So many ideas...

Hey everyone, it’s been a while since I last posted. I’ve been off the grid working on a new GN idea. When I have a new idea, I usually start by doing some development art, character designs, key locations, and writing basic premises for stories. I ended up doing about thirty pieces of art. Unfortunately, I can’t show you any of it because it’s still too early in the process. Maybe one day.

It’s always weird to work on ideas where there’s a strong possibility that they will never get published and no one will ever get to see them. I currently have at least four different book ideas in various stages of completion.

I have two picture book stories that I’ve completely roughed out. The first one went out on submission, but we couldn’t find a publisher. I still hope that one day with a minor tweak or two, I can get it published.

The second picture book story I really thought was a great idea, but my agent had some notes, and at the time, I had no idea how to address them, so I put it aside until I can figure it out.

I also have three graphic novel story ideas. I’ve written outlines for all three of them and have some development art, but they all need some unknown fixes before they’d be in a place good enough to be sent out to publishers.

I think I enjoy the early creative stages the most when I can get lost in my own imagination and escape from reality. And if all goes well, one day, it will be good enough to share with the world. Until then, it has a home in my mind and on my hard drive.

I imagine one day, when I’m no longer around, my kids will find these stories and think they’re amusing. Or maybe the stories will be lost forever when the hard drive they’re stored on gets recycled with the e-waste I leave behind.

Part of being a creator is coming up with lots of ideas.
Some will get published, some will evolve into new ideas, and some will never see the light of day. I guess it’s part of the creative process. I imagine there are millions of good ideas that have been created by people all over the world that we will never get to see. There must be thousands of TV pilots, unused screenplays, etc., lingering in the creative abyss because a studio or some executive decided that it wasn’t going to work for whatever reason.

Here is some artwork I created for the Bird & Squirrel TV show that almost was. Enjoy!

Thanks for reading! Keep creating!

-James