It’s a law of nature: Once you’re set free of the shackles that bind you to a miserable daily routine, good things start to happen for you.
One of the good things that happened for me early last year was an invitation from my friend Chip Mann to work with him and his brother Dan a few hours a week to help them make their dream a reality. They too had broken some shackles by forming their own company, KID DOMINO, and were well on their way to something good — launching Issue 1 of their multi-part graphic novel series, Forgotten City.
One of the good things that happened for me early last year was an invitation from my friend Chip Mann to work with him and his brother Dan a few hours a week to help them make their dream a reality. They too had broken some shackles by forming their own company, KID DOMINO, and were well on their way to something good — launching Issue 1 of their multi-part graphic novel series, Forgotten City.
They had talked for years about merging their talents — Chip’s gift for storytelling and Dan’s amazing artistic abilities — to start a business that would produce an income, as well as provide a satisfying outlet for their creative passions. Graphic novels seemed like the perfect marriage.
They spent months hammering out ideas before they latched onto a story that excited both of them equally. Then, to ensure the successful execution of Forgotten City, they sought help from an outstanding team of seasoned, industry experts, whose experience ranged from co-creating X-men's Spartan X to writing Marvel titles such as Amazing Spider-Man.
They spent months hammering out ideas before they latched onto a story that excited both of them equally. Then, to ensure the successful execution of Forgotten City, they sought help from an outstanding team of seasoned, industry experts, whose experience ranged from co-creating X-men's Spartan X to writing Marvel titles such as Amazing Spider-Man.
They released Issue 1 a little over a year ago. Issues 2, 3, and 4 followed about every three months, and Issue 5 is winding up and should be out in a few weeks. Next up will be a hard cover compilation of Issues 1-5, and then it’s back to Issues 6 and beyond … perhaps all the way to the big screen. But first things first.
My part through all of this, you’re wondering? You might say I’m the executive vice president in charge of figuring out things … a lot of things I’d never done before, like getting their website built, up and running, and kept up to date; creating and sending mass marketing mailings; and manning (womanning?) their museum. (Oops, I forgot to mention they also opened a museum to show Dan’s art.)
Playing a small part in moving the Mann brothers’ project forward has been a fun and satisfying undertaking. Besides that, it’s rewarded me with new and challenging outlets for my writing and long-dormant graphic design skills.
All of this is yet another example of the way the universe works. … A door closes, a window opens … door closes, window opens … door, window … door, window … etc.
Think about that the next time you find yourself locked in a room, metaphorically speaking. Keep your eyes and options open, and your windows will open too. Then, when that dream opportunity appears — a book contract, a graphic novel project — all you’ll have to do is reach through and grab it.
* * *
You can check out Chip and Dan Mann’s graphic novels on their website at www.kiddomino.com.
After that, please take a look at the first chapter of Dust Bunnies and Dead Bodies, my debut cozy mystery due out October 15, available in print and ebooks on amazon.com, barnesandnoble.com and kobobooks.com.
I invite you to keep the conversation flowing by leaving a note below in the comments section, or share the LINK to today's blog with your friends onon Facebook and Twitter.
Thanks for stopping by. Please return often. — Janis
My part through all of this, you’re wondering? You might say I’m the executive vice president in charge of figuring out things … a lot of things I’d never done before, like getting their website built, up and running, and kept up to date; creating and sending mass marketing mailings; and manning (womanning?) their museum. (Oops, I forgot to mention they also opened a museum to show Dan’s art.)
Playing a small part in moving the Mann brothers’ project forward has been a fun and satisfying undertaking. Besides that, it’s rewarded me with new and challenging outlets for my writing and long-dormant graphic design skills.
All of this is yet another example of the way the universe works. … A door closes, a window opens … door closes, window opens … door, window … door, window … etc.
Think about that the next time you find yourself locked in a room, metaphorically speaking. Keep your eyes and options open, and your windows will open too. Then, when that dream opportunity appears — a book contract, a graphic novel project — all you’ll have to do is reach through and grab it.
* * *
You can check out Chip and Dan Mann’s graphic novels on their website at www.kiddomino.com.
After that, please take a look at the first chapter of Dust Bunnies and Dead Bodies, my debut cozy mystery due out October 15, available in print and ebooks on amazon.com, barnesandnoble.com and kobobooks.com.
I invite you to keep the conversation flowing by leaving a note below in the comments section, or share the LINK to today's blog with your friends onon Facebook and Twitter.
Thanks for stopping by. Please return often. — Janis
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