Episode description

Brad Guigar has categorized the information shared by creative individuals into three groups. Dave Kellett has a couple of his own to contribute. Of the five, only one is useful. Identifying the others can help you avoid making some significant mistakes.

Today's show

• Types of information creative people share
• UPDATE: Brad Guigar celebrates 25 years in comics
• Story pacing

Summary

In this episode, Brad and Dave discuss the information shared among creative individuals, categorizing them into facts, marketing, and herd mentality. The discussion highlights the importance of discerning between genuine facts and marketing tactics. Dave suggests the list should include misinformation and bad actors in the creative community. In this episode, Dave Kellett and Brad Guigar discuss the realities of book signings, networking, and celebrating milestones in one's career, particularly in the comic industry. They share personal anecdotes about their experiences and reflect on the mental health benefits of recognizing achievements. The conversation then shifts to writing advice, focusing on story pacing, exposition, and actionable strategies for aspiring writers to improve their craft.

Takeaways

• Sharing information among creatives is essential for growth and learning.
• Facts are verifiable truths that can help guide creative decisions.
• Marketing often skews perceptions and can lead to poor decision-making.
• Herd mentality can mislead creatives into following trends without critical thinking.
• Misinformation can come from well-intentioned but uninformed sources.
• Bad actors exist in the creative community, and caution is necessary.
• Understanding the difference between marketing and facts is crucial for success.
• Social media is primarily a marketing tool for many creators.  Book signings often don't attract large crowds.
• Celebrating career milestones can boost mental health.
• Reflecting on past achievements can provide motivation.
• Each page of a comic should be satisfying on its own.
• Writers should focus on manageable story lengths.
• Use visuals effectively to enhance storytelling.
• Avoid information dumps in storytelling.
• Create tension through micro-tension techniques.
• Leave breadcrumbs for readers to follow in the narrative.

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Brad Guigar is the creator of Evil Inc and the author of The Webcomics Handbook. Dave Kellett is the creator of Sheldon and Drive.