Yeah, it’s still quiet around here, and there’s still a reason for that. More on all that soon (as long as things go well). Just wanted to report in with a few notes and comments.

• My screenplay, Random Encounters got an honorable mention in the Winter 2005 A Feeding Frenzy screenwriting contest (in essence, that puts it in about the top 25). I finally got a chance to go through the comments and notes they provided, and even though I have a few questions about some of it, there was a lot of great information and tips in their feedback (especially one helpful tip to keep in mind when switching between comic scripts and movie scripts).

• From the Dark Horse solicits, there’s a nice little project called, Archenemies by fellow Scryptic Studio member, Drew Melbourne (and lettered by yet another Scryptic Studio fellow, Jim Keplinger).

Written by Drew Melbourne, penciled by Yvel Guichet, inked by Joe Rubinstein, colored by Rick Hiltbrunner, lettered by Jim Keplinger.

32 pages, $2.99, in stores on April 5.

I know a bit about this book (I looked over Drew’s proposal and provided him some feedback on it before he sent it off to Dark Horse), and there is a lot of fun stuff in this comic.

• Just a simple grass roots campaign to help curtail negativity in the comics industry. Campaign slogan: Cheer the f-* up! ^_^

• For the writers… I kicked off an experimental writing activity called, “Tale of Two Panels”. Just a little something to challenge you and get you thinking about different ways to stretch reader’s imaginations and perceptions inside the comic. It’s a good challenge for any level of writer, and the best thing… it’s just two panels. Anyone can squeeze two panels into their schedule so give it a try and have some fun!

• Also for the writers… I kicked off a different writing activity over at Digital Webbing. Some people suggested starting a write-off in the Writer’s Showcase there, so I’m starting this up in the hopes of inspiring writers through some friendly competition.

• Interesting little benefit listed in the 2006 National Defense Authorization Bill:

An incentive pay of up to $1,000 for servicemembers who refer someone who enlists in the Army and successfully completes basic training

Referral bonuses? For the military? Could recruiting for the Army be taking a nose-dive? Could it be that active servicemembers aren’t recommending the military to their civilian friends? “We can fix that… let’s just dangle cash in front of their noses and let the people in the service start talking people into joining.” Anyways, it’s good they didn’t make it a cash on delivery incentive, or we could see a resurgence of drunks in bars getting shanghaied.

Tag o’ the mornin’ to ya! screenwriting comics writing Archenemies military Scryptic Studios Digital Webbing