monkey_roo
Sith Lord
- Joined
- Apr 1, 2011
- Messages
- 2,307
So - for those that know me, you'll recall that i write novels as a hobby and publish them on Amazon (the HAMINGTON CHRONICLES, 5 to date, more to come...)
But this year with a little guidance from an other writer I have created a manuscript for a graphic novel, however, that presents a few issues for me.
The first, to paraphrase Captain Blackadder, is that I have "the artistic talent of a cluster of colour-blind hedgehogs… in a bag", which is something of a handicap when it comes to creating a graphic novel.
The second is budget, which to be quite honest is, that I don't have one.
The third, which is really a a byproduct of the other two, is that publishers are only interested in 'complete products' for creator owned work, writer only pitches don't seem to make it past the front door.
This context brings me to the crux of my 'pitch'. I am looking for a partner, someone to help shape, realize and share in the journey (and rewards) to bring this story to life, which i hope to achieve via one of the smaller, independent publishers - many of whom I have been talking to throughout the year, all of who want 'finished product' as opposed to 'Writer Only' pitches.
Obviously this is a substantial ask and I am under no illusions as to what the next stage of this journey will take and the effort required, but I also know that nothing worthwhile is ever easy.
I know there are quite a few artistically minded and talented folk on the forum, but I also know what I am asking is a lot - but, if i don't ask...
For my part I am based in London (UK) so finding someone within the same geographical space would be great (although 21c tech means that isn't a necessity) for collaboration and so on. I have no preconceptions around style and tone etc. (except NO MANGA), much more a case of artistic interpretation and knowing what works when I see it. Additionally I have no expectations around time, however, it would be great to be pitching this to publisher late 2020, early 2021 to see if it can make a release date in Q4 2021, but i suspect 2022 is more likely - the subject matter really does lend itself to a winter/Christmas release
So - if none of that has put you off and you are still interested, what is JINGLE SQUAD:
JINGLE SQUAD
Graphic novel (265 pages – script complete)
By: Matt McCartney, Artist(s): TBC
The High Concept:
JINGLE SQUAD is the literary offspring of Dr Who and the Dirty Dozen teaming up to save Christmas.
Following a 50 year war the world's belief in Christmas has been removed. Santa has been captured by his 'evil' ex-wife Clarissa, and the British public are only days away from handing her control of the Government in a referendum. However, Santa's 'Black-Ops-Elf-Unit', Jingle Squad, are determined to rescue their leader, who is being subjected to vegetable based enhanced interrogation, save the British people from a terrible deal and restore the world's believe in Christmas.
Genre:
Action, Adventure, Fantasy, Christmas.
The Characters:
JINGLE SQUAD presents several primary characters bound by their common goal of wanting to restore Christmas to the world:
Nicholas: The current Santa who wishes to see an end to fifty years of conflict, thwart his ex-wife's plans and secure the line of succession for the next Santa.
Bushy: The emotionally scarred leader of Jingle Squad, determined to rescue Nicholas, make up for a tragic mistake and save Christmas, even if that means making the ultimate sacrifice.
Natalie: A frustrated accountant, annoyed with her lack of success compared to her efforts. Unknown to her she hold the key to restoring Christmas but first she must overcome her skepticism and truly believe to realize her potential.
Tom: Natalie's boyfriend and a man without a plan. Tom must fight his natural inclinations and pick a cause if he is to help restore Christmas to the world. But before he can fight alongside Jingle Squad and for his girlfriend, he needs to believe in himself.
Clarissa: The antagonist of the story. Driven by jealously and spite she ignited a war with her husband, Nicholas, that saw belief in Christmas removed from existence. Now she is on the verge of ruling over Britain and then the world. But first she has to defeat Santa and his Black-Ops-Elf-Unit, Jingle Squad, once and for all… and win a pesky referendum.
The Obstacle:
Besides rescuing imprisoned comrades, overturning electoral results and defeating an army of Killer Robot Snowmen, the common obstacle Jingle Squad need to overcome is belief. Belief in themselves, in their cause and most of all, restoring the world's belief in Christmas.
Your Target Readership:
YA and upwards.
The Story:
Fifty years prior to the start of our story, Santa and Mrs Claus allow their failing relationship to escalate into all-out war, resulting in Mrs Claus stealing the world's belief in Christmas. With the help of several henchmen and an army of Killer Robot Snowmen she is hellbent on taking over the UK and then the world, leaving her husband fighting for his very existence.
Our story begins with Santa having been captured four days before Mrs Claus is due to take control of the British Government in a referendum. However, Santa's Black-Ops-Elf-Unit, Jingle Squad, are determined to rescue their leader, free Rudolph and his Sleigh Team from their internment, prevent Mrs Claus duping the British public, take back their Winter Village and restore the world's believe in Christmas.
Led by Bushy, an elf driven by the ravages of war and aided by Natalie and Tom, a couple struggling to define their own lives, but who unknowingly hold key to saving Christmas. Jingle Squad must pull of a succession of daring rescues and escapes. From a petting zoo in Slough, to the Milton Keynes one way system. From the London Sewer network, to the snow blasted Salla-Saariselka mountains. Jingle Squad have to content with mechanical monsters, henchmen and the odd squirrel in order to 'save the day' and give the world back a holiday it's long forgotten, but desperately needs.
Greatly appreciate any interest - PM for more details, sample script extracts etc.
Regards
matt
But this year with a little guidance from an other writer I have created a manuscript for a graphic novel, however, that presents a few issues for me.
The first, to paraphrase Captain Blackadder, is that I have "the artistic talent of a cluster of colour-blind hedgehogs… in a bag", which is something of a handicap when it comes to creating a graphic novel.
The second is budget, which to be quite honest is, that I don't have one.
The third, which is really a a byproduct of the other two, is that publishers are only interested in 'complete products' for creator owned work, writer only pitches don't seem to make it past the front door.
This context brings me to the crux of my 'pitch'. I am looking for a partner, someone to help shape, realize and share in the journey (and rewards) to bring this story to life, which i hope to achieve via one of the smaller, independent publishers - many of whom I have been talking to throughout the year, all of who want 'finished product' as opposed to 'Writer Only' pitches.
Obviously this is a substantial ask and I am under no illusions as to what the next stage of this journey will take and the effort required, but I also know that nothing worthwhile is ever easy.
I know there are quite a few artistically minded and talented folk on the forum, but I also know what I am asking is a lot - but, if i don't ask...
For my part I am based in London (UK) so finding someone within the same geographical space would be great (although 21c tech means that isn't a necessity) for collaboration and so on. I have no preconceptions around style and tone etc. (except NO MANGA), much more a case of artistic interpretation and knowing what works when I see it. Additionally I have no expectations around time, however, it would be great to be pitching this to publisher late 2020, early 2021 to see if it can make a release date in Q4 2021, but i suspect 2022 is more likely - the subject matter really does lend itself to a winter/Christmas release
So - if none of that has put you off and you are still interested, what is JINGLE SQUAD:
JINGLE SQUAD
Graphic novel (265 pages – script complete)
By: Matt McCartney, Artist(s): TBC
The High Concept:
JINGLE SQUAD is the literary offspring of Dr Who and the Dirty Dozen teaming up to save Christmas.
Following a 50 year war the world's belief in Christmas has been removed. Santa has been captured by his 'evil' ex-wife Clarissa, and the British public are only days away from handing her control of the Government in a referendum. However, Santa's 'Black-Ops-Elf-Unit', Jingle Squad, are determined to rescue their leader, who is being subjected to vegetable based enhanced interrogation, save the British people from a terrible deal and restore the world's believe in Christmas.
Genre:
Action, Adventure, Fantasy, Christmas.
The Characters:
JINGLE SQUAD presents several primary characters bound by their common goal of wanting to restore Christmas to the world:
Nicholas: The current Santa who wishes to see an end to fifty years of conflict, thwart his ex-wife's plans and secure the line of succession for the next Santa.
Bushy: The emotionally scarred leader of Jingle Squad, determined to rescue Nicholas, make up for a tragic mistake and save Christmas, even if that means making the ultimate sacrifice.
Natalie: A frustrated accountant, annoyed with her lack of success compared to her efforts. Unknown to her she hold the key to restoring Christmas but first she must overcome her skepticism and truly believe to realize her potential.
Tom: Natalie's boyfriend and a man without a plan. Tom must fight his natural inclinations and pick a cause if he is to help restore Christmas to the world. But before he can fight alongside Jingle Squad and for his girlfriend, he needs to believe in himself.
Clarissa: The antagonist of the story. Driven by jealously and spite she ignited a war with her husband, Nicholas, that saw belief in Christmas removed from existence. Now she is on the verge of ruling over Britain and then the world. But first she has to defeat Santa and his Black-Ops-Elf-Unit, Jingle Squad, once and for all… and win a pesky referendum.
The Obstacle:
Besides rescuing imprisoned comrades, overturning electoral results and defeating an army of Killer Robot Snowmen, the common obstacle Jingle Squad need to overcome is belief. Belief in themselves, in their cause and most of all, restoring the world's belief in Christmas.
Your Target Readership:
YA and upwards.
The Story:
Fifty years prior to the start of our story, Santa and Mrs Claus allow their failing relationship to escalate into all-out war, resulting in Mrs Claus stealing the world's belief in Christmas. With the help of several henchmen and an army of Killer Robot Snowmen she is hellbent on taking over the UK and then the world, leaving her husband fighting for his very existence.
Our story begins with Santa having been captured four days before Mrs Claus is due to take control of the British Government in a referendum. However, Santa's Black-Ops-Elf-Unit, Jingle Squad, are determined to rescue their leader, free Rudolph and his Sleigh Team from their internment, prevent Mrs Claus duping the British public, take back their Winter Village and restore the world's believe in Christmas.
Led by Bushy, an elf driven by the ravages of war and aided by Natalie and Tom, a couple struggling to define their own lives, but who unknowingly hold key to saving Christmas. Jingle Squad must pull of a succession of daring rescues and escapes. From a petting zoo in Slough, to the Milton Keynes one way system. From the London Sewer network, to the snow blasted Salla-Saariselka mountains. Jingle Squad have to content with mechanical monsters, henchmen and the odd squirrel in order to 'save the day' and give the world back a holiday it's long forgotten, but desperately needs.
Greatly appreciate any interest - PM for more details, sample script extracts etc.
Regards
matt
