Books Every Writer Should Read

Sorry there haven't been many updates lately for those of you following this blog. A lot of things have been going on related to The Unknowns as well as other projects in general. The things involving The Unknowns I can't quite get into yet, but once things get more final I'll be sure to post them here.

One of things I wanted to get into here on the blog are some books that I think are really worth spending your time reading if you are a writer or a creative person. As a comic book artist I spend most of my time thinking in words and pictures. In a way its a cheap form of writing because I don't have to think about the formal nature of writing story in prose or script format. This is something I am working to remedy. Most of my life I have spent my time drawing and fitting my stories into my drawings. The writing aspect wasn't as big of a deal. I've changed a bit of my perspective on that issue. I truly want to be known as a better writer/storyteller than I do an artist and as such I need to learn the craft more. Here are some books that have been really helpful over the years and currently:



Orson Scott Card's book "Writing Science Fiction and Fantasy" is one of the best books I have ever read on the subject of writing. In it he explains how we can create believable and tangible worlds. Some of his stories about how he created a new story have helped spur me on to new ideas.


"The Man Who Heard Voices" is more here because of its attention to the way so many of us all feel as we create the art that is in us as visual storytellers. Regardless of your thoughts towards M. Night's movies (I for one think he's pretty much amazing) I think everyone can find this book to be a reminder that even those who are successful at their craft wrestle behind closed doors.


"On Writing" by Stephen King is pretty much the mother load when it comes to a book that is profoundly helpful and entertaining. Part memoir and part how-to, this book deals with topics as mundane as grammar to how to discover a story. This one is my current read, but it is one that I think has done more to help my work ethic than any other book as I remember: to be a great writer you must; read a lot a write a lot.

Early Self Doubt

One of the things that really matters to me in creating this Production Log is being as truthful about things as I can. In a way this is sort of a "dear diary" thing for me.

As such, I really wanted to talk about some of my inner struggles as of late. I know that the artists road can be hard and lonely. I often can feel that way. We piddle away by ourselves in offices, at tables, in front of the computer, or a canvas. It is a rare thing that we would have some one with whom enjoys the creation of art alongside of us. I am lucky enough to have a few people I am close to who I can enjoy that with, but there are many nights, where I plug away wondering: Will this is ever happen for me?

To me making comics isn't just a idea or pass time that engage in to be constructive. It is the thing I have wanted to do for almost twenty years. Sure there have been times when I have deviated to one degree or another, but for the most part this has been it.

It's been hard knowing that creating a comic and pursuing a career in it consists of spending tons of time honing your craft with very little payoff if any in the end. But it isn't impossible and if it is possible then I usually don't give up. The Unknowns is a book I firmly believe can and will find a publisher. Some nights though its hard to be patient and remember that nothing worth having comes easily or without great patience.

So as a quick note, I just want to encourage many of you out there who have the same feelings to keep plugging away. I truly believe there are many careers out there for us artists. But while you wait, don't forget to enjoy the process of creation. If you can't LOVE this craft now, you won't love it later.

Anyways. Back to the grind.