Hello again! I’m back just liked I promised x.
Before I start rambling on, I have exciting news to share: You can now read Billy Writes in the new Substack app for iPhone.
With the app, you’ll have a dedicated Inbox for my Substack and any others you subscribe to. New posts will never get lost in your email filters, or stuck in spam. Longer posts will never cut-off by your email app. Comments and rich media will all work seamlessly. Overall, it’s a big upgrade to the reading experience.
The Substack app is currently available for iOS. If you don’t have an Apple device, you can join the Android waitlist here.
The app really is amazing, it gives you notifications when one of your subscribed authors have posted something! And the format is just **chefs kiss**. I would seriously encourage you all to get it!
2022: The Journey Begins
Continuing from my post “#4 How I Became A Writer”, I have now subscribed to Scott Snyder’s Substack Best Jacket Press. I suggest you do the same, you won’t regret it.
I wasn’t sure what I was going to expect. I mean, sure I’ve taken a script writing class, but that was for screenplays, something sort of different. So, as per usual I was excited and nervous. It has been about 5ish months since I’ve been subscribed and wow. I’m in awe. I’m so glad I signed up cause this class is beyond anything I was ever expecting.
So for those of you that aren’t a paid subscriber to BJP, Scott releases 1, 2hr class each month along with mini classes in between. So, a) you definitely get your money’s worth, and b) you get to learn so much. My writing class at Uni is just shy under $1,800 and you don’t get to learn as much as you do in Scott’s class (it’s still really valuable and really worth it and its great, this is just for comparison).
In my last post I talked about not having a proper writing schedule and that is what the cause is for my lack of writing as of late, and I thought it was just me at first but in one of Scott’s first classes he talks about having a schedule or a specific time to do writing that you have to stick to. Pasted below is my notes from that class;
Create a routine once I have figured out a process. Be a writer with a schedule, like a 9-5 job. Stick to it so it’s muscle memory. Treat writing like a real full-time job. Everything will click into gear.
Even though it doesn’t take a rocket scientist to work that out, it is absolutely genius. I mean I have only been stuck on that schedule for a better half of two weeks and it has been able to help me write a lot. Not just scripts, but ideas I have for future arcs. I don’t how many issues a writer has to plan when they pitch for Marvel, DC, or Image but I have a good 20ish issues planned as well as like 3 limited spin off series. Is that too much? Oh well, get excited for Billy’s Comics Universeeee (my friend said I have a Messiah complex? I don’t even know what that means but I’m sure it’s great)
I’m a bit behind on Scott’s classes at the moment, cause unfortunately, my higher, very expensive education has to come first in some instances. So far, Scott has given lessons on;
Voice
Characterisation ft. Donny Cates (Author of Venom, God Country, Crossover etc)
Character Arcs ft. Chip Zdarsky (Author of Batman, Daredevil, Devil’s Reign)
3-Act Structure (my favourite)
Villains
Scene Construction
I have not done the last two yet but I am beyond excited. I have lots of villain ideas. I watched the first 15-minutes of it and I’m so glad Scott has said “your villain doesn’t need a compelling backstory for the reason that they are the villain, because it doesn’t always work.” I love the villains where they are evil just cause. Like they thrive just to see people die and hurt, where they laugh maniacally and get off (not sexually) from hurting others. To me, that is a good villain, just pure evil.
I’m also really excited for Scene Construction because I feel like that is where I lack the most. I have no idea where to put what and in which order. I feel like that is why it took me so long to complete my first script. I should be watching it sometime this week so, I’ll let you know!
3-Act Structure. Three Act Structure. Is probably the best thing that has been introduced to me since…… sliced bread. I have been using this and it is a god send.
I didn’t want to use Scott’s own version cause that wouldn’t feel right, but the only difference compared to his and this one is that where this one says “rising action”, Scott has put PONR or Point Of No Return. Where the character does something on their journey where they can’t turn back from. In my instance it’s where Esor reveals his true identity to the world. That point in Act 2 is suppose to help you build up in Act 3 for the Climax. Scott also demonstrates how you can have multiple plots on an arc. Like my protagonist can be the main arc, but at the same time, my “sidekick” can be plot b.
A-plot is the character plot i.e., what the character is going through. B-plot is either your character dealing with something emotionally or physically that is sub text or peripheral to the storyline. C-plot is like a seed planted, a mystery for later issues.
That is from my notes from that class… See what I mean, pure genius. I never would have thought about it like that. I would have never even done a C-plot if Scott never had mentioned it, because I never knew it was something that existed.
Now of course, I think all of Scott’s classes are amazing, but the 3-Act Structure class has by far been my favourite (probably until I watch Scene Construction). If I haven’t convinced you to subscribe to his newsletter then you’re just plain stubborn, but while you’re at it, you could subscribe to mine; it would mean the world.
While you’re there, if you could share this among your friends even if you find my newsletter mildly funny or entertaining. It would be beyond amazing.
THANK YOU for reading and I can’t wait to see y’all next time.
Edited by Nadia Jeffries
Stay safe and be kind x
B