This post is about my time in 2017’s DC Comics Writers Workshop, but if you came here looking for The Secret To Writing Superhero Comics, I’m afraid you’re in the wrong place.
I don’t have anything to share in the way of specifics about the workshop or what I worked on (but writing “EXTERIOR. THE DAILY PLANET” doesn’t get old, I can say that much). The big takeaway is obvious, but participating in a writing workshop—something I haven’t done at least since college—was invaluable.
First, I learned so much about my own work, style, bad habits, and shortcuts just by having a consistent feedback loop. Knowing that my colleagues would be involved every step of the way and seeing my improvements (or my missteps), throwing out ideas, going big, going small… it was an environment that, much to my shame, I haven’t had a lot of in my career as a professional writer. Making the process collaborative rather than solitary was a huge learning experience for me. Like, why don’t I do this all the time? I can see why a writer’s room is so appealing.
Which leads me to… the people. Of course, Scott Snyder and the Talent Development team at DC are fantastic, the best there is at what they do (I know, I know, I’m crossing the aisle with that one). But the best thing to come out of this, I think, is that I feel like I’ve finally got my own Breakfast Club.
What I mean is this: A small group of peers who have all gone through something significant together that few people can really relate to unless they were there, man. We’re already continuing to share ideas and work, meeting as a group on our own, and generally keeping each other sane as we get back to the real world.
Every writer should have other writers in their back pocket that they can show things to and expect nothing but honest (though hopefully constructive) feedback. Thanks to the Writers Workshop, I feel like I have that now. I expect them to be blunt in their responses to my work, which does two things. 1.) It makes me work smarter and harder, and 2.) It makes me giddy when I impress them.
The workshop taught me so much about creating within the DCU and the industry in general, but it also reminded me of the most basic thing about creative endeavors. Forgetting Ego or being Internet Famous or trying to steal the spotlight from someone else or any of that B.S. We all do our best work when we are supported by our colleagues, not pitted against them.
I’ve known some creators who feel very territorial over their slice of the comics industry pie and I just never understood it—especially not when one of the top names in comics can dedicate so much of his time imparting knowledge to the up-and-comers. As much as I aspire to be a successful writer (however one might define “successful”), the measure of being a true champion of the industry is going the extra mile to pay it forward.
Coming out of this experience with this particular group of writers, I have no doubt that every single one of us will do what we can for those who follow, should we ever be in a position to help others along (assuming ours is a path any dare to follow).
Creative, passionate people should not be in competition with one another. We are not in a race to the top of the mountain. We should not kick dirt on the flames of a career that’s catching—we should be pouring gasoline on that mother fucker so we can all enjoy watching it burn.
