Post Comic Con 2013 Blog #3 or "How not to be a Wallflower."

I am my own worst enemy.

Aren't we all?

I can be extremely shy. Not only with people I haven't met yet, but also with people I really respect and don't want to come off looking like a fool. That fear has saved me from time to time, but more often than not it has been a hindrance to achieving what I was really after. Letting great opportunities slip away.

In a Comic Convention setting this can be a real problem. So many people wanting to talk with the same people you want to it is so easy just to chicken out.

As professional animation writers, Shannon and I have been able to attend the Writers Guild of America gathering at ComicCon. Over the years we've gotten to know several people in the group, and with some it's really easy to talk with. However even within that environment it can be difficult to talk with others beyond a few words as more and more people crowd the room. After a while we end up standing off to the side and I return to being my usual Wallflower self for the rest of the TWO HOURS as the event goes on.

There's where the answer lies.

This year, as mentioned previously, Shannon and I were taking the train back and forth to ComicCon each day. This limited our schedule, but that actually turned out to be something good.

In order to attend the party this year, we had reserved tickets on a later train, but were required to be at the station at least an hour early. (Anyone who took the train will tell you just how long the lines were. You'd think they were waiting to get into Hall H.) Because of this we were only able to stay at the party for only the first half hour.

With only 30 minutes we watched the door as different people signed in. Anyone we knew, or wanted to talk to, we immediately said hi to and began to chat. We only got a few minutes with each person, but they were well-spent minutes.

In those thirty-minute we probably spoke with more people than we usually do in an entire two-hour evening.  There was no time to become wallflowers.

What I learned from this night is this: don't plan to stay at the party all night. Set yourself a limited amount of time and with that deadline talk with as many people as you can. Keep moving around, or find a good position near the entrance where people are forced to walk past you. Quickly say hi, make introductions and chat for a while and then let them get on to the food while you find someone else to talk to.

This may not be what works for you, but it will be how I will fight the Wallflower Wars from now on.

Yes, we did catch our train on time and even chatted with more people in line, but more of than next time.

Seven Subjects Over A BLOG

Last week I made a fool of myself with my blog. No doubt, I will make a fool of myself again this week. This certainly is not something I intend to do every week (unless you like it), but I did promise to write up seven ideas for a blog over the week and briefly write about them here. So let’s get to it… Oh, you really want me to do this?

1

One of the first ideas that came to me was while I was standing in line at a local restaurant. This is one of those ‘greasy spoon’ like places. It has a lot of business from the different car dealerships and repair shops around it. So you know it has to be good. Actually the restaurant has been there for at least fifty years. Far better then most in town.

Anyway, one of the usual things I like to order in this restaurant is a corn dog. But when I looked at the menu board I did a double take and had to check what I saw was right.

A Hot Dog is $1.95

A Corn Dog is $1.45

Exactly what’s in a hot dog that requires another 50 cents?

I know the meat in both of them isn’t really any different, and probably not very health, but what makes a bun more expensive than the corn meal dipped in hot oil? With a corn dog I get a free stick.

No answer to that, but have to say that corn dog tasted far better then the ones at a chain a few blocks away.

2

What I heard in the office? or A really bad pick up line.

“Are you a 501c?”

It’s a good thing I work for who I did.

3

Wednesday night I attended the Writer’s Guild of America west, Animation Writers Caucus Schmooze. We gather at a local restaurant and have a guest speaker. Some months it's a small group of us, and sometimes like this month the room can be packed. (It doesn’t help that there was another large party and they had stolen several of our chairs and tables.)

Last nights guest was extremely intelligent and interesting, and there was a lot of information he provided us. I could tell that even some of the more veteran writers around the table were impressed and learned something.

Maybe I’ll write about all that someday.

Around this table were writers I have known for years, some worked on shows that I grew up watching, others are writing some of the best animation on television today, others like me are struggling to find the next writing assignment. There were also those, who call themselves “aspiring”, who are just starting out or in school, but have the dream.

And all I could think about, seeing all these people is this: These are animation writers, I’m one of them, and I belong at this table.

4

The next few subjects I jotted down over the week are all comic book related. I’m really nervous to write about some of it because I worry about not being able to get work at a publisher because I’ve offended them with a comment about how they handle this or that, or why they did that, or why so and so is no longer on a book.

Well you know what, like all fears, we have to put them aside and be truthful. Don’t do or say something offensive on purpose, but you must still express your own true thoughts. Because only then can people really know what you are like. Even if they may not like what you have to say, they might still be willing to listen and converse. You might come out ahead because of it. But if you say nothing and hide behind your fear, then nothing will happen.

Pause, hiding behind my fear for another moment.

5

The very first thing I jotted down in my notebook after promising to write this list was this:

“Those Epic Events in Comic Book Universes”

I don’t really know what I want to say about these. I loved CRISIS ON INFINITE EARTHS when it first came out, and I followed several of the other events over the years after that. But recently (and this goes for both Marvel and DC) the Events seem to constantly overlap one another so that its one never-ending event. Lots of it confuses me, especially when I haven’t been reading certain books for a while.

I won’t deny that the events help sales of certain books, and that’s a good thing. But I’d like to have a pause between them from time to time. Would be nice. That’s why I like reading some of the smaller books that aren’t the flag ship titles or characters.

Don’t get me wrong. I’d love to be part of a massive company wide event sometime. I even have one such cross over story worked out in my head. I know who should write and draw the main series that would spin off into the other books. But with the way I write, this wouldn’t be some major Cosmic Apocalypse, which kill off a dozen characters to have them come back later. This would be a more focused story which would allow each character and book to show off what they really are all about and if a reader picked up an issue of SuchandSuch Men they wouldn’t have to worry about the rest of the crossovers. They would have a good story in their hands with out the rest.

That’s just me. There are far more experienced people out there who know how to make all this work. Just hope they will hire me someday.

6

I won’t jump on either side of a ‘controversy’ that isn’t one, at least not now. I’ll only say this. Superman isn’t real, people.

7

Final comic book note. The Justice Society of America. I love the Justice Society of America and all their related characters. I have from the very first comic book I ever picked up. So I feel guilty for not buying issues of their book over the last several months. I don’t blame the writer of the stories, I just couldn’t get into it. I probably should have, because I don’t understand Alan Scott’s new look. Not liking it, but that’s me. I know some artist worked hard on designing it.

I think I will be writing a review in the next little while of Justice Society of America #50 that just came out.

For now, just let me say again, I love the Justice Society of America.

*

There, done. Seven subjects for my blog. Each one could be expanded upon to fill an entire blog. Maybe two or three of them will become their own blogs. We’ll just have to see.

Lastly, a note to you and myself as I did last week: Whatever you do, don’t try to act silly and foolish to cover up the fact that you have nothing to write about in this week’s blog. It doesn’t look good. I should know. Look what I’ve been writing.

Next week, a blog I hope will be worthy of having the label:

FOUR NAMES OF CREATIVE PROFESSIONALISM.

These last two certainly weren’t.

San Diego Comic Con - A Blog, Finally

San Diego Comic Con Internation

I’ve let over a week slip by before actually beginning this blog about San Diego Comic Con. Sorry about that, guys. Of course, now I actually have to think about something to write about.

First off, I only attended 2 Panel/Events for the entire three days I was there. The big one was for Ray Bradbury. My fiancée and I haven’t missed him for the last 15 years. It would have felt wrong if we had skipped.
The other panel was the Boom! Studios panel on IRREDEMABLE/INCORRUPTABLE. It was great to hear about Peter Kraus and how his comic artist career began and continued. It lets me know that it’s not too late for me either, and if his wife can put up with it, I am certain my fiancée can as well. (Actually, she’s told me as much. Thank God.)
And even more importantly (avoiding being hit by fiancée), am glad to know that writer Mark Waid and I have something major in common. Both of us have a terrible time coming up with names for our characters. It means I’m not lost.

I did miss one other panel I intended to be at. The WGA Animation Writer’s Caucus panel on Feature Animation. My Fiancée said that a young girl asked the most intelligent of questions. (Did anyone blog about that?) I missed it because I had to get over from the train station. When I finally got there the room was full and no one else was let in. I waited in the hall for half an hour.
As any of you who follow my Twitter (@kevinpsb00) know, I trained it down to San Diego each and back home again. It was a nice relaxing way to get down and comic home each night. It also cost lest then one night at a hotel during con season.

Also, I completely avoided Hall H at all cost, and that was before anyone thought to use pens as a weapon to save seats. As much as I love Hollywood, it’s far more important for me to meet with people that watch a bunch of promos.

So exactly what did I do for the three days of Con and not attending any panels, you might ask? Actually, I know you’re not going to ask… moving on.

This was my year for networking and meeting people, or at least as many people as I could. Know I could have done better. And if there is anyone out there that I missed, drop me line. I still have several follow up e-mails to send off.

Had a great time meetings people at different publishing companies, and got introduced to new editors. Some of which have already allowed me to pitch to their books. We can only pray that more show an interest, and that I get hired.

Had a good evening at the WGA’s Reception with my fellow animation writers.

After the Reception I got to see how much comics and entertainment have changed social standings for people. There was a guy in a very bad cosplay out but he had sexy girls hanging off him as he got out of a limo. I don’t know what was gone over there, but know that only a few years ago those same girls would have shunned him.

I didn’t need no fancy cosplay costume to get the girls. I have the most wonderful fiancée who is as much a nerd as I am. And I’m glad she has been with me at Con for so many years.
(No we are not going to have our wedding in costume. Don’t even dare show up in your Stormtrooper uniform.)

Did anyone spot my little animated Name Tag I had on? Let me know. Good thing I had it on because the text on the Con badge was so small no one could read it (when I got home Thursday night I printed up larger text of my name and stuck it on there. They also got my Twitter name wrong). Everyone who said something about my animated Name Tag got one of my handouts, which I was giving to publishers and editors. One side of the card was my bio and contact information; the other side is a pitch for a comic book/animated series I’d like to do. I may post it soon, but can’t promise it right now. I’ll let you know.

Walking the convention floor killed my legs and feet by the end of each day, so I was glad to relax on the train home each night.

The crowds on the floor did seem a little larger then in the past. At times even Thursday felt like a Saturday. But I only had one bad experience with the crowds. I was hoping to meet with someone at Warner Bros. But for reason, and no one ever could explain it, the crowds were so packed around the large booth that it was impossible to get in and be able to make contact let alone have a business conversation. It wasn’t even that busy for the Big Bang Theory gang and the Evil Will Weaton.

All and all, this was really a good convention.

Oh and if you noticed a continuous thread here, that my fiancée is always there. Well she is. And one of these day’s I’m going to stop calling her fiancée, and make her my wife. But I gotta have a job first, so how about one of you wonder comic book publishers or animation production companies hire me. Much appreciated, she’s been very patient with you.

Thanks for reading.
(Oh, and I have no idea why I chose to go humorous route for this blog. It’s not like me. Really.)
(Anyone need a comedic writer, who’s not so certain he’s a comedic writer?)

To 2008 I thank you.

I sit here with only hours to go before 2008 comes to an end, and want to summarize the last 365 days (and 1 second) of my life. But I don't want to look backwards, because when I do it feels like absolutely nothing happened. This isn't true, but it certainly can feel that way when I couldn't find a job. So I refuse to look back with that mind set.

Instead I would like to take a moment to thank people who have helped me in one way or another, no matter how small. As you all know by now, I've been pursuing a career as a writer in animation and comic books for a very long time, and it certainly hasn't been easy, and one of my greatest problems I have is networking.

So I want to thank all the people who have talked with me over the last months, either in person, on the phone, or across the internet.

To the veteran animation and comic book writers who took the time to give me advice. I thank you.

To the president of a publishing company who though isn't in a position to hire writers, was willing to give advice and point me towards editors who might be able to hire me. I thank you.

To those editors who did response to my e-mails, asking what I had done and was seeking to do. I thank you.

To the editor who not only is willing to consider me to write for him in the future, but also willing to read my series pitch. I thank you.

To the comic book writer and animation story editor who took the time to read my spec scripts. Even though your current series is fully staffed, you were willing to consider me and remember me for future projects. I thank you.

To the studio executives and production staffs that have spent time to talk with me about working with them even though there is no work to be had. I thank you.

To the Human Resource Manager at a TV network who called me for a job I had not applied to, and was very impressed with my resume in ways no one else had ever commented on before. That I was one of only four people in consideration for the position. I thank you. And who was very apologetic when a company wide hiring freeze came down. I still thank you.

To my representative at an employment agency, who was willing to take my angry phone call when they didn't seem to be doing anything, and explained things more clearly to me. I thank you.

To the animation and film producers from other countries who sought me out through the internet. I thank you.

To everyone at the Writers Guild of America and the Animation Writers Caucus who have always been a great support to me, because they've all been the same place I am. I thank you all.

To all my new friends in the comic book and animation industries that I am getting to know through facebook and twitter, I say hello and thank you.

To those of you who have begun to check out my website and web comic. I thank you.

To my family who has supported me through this crazy pursuit. Thank you and and God Bless.

And lastly to Shannon Muir, my writing partner, my love and fiancée, and most importantly my best friend who walks with me hand in hand through this life. I can not thank you enough. We will be married soon!

I may not have gotten a job, or written a comic book or animated episode, or sold a television series, but I have gotten to know a lot of very wonderful people. To you all I thank you, and may 2009 be filled with more opportunities to meet one another and give thanks.


Kevin Paul Shaw Broden
December 31st, 2008

Comic Strip for Writers Strike

As a member of the Animation Writers Caucus, I am considered an associate member of the Writers Guild of America.

This allows me to watch this strike from slightly to outside the battle arena. As a non-voting member of the Guild, I have no influence on the outcome of this strike.  But the outcome of this strike will have an influence on my future and my standing as a member.

Yes, I've been on the picket lines, which has been fun and encouraging, as nearly everyone who drove past honked their horns with positive, supportive, enthusiasm.  (I say nearly everyone because I did see a few faces and downward pointed thumbs from people who are clearly not happy with what we are doing.  And I respect that.)

But I do feel guilty for not being there more frequently along side my fellow writers, so I try to contribute where possible.

The Guild is providing a news letter for the picketers called Writers: On the Line, and I am drawing comic strips to be included in it.

That was for Issue #3, I plan to do more.  Though truthfully we would all like to think that there wouldn't be a need for too many more of these newsletters.

As I said, I can't always be involved, but along with the comic strip, maybe there is something I can write here in support of my friends. These will be my own opinions on such matters, and I will try not to rehash what far better bloggers have already said.

Best,

Kevin