ocean, it can be considered part of the ocean.  There are exceptions when you get to bodies of water that are attached to items named "sea."
 
Question 4: What is the biggest difference you see between Ohio and the Pacific Northwest?

Perhaps surprisingly, it's not the weather. It's actually the geography. Ohio is so flat.

It really is... even growing up in Alabama, I have found that most of Ohio is really flat.  Especially the northwest of Ohio since it was scoured by glaciation in the last few ice-ages.  Ohio is seriously flat until you get to the edge of the Illinoisan Ice Age boundary.  Then it gets some relief in the Appalachian foothills.  But it is not relief like Cascadia.
 
Your geographic story is fairly short.  Question 5: Is there somewhere out there that you would like to live, that you haven't yet?

Just down the road in Portland is one of the most robust comics communities in the U.S.

I think I'd like to give Portland a try.

Portland is just and awesome city to begin with, regardless of the comic book culture.
 
So, you are a comic book writer with an English degree... Question 6: What word in the English language do you think needs to be used more? For example, I love the word "whilst' and feel it should be used more often.

So many good but underappreciated words out there, but without too much thought, I'd say 'elan,' or possibly 'panache.'
 
This script was way past its deadline, but Palicki executed it with great elan.

Oooh... I am leaning towards "panache" between those 2.  But "elan" has a delightful ring to it as well.  Both are great choices. I have actually said “panache” before in conversation, but I only know the work “elan” because of crossword puzzles.
 
I know that you are co-writing "No Angel" with your sister, Question 7: Do you have any other siblings? and what are the biggest issues of working with a sibling on a project?

It's just the two of us, and while there weren't any issues as far as personality clashes, my sister comes at storytelling from a very different medium -- she being an actress and living in LA. We basically got together over a long weekend to figure out the story beats, and then I came back to (at the time) Ohio to write the scripts, which I then turned around and sent back to Adrianne for review. Her notes back to me were very much the result of her looking at the story through the Hollywood lens. "Where's the love interest?" Et cetera. The beauty of working in comics, specifically for a company like Black Mask Studios, is we're not beholden to those structural limitations and storytelling expectations. It was all very punk rock.

No Angel number 1 cover art

Also, my sister is a poopy stinky dummy and has been since she was two years old.

I think it is interesting to look at the story beats from a writer's point of view and an actors' POV. I imagine it makes the comic book scripts resemble screenplays a bit more and that makes me wonder if the comic book might be a proof of concept for a TV series... Say "Hi" to your sister for me.  Loved her as Mockingbird and she was awesome in John Wick, but that is enough about her.  I tend to try and not dwell on poopy stinky dummy people, because I think poopy stinky dummy people get in the way of generative creativity.
 
Question 8: Is writing for comic books your primary source of income, or is there something else you do as your primary money-maker? Good Lord I hope it is not concerning the shaking of your money-maker.

I'm still a technical writer by day, telecommuting to Abbott Nutrition from out here in Seattle, which means getting up at 4am to work according to something resembling East Coast time. Good thing Seattle's known for its coffee!

Technical writing is an interesting task to say the least. Taking info-babble and making it consumable can be really tricky.
 
Question 10: What skill from this job as a technical writer is something that you will always keep with you regardless of your enjoyment of or employment status in regards to this job?

Comics writing is like technical writing insomuch as both benefit from the ability to convey instructions clearly and succinctly, sometimes to people, whether technicians or artists, who are not native English speakers. I think tech writing has made me a better comics writer, but it has probably destroyed my chances of ever writing prose.

That is super interesting.  I did not think at all about instructional writing and how that translates to comic book writing.  It makes perfect sense, but it doesn't quite account for your ability to write dialog. I imagine that technical writing does not prepare you for dialog.
 
Question 11: Fill in the blanks.  I find that I am mostly __________. Others find that I am mostly __________.

I find that I am mostly reserved but outgoing. Others find that I am mostly an introvert.

With those answers it seems like you may be the personality unicorn known as kind of a quiet extrovert.  You are quite the enigma. Question 12: So are you energetically an introvert or an extrovert? Meaning do you recharge your batteries by being by yourself or being around others?

Oh, I definitely recharge with alone time. In fact, I mostly prefer being by myself, but that's punctuated by bursts where I absolutely NEED to be part of a group, to see people. Conventions are great "punctuation marks" on the otherwise lonely existence of a writer.

I like small intimate groups for my recharging.  Small groups of 3 or 4 people having conversation is really perfect for my recharging.  That seems to be harder and harder to make happen.  That is one reason I am so happy with the job I have now. There is the opportunity to be in small cluster conversations with very intelligent and insightful people... but enough about all that.
 
We are at Question 13: So do you have any superstitions or rituals that you adhere to?

I'm not a big believer in superstitions when I approach them from a rational standpoint, but some small things have crept in around the edges: I'll always pick up a penny, so long as I find it head-side up, and I never kill spiders I find in my house (owing more to a fondness for spiders -- wink, wink -- than to any profound superstition).
 
Ritual-wise, I try to start the morning with the crossword puzzle, because it's a decent brain game to prep myself for writing, but I don't know if my output suffers when I can't do it.

That is the exact reason I mention rituals instead of straight up superstitions.  Very few people still believe that putting a hat on the bed is an invitation for death to visit, but lots of people do some kind ritual to get themselves ready for some task. Anyone who has ever played sports has had some kind of ritual to get prepared for playing that sport.  Rituals are all about getting into the correct "frame of mind" for whatever task is at hand.  Your crossword puzzle is a perfect example of this.  You use that exercise to get you in the correct frame of mind to write.  Could you write without doing the crossword? Of course. Would some of that writing be used to get you in the correct frame of mind? Most likely.
 
Question 14: What creative projects do you have going on right now?

I have two unannounced miniseries on my plate right now, I'm helping to curate a politically motivated horror anthology which will appear on Kickstarter later this summer, and I'm contributing a ten page story to a pal's kaiju anthology. My story for that last book pits a giant monster against a samurai in Edo period Japan, and it looks like Adam Ferris will be drawing it.

That sounds awesome.  I am really glad that you have that many irons in the fire.
So... Question 15: Is there a particular existing mainstream book that you would kick a kitten in the rain to write?

Well, maybe not IN THE RAIN (I'm not a monster, Scott), but I think I have a Green Arrow story in me. Moon Knight. My dream with the Big Two would be to take a half-forgotten character and give it a Frank-Miller-on-Daredevil-style renaissance.
 
I'd love to do a Captain America story sometime, maybe when doing so isn't controversial.

I will be the judge of the monstrosity.  Spiders every issue? Really? ugh... You are a monster.   A horrible monster.

There are spiders coming out of that guy's eye sockets.... EYE SOCKET SPIDERS!!! Eric Palicki is a monster.

 
I would love to see your take on Cap, especially with this weird run they are doing right now with him being a hydra sleeper. There are so many directions the next story can go.  He needs to ditch the red, white, and blue and become Nomad again.  Only way to redeem Steve Rogers is to remove him as the iconic character, but I could go on for a good bit about the Steve Rogers character.
 
Question 16: Is there a question I have not asked that you expected me to ask?

Well, you asked about siblings, but I often get some variation of "What's it like having a sister on tv?" or "What's it like having a famous sister?" I very much appreciate that you kept the conversation in the context of our comics together and not her little side project as a semi-famous actress. I had a colleague shoulder check me at a con once and when I asked him why, his reply was "That's for your sister, for trying to kill John Wick."

This is 20 questions with you, not your "poopy-pants" sister.

Adrianne Palicki wearing her Bobbie Morse (Mocking Bird, "Ask me about my feminist agenda" T-shirt. I lifted this pic from her twitter feed.

That being said, her career has been a fun one to watch, and I love that I did not find out that she was your sister until this past October. All that being said, I love that it seems like you have a really nice relationship with her, and that is delightful. More than that, I really love that you have gone out of your way to work together, because the two of you have no requirement to work together.
 
Question 17:  Did you ever think that you and your sister would have/make the opportunity to work together? It seems like the two of you have gone down relatively different paths.

I certainly hope we'll work together. When I moved to Seattle, Adrianne flew out to Ohio and drove with across country. During that time we brainstormed a (probably) comic book follow up to No Angel. Without giving away too many details, it's inspired by a true story of a young woman who was sentenced as a juvenile for taking part in the murder of her parents, then released back into society when she reached adulthood. We made significant progress in exploring questions like how do you come back from having done something like that? Are you actually rehabilitated or is age just a number?
 
And then there's a heady conspiratorial angle to the story, because that's my jam and poopy-pants' jam as well.
 
As far as tv goes, I'd never rule it out. Although my dream is to keep writing comics, I'd be a fool to turn down a writing gig for television.

Look at the happy siblings!

I really have loved No Angel (even with all the spiders... so many spiders) and I love the idea of having an actor be part of the writing team, because an actor's and a writer's point of view are so different.  It is also so nice to hear of siblings who enjoy each other and respect each others different skillsets.  I could see and have seen sibs becoming competitive and jealous at popular success.
 
Now it is the time wherein I turn the tables on myself.  Question 18: Do you have any questions for me?

Sure! What's the TV Guide synopsis of the Scott Ryan-Hart story? (and for bonus points: what song would be the subtitle of that biopic? You know what I mean? Like, Don't Go Chasin' Waterfalls: The Eric Palicki story. What's yours?)

Wow... That is an amazing question.  Such an amazing question.  Let me think on it a bit....
 
Okay here we go.

Carry a Laser: the Scott Ryan-Hart Story
For 15 years an average kind of guy forgot to be creative.  Dusting off rusty and atrophied skills he tries to re-kindle some creativity in his life and become more fulfilled as a human.  Guided by his wife and newfound drive to do something creative, Scott embarks on a question to answer and ask questions, draw and write, and live and be.

Cancelled after one season due to the low stakes and relative boredom it induces.
 
Full disclosure... "Carry a Laser" is my southern protestant misunderstanding of "Kyrie Eleison" by Mr Mister
 
Okay, we are nearing the end of this conversation... so
 
Question 19: What are you taking from these 20 Questions that you did not bring in with you?

Well, for one thing, it's nice to know I wasn't the only guy who thought he was saying 'Carry A Laser.' I was probably in high school or college in the latter half of the 90s before I saw the actual title written out.
 
I tweeted out yesterday about it having been 5 years since Ray Bradbury passed, and he was my first writing god (later replaced by Vonnegut and Harlan Ellison and Hemingway -- who could write a helluva sentence, even if he was a drunk misogynist -- and then by some comics writers), and I tend to still embrace a lot of Bradbury's method. That is to say, I write fast, which doesn't allow for much introspection. These twenty questions have given me pause to think about how and why I write, so thanks for that.

My lapsed Catholic wife informed me about the Kyrie Eleison maybe about 5 years ago amid nigh uncontrollable laughter. I blame Mr Mister for going too niche with their references.
 
If I have given you a vehicle for introspection, then I am very happy with how these 20 questions have shaken out. I really wish you were still in the Columbus area, because I would love to hang out with you since you are such a great guy.
 
All of that leads to the final of the 20 Questions.  You already kind of mentioned some aspects of you plans, but questions 20 is always... Question 20: What's next?  Be as vague or as specific, as concrete or philosophical, and as near term or long term as you would like.

This is maybe the most intimidating question of the bunch, Scott. I'm living in Seattle, but this move is still fresh, and as much as I'm growing to adore the city, I'm not sure it feels like 'home,' yet. My arrangement with my current day job is coming to an end (by mutual arrangement and design) at the end of June, and with No Angel wrapped, I don't have another announced project ready to go (in contrast to last year, when I had a graphic novel and Marvel gig and No Angel announced).

So, the honest answer to what's next is, I don't know, and that's terrifying. I guess it's time to get off twitter (at least a little bit) and start making some proactive moves to find a new day job and some new comics work, or even better, find a home for all the awesome creator owned projects I've developed since No Angel debuted.
 
Thanks so much for doing this 20Qs with me.

No, Thank you for doing this 20 Questions with me.  This was really enjoyable.
 
Seattle is an awesome place, I am sure you will feel comfortable calling it home soon.
 
As for work... I am positive that you will create more comic work. And if the work does not come to you, I know you will make work for yourself.  No Angel is a great series (even though there are too many spiders) and I have really enjoyed reading it.
 
You are an absolute delight, and I am sad that I will not be seeing you at Cincy ComiCon anymore.
 
So, everyone, you should buy your work on Orphans, No Angel, Red Angel, Fake Empire, and the Guardians books you did for Marvel.  People should also give you a follow on the Twitters too. You have a very enjoyable feed.  Just a reminder, if Eric is making work, you should consume it, and consume it with gusto.
 

EDIT:  Since Tuesday when this was posted Eric has been part of a Kickstarter launch for the "This Nightmare Kills Facists" project that he and a team of people are doing.  Support it like I have with the sharing and the pledging.  Do IT!

To recap:
Wife is out of town this week
And I am exhausted
I finally took the plunge and ordered SeeSo
I think it was a wise decision
I am on vacation next week
That should be fun
Outer Banks
Bar-b-Que
Donutz on a Stick… now in a gluten free version
More than that though is some sleeping in
Oh, how I love sleeping in
Like I am an adolescent, I really love it
I still need some peeps to interview
Iffens you know anyone who wants to answer 20 questions, have them contact me
Now I need to get back to paying attention to other parts of my life
Podcast? Should I make a version of this as a podcast?  Thoughts?
Have a great week everyone

20 Questions Tuesday: 377 - Shawn Pryor

In September during my annual trip down to CincyComiCon wherein I sell my crappy notecard sketches in what amounts to a comic book character rummage sale, I had the pleasure of sitting next to Shawn Pryor.  He is an independent comic book writer.  He has a kids book called Cash and Carrie that both my kids have devoured.  He recently got his book Kentucky Kaiju into production as well. More than that though, he was delightful to sit next to and interact with. From just listening to him pitch to others with his mellifluous voice to chatting about writing comics he was a joy to be around.

That being said, I do not know him well at all, so let's ask him some questions to remedy that.

Onto the Questions.

In a previous career path I made maps for a living, so I have always been interested in the story of place.  So I was born in Oklahoma just outside of Oklahoma City, moved to Montgomery, Alabama when I was a wee toddler, and then up to the Birmingham area when I was 3.  I lived in a town just to the northeast of Birmingham called Center Point for the next 15 years until I was able to get the hell away from there and go to college.  I went to college in northeastern Ohio at Kent State University.  Kent Read, Kent Write, Kent State.  I met the love of my life there and followed her to Columbus, Ohio so we could get married, and I have been in Columbus since 1997.  Question 1:  What is your geographic story?

Well, my journey began the day I was born in Valdosta, Georgia, and moved up to Middletown, Ohio at a very young age and I lived there until my early 20s. I went to college at Miami of Ohio and after college had stops in Dayton, Ohio and the Tri-County area in Ohio before moving to Lexington, KY in 2008. I have been in Lexington ever since.

I love a move from the South to the Midwest. That makes for an interesting mindset within the US.  Question 2: What would you say is the biggest difference between growing up in Southwestern Ohio and living as an adult in Central Kentucky?

I would say that one of the biggest differences would be the artistic community here in Central Kentucky and how it's grown over the last decade or so. From independent and major comic book creators, live art events, the independent music scene, various forms of theater; there's so much to inspire and motivate individuals to be creative, expressive and influential. Coming up in Southwestern Ohio the artistic community was few and far between unless you made the journey to greater Cincinnati, and back then most of that stuff came at a cost which kept the curious away.

It's nice to hear that the artistic community is growing in Central Kentucky.  It is good to hear that the artistic community is growing in general regardless of locale.

Question 3:  Cake or pie?  Which specific kind and why?

Cake over pie all day, every day. My favorite cake is a double layer yellow cake with all the chocolate icing. There's just something about the texture of the cake and the combined taste of the cake with lots of icing that just makes it special to me. It takes me back to my childhood and the good times I had back then.

Once in a blue moon I can eat pie, but it'll be a derby pie or french silk pie. Not a big fan of the fruit pies.

Cake always takes me back to my childhood since my mom made cakes as a side business.  I got pretty good at decorating cakes as a 12 year old kid.  I think because I had so much exposure to cakes that I tend to like pies more. It turns out one can be overexposed to cakes.

Question 4: is there a good out there that you just cannot help yourself around?  What out there can you just not help but eat?

One of my favorite foods that I cannot help myself around is Spinach & Artichoke dip. But, I'm extremely picky when it comes to who makes the dip at a household or restaurant. The proper tortilla chip is key too. If the chip is this and the dip is too thick, then you're constantly breaking chips and you can't enjoy the dip. If the chip is too thick and the dip is too runny, then there's no joy in that either. It also had to be above warm or hot when served. Cold dip gets the boot. Balance is key when it comes to Spinach & Artichoke dip, and if the balance is there I will eat it until it's gone.

Proper tortilla chips are really important and often overlooked.  Random-ass tortillas won't work.  Regardless of how nice the dip is, with the wrong delivery system it just won't work. Period. End of Sentence.

So you are a writer of some indy comic books, and if I know anything about writers it is that writers read. Question 5: What comic books are you actively consuming? and do you follow a particular writer regardless of what book they are putting out?

Currently I am reading The Complete Peanuts Collection because I want to re-learn about how to effectively use timing in the short comic format. Plus, it's really cool to see the artistic growth of Charles Schulz from when he first started creating Charlie Brown and the crew to what it became. I'm also reading The Essential Smart Football by Chris Brown, and Shadowshaper by Daniel Jose Older. And I'll pick up a book written by Walter Mosley no matter the subject.

I was looking through some of the earlier Peanuts strips a few years ago and I was surprised by the difference in the models for the characters.  There was significant artistic growth from year to year for Schulz.  Another interesting one to look through for sequential 3 to 6 panel story telling is Jim Davis.  The artistic jumps by that man are impressive.  Garfield was a black and white muddy mess for a few years.  If you look at the syndicated cartoonists of yesteryear, some were really allowed to grow and evolve.  I do not think that is the case these days.  It seems that syndicated cartoons have to be fully formed and fleshed out prior to being syndicated now.

The Internet is allowing people to grow and evolve on their own.  Take Scott Kurtz from the Internet's own PvPOnline.  His original strips are quite different than his current ones.  So much growth that you can just look through.  Same with Christopher Hastings' Dr McNinja (sadly completed now) and Gunnerkrigg Court by Tom Sidell.  It is a fascinating exercise to wade through their early work and see how they have grown and changed.

Question 6: Are their any webcomics that you faithfully consume?

Oh yes. Bounce by Chuck Collins, Princess Love Pon by Shauna Grant, Agents of the Realm by Mildred Louis, Alone by @OliveOilCorp, Ménage à 3 by Gisele Lagace (NSFW) to name a few. (not sure what happened with the font size here.  Thanks --the Editor)

There are others, and I would like to look more into WebToon and see what's over there because their collection of webcomics is quite massive.

I have heard of a few of those.  The others I will need to take a look at.  Since there has been more of a democratization of content do to web-based publishing and such, there is an amazing amount of content out there for people to consume.  The issue with that content is that most of it is overwhelmingly terrible, only some of it is remotely palatable, and very little of it is actually good. Since there is such an astounding amount of content out there that means that the amount of truly good things is greater than it ever has been. Question 7: How does a consumer really get through to the signal of good content when there is all this noise out there?

It's difficult to navigate your creative ship through the waters of the internet, conventions and other venues.

I continue to grown and culture my follower bases on social media, attend the conventions where I feel my works will have a visible crowd and receptive eye, create crowdfunding projects, tell family members that are interested in what I do about my projects, monthly newsletters, etc, etc. All those things add up and it prevents me from putting all my eggs in one basket, because you know like I know that if you only have one venue and that venue crashes, you're screwed.

So if someone buys a book of mine online or at a convention, supports my crowdfunding project, or tells someone else of my works via social media, between all those options the signal continues to grow. It's a slow burn, but once the fire starts to become steady you have to work to keep the flame going.

It really is a matter of not finding a gigantic audience at first, but cultivating an intimate, engaged, and committed audience. Then it is all about building from there.

Question 8: Where do you find that you have your most fervent content consumers?  Which platform do they come from and what property of yours are they associated with?

The most fervent come from Twitter and Kickstarter and are associated with the all-ages mystery comic book series I created with Giulie Speziani called "Cash & Carrie" which is currently on Amazon, or you can request your local library for a copy.  

I created a Kickstarter campaign in 2015 for a Cash & Carrie pilot issue and it was a massive success. Some of those who supported the Kickstarter campaign followed me on Twitter and other social media venues later on. A high number of those who pledged to the 2105 Kickstarter campaign came from Twitter. In 2016 we put together a 72-page Cash & Carrie book and I was able to use Twitter to spread the word repeatedly during it's initial pre-order run and after it was officially released. At least once a week I remind people that the book is available for purchase.

That's interesting.  I would not have guessed Twitter as the strongest platform.

As far as Cash and Carrie... both my 13 year old boy and 8 year old girl LOVE it.  So... Question 9: Will there be more Cash and Carrie? Pleeeeeze!

Well, from what I have been told Cash & Carrie: Book One is doing pretty well with libraries and bookstores, and I'll also be taking it with me during convention season to boost its profile as much as possible to boost sales further.

Because of this, there will be a Book Two. I'm in the process of figuring out how to make that happen. I may do a crowdfunding project for a "special edition" Cash & Carrie comic book while we work out how we're going to make a Book Two. Cash & Carrie changed my life and I've had plenty of kids and adults tell me how much they enjoy the book, the adventures these two characters have and the inclusivity it brings. I love this book. I'll do all I can to make more of it.

We all loved book one and are eagerly awaiting book 2.  If there is anything I can do to help, let me know.

Now comes a fill in the blanks question.  Question 10: I find that I am mostly _______. Others find that I am mostly _______.

I find that I am mostly introverted. Others find that I am mostly an extrovert, rain or shine.

Both are true. I am more than capable of handling myself in social situations and environments, but I have a tendency to lay low, keep to myself and observe my surroundings. However, as a creative I know that there are moments that you have to be vocal, boisterous and show the passion of your projects to others so they believe in your works so the extrovert in me has no other choice than to come out of its shell and do its thing.

If you are both an introvert and an extrovert Question 11: how do you prefer to recharge? Alone with a good book or in conversation/activities with friends?

I normally recharge with a good book, glass of wine and some music in the background. Granted, it's been awhile since I've been able to do such. Maybe it's time…
Writers always seem to be reading.  I would imagine it is both a blessing and a curse.

So from time to time, as an artist I see some work by someone that is so incredibly sublime that it makes me want to throw all my art supplies out and burn my house down to rid the world of the filth I have drawn over the years.  Question 12: Is there a writer out there that makes you want to stop smashing keys on a keyboard and just give up writing all together?

In comic books, it's Christopher Priest. He's written some fantastic books and no one has a better grasp of dialogue than he does. No one. In prose, I would say Walter Mosley and the late Octavia Butler because the words they type show no fear. It's inspiring to me and I get mad that I can't get to their level yet. I will. One day.

I believe you definitely will. I really like your work.

Question 13: do you have any superstitions or rituals in your life?

Every time that I table at a convention, I take with me a small toy version of Franklin from Peanuts and Cyborg and place them in a hidden spot on the table for good luck.

I have a lot of rituals, but one that I try my best to do every morning when I wake up is to get up out of bed, take a deep breath, look at the world outside my window, ask myself what mood I'm in and take a step forward to handle my day. I also try to give at least one to two compliments a day because you never know how a compliment can change someone's day or life.

These are great.  Many people do not think they have rituals and superstitions, I think they are fooling themselves are have been doing these things so unconsciously, that they did not realize it actually was a ritual/superstition.

I got this questions when I asked Patrick Beja 20 questions a while ago.  I enjoy this question because it is deceptively simple, but harbors a wealth of complexity in its answer.  Question 14: Are you happy?

As I type this response, I am happy that I am surrounded with wonderful family and friends who are sincere, loving and kind. Internally, I am happy. Creatively, I am happy when I can bring a project to life with fantastic, energized people. Externally, I have dealt with racism and micro-agressions for so long in my life that it's hard to happy externally. It's difficult to be externally happy when some people refuse to see you as equals or human beings. Some days are better than others from an external standpoint.

I am happy for the internal happiness that you are experiencing in your life right now.  You seem to be a bit of a creative juggernaut at the moment and I love seeing creators creating.  Internal happiness is sometimes very difficult to achieve.  I am more than unhappy for you for your external happiness levels.  This aspect of our "modern" society infuriates me.  It truly does infuriate me on a level that is incredibly deep. I got your back, because it is incumbent upon CIS middle-aged white dudes to step the fuck up. I am doing everything in my power right now to not have this become a political rant, but on today of all days (editor's note: This portion of the post is taking place on January 20th, 2017 as Donald Trump becomes the President) your comment is very poignant, and we the moderate and liberal whites need to be better. We just have to be better at doing. We cannot idly sit on the sidelines.

Let's go to something lighter... Question 15: Is there a mainstream comic title that you would love to write for? If so, which one? If not, why?

Right now, there's only one mainstream comic title that I would like to write: Mighty Morphin Power Rangers. It's been on my wish list to write Power Rangers for over 20 years, and for the first time in its history it has a publisher that really behind it wanting to get it out to the masses. Me and a couple of close friends have a tome of stories we can tell that's steeped in the lore of the television series and all of its incarnations. The Power Rangers are the biggest superheroes of the 1990s. I've always enjoyed Super Sentai (the material that Power Rangers originally comes from) and the camaraderie that's shared through the team through thick and thin. Plus the uniform designs, color schemes, mecha and their super-villains bring me joy.

For now, writing Power Rangers is a pipe-dream. I may just do my own Rangers book one day and give it away for free.

Very interesting.  I think I was 3 years off from really enjoying the power-rangers as a kid.  I was unhappy at the inclusion of live action Saturday morning fair removing my beloved cartoons form the airwaves.  Power Rangers has quite the history though, it has been through at least 20 iterations just in it's English incarnation.  One could easily see many potential stories out there. So that leads me to ask... Question 16: What are your hopes and fears for the upcoming (now in theaters: Thanks, --The editor) Power Rangers movie?

My hopes are that the film is fun and at least has a decent third act. Seeing how the Power Rangers are super heroes and those types of movies have been massively popular at the box office, the problem I find is that some of the super hero films have a tendency to lack a strong third act and in turn use that act to either kick-the-can to the sequel, which then leads to incomplete cinematic story-telling or the third act is anti-climactic because the antagonist (who looks like a fantastic villain, visually) may be poorly built as a character which leads me as a viewer seeing no real threat for the protagonist.

My fear is that in trying to re-imagine the property, the film will be gritty, possibly dark, and have no soul. We'll see.

I do believe it is setting itself up to be visually stunning with little substance to back it up.  My bet is the first act is good, the second is passable and the third is solely there to set up a sequel.  I think you might be on the money with this one.

Question 17: Was there a question you were expecting from me that I did not ask?

Hmm...I was kind of expecting a question about first impressions at conventions, when you meet the person tabling to the right or left of you, and how long before you know if you can socialize with that person?

Hopefully that came out the right way.

I've tabled at some shows surrounded by sincere and wonderful people on either side of me where fun stories and tips were shared, and other times i've tabled next to people that were rude and put up barriers on their side of the table that blocked me from people's line of sight while walking down convention aisles. Interesting times.

I think tables at conventions are often just reflections of the world writ large.  There are good people and bad people.  It is sad that CincyComicCon has rolled up their carpet and called it a day, because it seemed more good than bad.  I met many great a person at those cons.  I definitely count you in that cadre of great people.

So, now is the time that I turn the tables.  Question 18: Are there any questions you need to ask me?

As a matter of fact, I do:

- What is the first thing you ever remember drawing?
- When is the last time that you had a meal that you can't forget about?
- What kind of markers do you use for your sketches?
- What do you like to draw the most?

Alrighty.  Here we go.

First thing I remember drawing, that I can actually remember the drawing of and what it looked like afterwards was of a military jet with a pilot in it.  I remember being really proud of the fact that I fit the pilot's head in the cockpit.

The last meal that I cannot forget about is, at the moment, from a few days ago when I made some fajita chicken tenders for the fam.  It is memorable because both kids enjoyed it, which is rare.

I use Copics for my sketches.  I have not been drawing with them nearly as much as I should be though at the moment.

I like drawing fantasy stuff, but I find myself drawing super hero stuff more. When I draw fantasy stuff there is a better chance of me actually drawing a "complete" drawing with back grounds and context and story embedded within the pic, but I find myself drawing little super hero pin-ups more.

And here we go with the penultimate question.  Question 19:  What are you taking from these 20 Questions that you did not bring in with you?

That for me, there is more to life than just creating comics. I need to fully express my creative abilities in other fields as well and I feel that will help me grow as a creative. Sometimes, we limit ourselves without knowing as to why. At times we limit ourselves due to fear or what others may say, but the truth of the matter is that we will never reach our true potential unless we tap into the areas we fear most and open those doors.

And at times, we just need to go outside, get a breath of fresh air and enjoy life.

That is a good thing to take from these 20 Questions.  I am not sure how I helped you to get to that understanding, but I will take it and run with it, and take credit for it even though I am not sure how the 20 questions might have led you to that conclusion. I never know what question 19 will get me, and this answer really has me happy.  You do me a great service by saying that this interaction led to anything useful.

Question 20: What's next?  Be as vague or as specific, as concrete or philosophical, and as near term or long term as you would like.

Well, I have a number of conventions and mini-conventions that I'll be tabling at this year, including C2e2, Ohio Comic & Toy Con, Derby City, LibraryCon and other places. Creatively, I am working on a plan for Cash & Carrie: Book Two with co-creator Giulie Speziani, as well as a couple of other original graphic novels. If things fall into place, I hope to write a short film this year and possibly shoot it this summer.

I also want to again make sure that I take time off/away from the creative and work world. Sometimes we need to have our own moments of solace and peace, and there's nothing wrong with that. Fresh air. Enjoy life.

Thank you for letting me be a part of this, Scott. I've really enjoyed this. Continued best to you, and blessings to you and your family. Peace.

I too have enjoyed this.  I am subscribed to your newsletter and have been digging your tweeting.  Cannot wait to see you again at one of these upcoming conventions.

Everyone should follow Shawn on the twitters and sign up for his newsletter.  Get his books, goddamnit.  Cash and Carrie, Kentucky Kaiju, and FORCE. I don’t often seriously advocate for people to consume others’ content, but seriously, Shawn’s work is amazing and should be consumed by every living being. And even some dead ones, I’m looking your way Dead Grandma Savory.

To recap:
Shawn is really great and I count myself lucky to have met him and interacted with him on this level
Would I want to hang out with him and become his friend?
Umm… I mean, uh, that would be cool and stuff, but you know, if that happened and all that..
I have been away from the blog for a while
I feel badly about that
But, I need interviewees and questioners to keep this moving
Few people are willing to ask me questions for non-interview 20 Q’s
And it is difficult to get people to answer 20 Q’s
Rock | me | Hard Place
Which would be some kind of hard rock lyric from an Scottish band
Rock me hard place, lak it huin’t baen rock’d b’ford
We are Highland Met’l! Thank You, Glisgooooo! Goonit!
On another note, April Fool’s day went off without a hitch
And March Madness finished in April
I am trying to get caffeine out of my system
So I have a nasty headache right now as I type this
This past CincyComiCon was the last, so I will need to find another con to see Shawn at
49 years ago today MLK was assassinated
Looking at the landscape, it looks like it was only 30 years ago
Ugh
Let’s make it look like it was 100 years ago
Have a great week everyone

20 Questions Tuesday: 359 - William Grapes

This week I get the pleasure of asking a friend of mine 20 Questions.  Bill Grapes, aside from having one of the best last names ever, is an incredible artist.  Bill's style is a incredibly detailed.  he enjoys flowing arcs and curves that define the shapes of his work.  The thing about Bill's work that is frustrating to see, is just how much better his impeccable linework is when he immaculately inks it... and that is when he is not creating tonal work which is a different level of superb. He currently lives in Cincinnati and I don't get to hang out with him as often as I would like.

On to the questions...

As you know, I like making maps and I like people's personal geographic stories... This is not your first rodeo, you know how the geographic story goes...  Question 1: What is your personal geographic story.

I'm going to do this fast to get the most honest answers (I'm already lying). My geographic story starts in Northern Ohio. Within an hour of Cleveland. We moved to Cincinnati when I hit middle school. Pretty boring stuff. Right out of school I got the travel bug. Spent a good amount of time in Blighty and a very small amount of time in Finland, Sweden, and Germany. Almost sounds like I was in the military. Great experiences that helped me grow as a person and an artist. If it wasn't for those crazy Fins I probably would have had any idea how to decorate my house

Interesting.  Since I have been to you house, I have seen your decor style... I would classify it more as mod than Finnish minimal, but I will entertain that thought. So, since you have lived in so many places, Question 2: Where would you want to live if there were nothing to hold you back?

If this was a few years ago, I would have said San Francisco, but I've heard it's been overrun by the San Jose crowd. If money were no object (if that is what we are saying here) I would say London. I speak the language mostly. It's not that far to the US or Europe. Also, some pretty great curry can be found there.

I cannot stand the smell of the spice curry.  It is difficult for me to be near Indian food for long. I know that this is a personal issue and has nothing to do with the overall quality or enjoyment of others for Indian food.  Please, dear readers (or deer readers, I don’t know if you are corvine quadrupeds who have learned to read and connect to the internet) do not send me comments about how I may not have had the right Indian food.  It is just not my game.

Okay, the long awaited Question 3: Cake or Pie? Which kind specifically, and why?

Now the hard questions. Is this some sort of psych eval? Tough choice. I have favorites from each category. My grandmother's coffee cake recipe is pretty unstoppable but I my great aunt made a deadly butterscotch pie. I will go with pie though. I can't fight something that you can put sweet potatoes or cherries into. Also, I don't care what the name implies, cheesecake can be considered a pie to me.

It only gets more difficult from here.  I am sure we will get into boxers or briefs... that came out wrong.  Anyhoo... I like how you think.  Cheesecake is a custard pie.  Mmmmm cheesecake.

I want to hear more of this butterscotch pie you speak of Question 4: How does a butterscotch pie come into existence and how can I get a gluten free version of that?

It's pretty simple to make and if you can have a gluten free crust it should be easy. It's best with a whipped top (like a chocolate creme pie). It's an old southern thing. I'm surprised you didn't run into it down south.

I was in pecan country.  If there was a sugary pie, it was pecan.  I had two pecan trees in my backyard.  In fact, I shelled soo many pecans in my childhood, I am pretty sure my family broke some child labor laws.  If anyone else in the family liked butterscotch, I would make this.

So, you are a comic book artist guy, and can do the drawing really well.  Question 5: When did you realize that you were good at drawing?

I'm not going to say I'm good, yet. That sounds like I'm faking humility but I'm not. I have a level of quality that I want to see consistently and I have yet to get there. I'm close but not there yet. Hopefully, it is a sliding scale that gets harder the better I get. The biggest challenge recently was figuring out how to draw women.

I think you may be parsing things a bit critically.  There is a difference between being good and seeing where improvements could be made.  There are always improvements that can be made, but, you, good sir, are good good at the drawings, and don't let anyone tell you otherwise.  Question 6: What specifically are you working on right now to get yourself drawing women better (I need to do facial studies... I need to do that soooo badly).

I'm a harsh critic, what can I tell ya? For drawing women, just like anything else, you just have to draw. For me, it takes me seeing something that makes me realize how something is constructed. I usually see a geometric shape and I realize I can use that to make the drawing process easier.

There was a visual organization class that i did when I was an undergrad at Kent State.  For that class we had to take panels from Golden Era comic strips and abstract them into a minimalist geometric expression... to do this we had to do 50 studies of each of the 3 panels.  It was an interesting exercise in finding the internal geometry of the images.  It was surprisingly interesting. Everything falls back into geometry.

Question 7: Do you default to angular shapes like triangles, rectangles, trapezoids, etc... or more rounded shapes like circles, arcs, ellipsoids, etc...?

Yes. I'm big on the George Bridgeman technique for figures. Also, I'm also a big fan of Russian Suprematist art. That is about as geometric as I go.

Cheeky, oh so cheeky. Ellipsoids for me, just because it is fun to type and say ellipsoid.

Question 8: So when you are not drawing, what fills your down-time?

When I'm not drawing? There is a time I'm not drawing? I waste time watching TV. But I try and draw while doing that. Daredevil is soooo good though. I also enjoyed Man in the High Castle. Also, family stuff and volunteering.  

The second season was excellent.  Netflix's Marvel properties have been killing it.  I think they need to be doing more to integrate them into the greater Marvel Cinematic Universe.  There doesn't need to be major interactions, but some Hawkeye time might be interesting. The Netflix series should also be a bit more connected beyond the Night Nurse.  If nothing they should mention events in each of the series.  Something like in Daredevil Season 2, a news item saying radio host Patsy Walker was involved in a mob action down by the docks, or in Jessica Jones, some reference to the multiple explosions in Hell's Kitchen from DD season 1.  There just isn't enough cross pollination between the series.

Question 9: What Marvel B/C-list property is ripe for the Netflix series treatment?

Agree. A simple mention doesn't do it. I liked seeing Carrie-Anne Moss in DD season 2. I would settle for characters passing each other on the street. It might be a cool Tarantino moment. Say in DD Jessica Jones passes Matt Murdock on the street. No interaction. An Easter egg. Then in Jessica Jones the same scene is shot and you get to see where Jessica was, etc when it happened. No big cross series tie up needed.

As for B/C list titles? Any X or FF-related connection is right out. So no Wyatt Wingfoot. I see the Punisher easily spinning off. Werewolf by Night might be cool. If they did a Chambers of Secrets deal it could be an anthology/series testing ground. Might be cool.

I think a Moon Knight series could be fun and I would be interested in seeing a Nighthawk series... That one could go crazy dark and be the first series that ended with the main character's death.  There's your dark and gritty.  

Question 10: fill in the blanks.  I find that I am mostly ______. Others find that I am mostly ______.

I find that I am mostly a pie man. Others find that I am mostly a cake man.

People do not know you at all then

Question 11: do you have any mottos, credos, mantras, or personal philosophies?

Several. "Gotta Eat," means I do what I have to (legally) to feed my family. "It's not about me," helps me try and keep balance in my existence. "Don't put that in your mouth, you don't know where it's been," is a good one that needs little explaining.

The ones I typically trot out are "Don't let the fuckers get you down" and "funny over nice," but those are a little glib.  The one I am dealing with right now "It is hard to change because change is hard."

Question 12: Why are there 12 inches in a foot?  That makes no sense to me at all.

For the same reason there were 240 pence in a Pound until 1970. Old English shit. Crazy.

English/Imperial weights and measures are completely loony (different than the 1 Canadian Dollar coin though)

Question 13:  Do you have any superstitions or rituals in your life right now?

Other than going to church? : )

Church rituals will do.  I kind of miss the ritual of religion... I don't miss the dogma though.

You are a musically knowledgeable dude.  With the recent losses of Bowie and Prince, Question 14: What are your favorite Bowie and Prince songs?

For Bowie songs, there are a couple. You've Got a Habit of Leaving and Can't Help Thinking About Me are great early tracks. Far better than his first album. Hunky Dory is my favorite Bowie LP. Prince is a bit more elusive for me. He is like Morrissey. Great ideas and a few brilliant lines then a few terrible throw away thoughts. I liked how he combined Little Richard, Hendrix, and New Romanticism (long after Duran Duran/Spandau Ballet left it). When You Were Mine is my favorite Prince song. The Color Purple cast tribute version of Purple Rain was pretty stunning.  

Interesting.  I would have thought that Prince would have been a bit more in your wheelhouse.  I knew that Bowie would be in your catalog, but I thought that the funk that exudes off of Prince would be within your milieu.

I just realized that I love the word "milieu."  Question 15: Is there a word that you absolutely love that is a bit outside the norm?

I am fond of "Habib". I love that it usually is used in a racist way to make fun of Arabic people but its meaning is "darling" or "Sweetheart". Stupid racists.

I think, by definition, racists are stupid.  Dumb racists.  Anytime a person places that much power and attention into something that cannot be changed, dumbification happens.  I think were are in the midst of The Dumbification of America, but I wonder if everywhere is constantly in a state of apparent dumbification.

Question 16:  Where and when do you consider to be the dumbest moment in history?  

Dumbest moment in history is tough. It's like any goal, the bar is continually getting raised. Possibly the First Nations allowing European's in the Americas.

Well... If the archeological evidence in Newfoundland is any indication, the first time the First Nations saw a European they did not exactly welcome them with open arms.  The Skraelings put their foot down and kicked the Norse out, according to some sagas.

Question 17: We sitting near each other at Cincy Comicon this year?

If the past couple of year are any indication, yes.

Time for the student to become the master... Question 18: What question/s do you have for me?

For your wedding you chose to reflect your ethnic heritage. Did you go full Scottish?

By full Scottish, of course you mean I got totally pissed and unintelligibly cursed at everyone, right?  Then the answer is "No."  If you mean "Did I wear a kilt without my skivvies?" Then the answer is also "No."  I wore a respectable blue boxer brief.... and the garter, like a boss.

Question 19:  What did you take from these 20 Questions that you did not bring with you?

I never considered that I was bi-desert. While picky, I can be happy with either pies or cakes.

I bet you would even eat a pie baked into a cake... fence sitter.

Question 20: So what's next for you? Be as literal or figurative, as short or long term, as concrete or vague as you want to be.

Currently I've got freelance and commission projects that keep rolling through. In addition, I'm still working on the next installment of Fyre-Dragon.

Well, that was certainly fun.  Will, you are the best.  Please follow Mr Grapes on twitter, Instagram,  and his art blog as well as his Deviant Art account.  You should also buy his book The Infernal Fyre-Dragon.  It is stupid amounts of fun.

To recap:
Little Man is 13
Sweet God Almighty, Little Man is 13
How the hell did that happen?
For his birthday he decided to celebrate by having an asthma flare up
He hasn’t had one of those for about 5 years
Well, Sunday night/Monday morning was spent at the ER awaiting a steroid script
Not the best way of welcoming in his teen years
Got home from the ER at 7 am and then was at work by 10 am
I think it would have been great to sleep
Alas and alack that was not to be
So, Little Man is 13
Wow
I feel old now
Have a great week everyone