Writing For Graphic Novels

A guest post from Jacob McLean (a spectacularly driven 3rd year undergraduate - just check out the PROSE, people!) about Rodge Glass' graphic novel, which highlights some of the challenges of writing a graphic novel that works.

Rodge Glass: Writing For Graphic Novels

13:00-14:00 £15/£12

In between his acclaimed biography of national treasure Alasdair Gray, Alasdair Gray: A Secretary’s Biography, and his highly anticipated forthcoming novel, Bring Me the Head of Ryan Giggs, Rodge Glass somehow found time to collaborate with London-based artist Dave Turbitt to release a critically-acclaimed graphic novel. Dougie’s War focusses on Dougie Campbell, a Scottish soldier recently returned from Afghanistan suffering from post-traumatic-stress-disorder - what Rodge likes to call “the war after the war”. The novel was (and continues to be) a success, fulfilling its commissioned goal to raise awareness of PTSD, and earning a significant collection of critical praise, including a nomination for Graphic Novel of the Year at the Scottish Independent Comic Book Awards. As Rodge’s first and (so far) only graphic novel, Dougie’s War was a project for which Rodge had to adapt. Graphic novels call for fast-paced, concise prose, Rodge told the Edinburgh League of Comics. He also had to, for the first time in his literary career, learn how to collaborate. Having been through the pains and pleasures of the process, Rodge is in a perfect position to now pass along tips and advice for writing your own graphic novel. Follow this link to learn more about Rodge.  http://edinburghleagueofcomics.wordpress.com/2011/08/12/war-comics-an-interview-with-rodge-glass/#

There are still places available on Rodge's 'Writing For Graphic Novels' workshop at Write Now; these can be booked via the Aye, Write! website, by phoning 0141 548 3511 during normal business hours, or via this link: http://onlineshop.strath.ac.uk/browse/extra_info.asp?compid=1&catid=19&modid=2&prodid=113&deptid=157&prodvarid=0

You can follow Rodge Glass on Twitter: 

@rodgeglass

Write Now: Day 1 Summary Listings

Please see below for further information re: speakers, pricing. 

Friday 9 March

The Mechanics of Page Turning: Narrative Drive 

11.00am – 12.30pm

Narrative drive is a vital element in getting your work published. Novelist Sara Sheridan provides key hints and tips to keep the pages turning.

Making the Pitch and not Striking Out

11:00-12:30 or 14:30-16:00

Novelist Helen FitzGerald and screenwriter Sergio Casci will look at the art of the verbal pitch.

Looking for an Agent? An Expert Guide to the Submissions Process

11:00-12:30

Now you’ve written – or are writing – your book, how will you get it accepted by an agent, publisher or editor? Nicola Morgan reveals the common traps for the unwary and offers tips for success.

www.WRITER 

11.00am – 12.30pm Part 1 (requires advanced preparation by participants)

Don’t get left behind.  Writer and web designer Cat Dean will guide participants through setting up their own writer’s website-with-blog. By the end of the day, each participant will have a simple, but fully functioning website-with-blog.

The Marketplace

12.30am – 14.30pm FREE

Interested in the Scottish publishing scene?  If so ‘The Marketplace’ is the place to be.  This showcase will feature independent publishers and Scotland-based magazines that provide an outlet for new writers.  Pick up the latest and the best new writing along with ideas on how to get started writing or where to place your work.

Book to Film, Film to Book – Adaptations 

13:00-14:00 

An inside look at adaptation with author Helen FitzGerald, screenwriter Sergio Casci and film producer Claire Mundell. The session will also look at new developments and opportunities for writers.

Is Blogging For You? – Blogging Your Way to Success 

13:00-14:00

Whether it’s getting started or improving confidence in blogging newbies, experienced writer and blogger Cat Dean will provide practical tips on how to make the most of your blog.  

Writing For Graphic Novels 

13:00-14:00

Rodge Glass discusses the process of writing a graphic novel: the challenges of collaboration between writer and artist, and gives tips and advice on making your graphic novel a success. 

Your Book Needs You 

14:30-16:00

Novelist Sara Sheridan debunks the myths of book promotion and publicity and gives expert advice on how to use all the communications tools available to sell yourself effectively.

What Are Publishers Looking For? 

14:30-16:00

Nicola Morgan, author of 90 books, will share her knowledge of what makes agents and publishers say yes, giving you the best chance of success. 

www.WRITER 

14.30am – 16.00pm Part 2 (requires advanced preparation by participants)

Second half of this web design workshop.

The Making of a Bestseller - Christopher Brookmyre

16:30-17:30 £15/£12

Award-winning crime writer and author of 14 published novels, Christopher Brookmyre has plenty of experience to share with aspiring writers and interested readers.

Creative Writing: What Does It Mean, Anyway?

Come join us at the first Write Now Creative Writing Conference in Glasgow on 3/6/11. Please see below to download the Call For Papers. We are also trying to organise an evening reading event, ideally open to the public, if we have enough brave volunteers.

Confirmed readers include:
Louise Welsh (Keynote Speaker, novelist, and lots of other things besides)
David Kinloch (poet, with new collection coming out in April 2011 from Carcanet Press)
and
Rodge Glass (novelist, biographer, and graphic novelist).

Please contact our Organiser-in-Chief, bryony.stocker@strath.ac.uk, to submit an abstract/with any questions, marymcdonough@me.com, to discuss sponsorship or the possibility of setting up a booth/information point in the breakout area, and/or stewart.melville@strath.ac.uk if science fiction or dystopian fiction is your thing. More than enough room for anyone willing to engage in debate, reading, and talking about writing. We look forward to meeting you.


Word version of CFP
PDF version of CFP