Monthly Archives

October 2019

Are Marvel Movies Art? (There’s no easy way to say this…)

Are Marvel Movies Art? (There’s no easy way to say this…)

written by Bryan Hutchinson

One of my favorite movies is The Color of Money directed by Martin Scorsese. In fact, the movie had such an influence on me that I shared what I learned from it in my latest book. (There are many life lessons in The Color of Money, especially for writers and artists, so I hope you watch it.)

Another movie I love is Bram Stoker’s Dracula directed by Francis Ford Coppola. Not as many lessons in this one, with the exception of the most common horror movie trope of all time, don’t do that, which is whatever you see the character doing on the screen that’s obviously going to get themselves killed or worse (yes, Dracula, so clearly there is worse).

Both Coppola and Scorsese have done so much for cinema

But something they stated recently really caught me, as a voracious movie viewer, off guard and took me somewhat aback.

Scorsese said that Marvel movies are not cinema and Coppola followed that up by saying they’re despicable.

Sorry, what the holy-hell is that all about? (That’s my inner Deadpool asking.)

I mean, these guys have the right to say whatever they want, they’re movie gods for Star-Lord’s sake. So wait, what?

As much as I admire these wonderful directors, from what I’ve been reading online their comments are being seen as sour grapes. I don’t think that’s entirely fair, though.

I think they more likely mean that they consider Marvel movies to be commodities, made expressly for the purpose of making money, not for the purpose of creating art or furthering an art form or film genre as it were in classic cinematic films, such as what they created.

However, with that said, as many see it, if it wasn’t for Marvel the box office would be dying, if not dead. If you want to kill movie theaters the one thing that could be done to accomplish this goal would be to get rid of superhero movies.

Moviegoers used to love silent movies, then we loved cowboys and Indians, then it was gangsters, musicals, animation, and, oh my, horror, and where do we put Pixar? But now we love Marvel superheroes, too.

Life and film are ever-changing.

I grew up reading Stephen King and IT was one of my favorite books. I can’t tell you what a delight it was for me to see the new IT movies part 1 and 2 succeed the way they did, it was like watching my favorite team hit multiple home runs.

It wasn’t a Marvel movie, but I honestly couldn’t tell the difference in that IT has superheroes and a supervillain, just as every Marvel movie does. (Common, those kids took out Pennywise! That’s some superhero stuff right there, even if they couldn’t fly or shoot lasers out of their eyes.)

I also grew up reading Marvel comics and Spider-man was my favorite in that category of entertainment, so in 2002 when Tobey Maguire put on the suit, I went to see it and it was like a dream come true. I watched that movie a dozen times and I love the latest one, too.

I love Marvel movies, but not everyone will and some will insult and condemn them, even people I admire will do this, but I’ll tell you this, if you take away our current era of heroes and villains, the cinema complexes will die a painful and terrible death.

My living room is in many ways a thousand times better than any movie theater.

My large 4k screen and surround sound system look and sound perfectly fine compared to anything in the theaters when it comes to romance, drama, crime, comedy and other less special-effects driven cinema.

When I want to watch a “Theme Park” movie, as Scorsese calls Marvel movies, I’ve got to get out of the house. Marvel’s Avengers, DC’s Superman, or even WB’s Harry Potter for that matter, for those, I want to be dazzled in the most sophisticated IMAX theater I can find.

Marvel movies are what?

Cinema, by its very definition, is art, so when someone says Marvel movies are not cinema, what they’re really saying is that they are not art.

Wrong!

Marvel movies are works of art just as the comic book art on which they are based. They are a new type of movie-going experience that appeals to an entire generation of fans who grew up reading the stories and connecting with the characters, heroes and anti-heroes.

Maybe I’m missing the point, but I don’t think so, and I’ll tell you why.

Art of any kind, cinema, comics, novels, music, paintings―you name it, are all subjective.

The irony is that Scorsese’s latest movie, The Irishman, is a Netflix movie and I can’t wait to see it (at home). This kind of movie might not be doing all that well in cinema complexes anymore, but it’s still great art.

Besides, let’s not ignore the elephant in the room, why make such comments AFTER Stan Lee’s death? This makes it worse because the timing makes this faux ruckus seem somewhat, if not completely, cowardly.

Marvel is in great company with Vincent van Gogh

Van Gogh produced over 900 paintings during his all too short lifetime, but he only sold one, Red Vineyard at Arles. His work was shunned, described as being too dark and lacking the bright liveliness seen in Impressionist paintings. In other words, not art in the eyes of the established artists and art critics of the time.

Before Van Gogh, Impressionist art was considered a joke. Until it wasn’t.

What can we learn as writers from this?

  • Challenging the status quo can cause those entrenched in the current system to speak out against your efforts, especially if you’re successful. Remember how hard publishers fought the Amazon Kindle and then eventually embraced it?
  • Not everyone will love your work, no matter how many readers or listeners you have.  In fact, the more readers you gain will most likely cause even more disturbance and pushback.
  • Your writing matters, it’s not dependent on any big names loving it or endorsing it, but if they trash it, well, then you know you’re on to something because they noticed it enough to remark on it.
  • If you find nuggets of truth in the criticism you receive, learn and improve, and keep moving forward. No one’s perfect. This is why I recommend for all artists to read their reviews, the good, the bad and the ugly.
  • Don’t quit. No, please don’t do that. I can guarantee you Marvel isn’t going to and neither should you. (For more on not quitting, go here.)

Keep writing and making your art.

Serious Writers Never Quit

How To Prevail As A Writer

How To Prevail As A Writer

written by Bryan Hutchinson

I quit writing for more than a decade. During that time I went and did something else. No matter how good I got at that something else, I always regretted not doing what I really wanted to be doing.

What caused me to quit can cause anyone to quit, even the most talented amongst us.

It was fear. Specifically, the fear that I wasn’t good enough.

The fear of not being good enough is real. In fact, you’re feeling it right now, and so am I.

Will people laugh at my work? Will they tear down my best efforts and tear me down in the process? Will they spot all of my mistakes and realize how much of an idiot I am?

But let me ask you this question:

Will you ever truly be good enough―good enough for yourself?

It’s unlikely.

And that’s why you’re remarkable.

Being remarkable is doing what you love to do, in spite of the doubts and fears that are trying so hard to hold you back.

Being remarkable is doing what you love to do, in spite of the doubts and fears that are trying so hard to hold you back. Click To Tweet

They say that those who have done great things had great courage, and that’s true.

You can’t be courageous if you’re not afraid. Courage is facing your fear of doing something and doing it anyway.

Fear can cause us to quit doing what we love. When it succeeds we regret it because there will always be a longing within us, an absence of fulfillment. So, don’t quit.

Prevail instead. Because you can.

If you want to prevail over your fears you have to:

  1. Admit you have them
  2. Accept them
  3. Get down and serious
  4. Stay focused on the results you want
  5. Keep writing and keep moving forward

These steps take courage.

As long as you are alive fear of being good enough will be with you, but it doesn’t have to stop you from doing what you love and creating what matters to you.

Use fear to your advantage.

Think of it this way, the more fear you feel about something, the more doing that something means to you. Keep doing it. Focus even more on your writing.

Creating work that matters isn’t about taking the easy way. It’s about taking the hard way. It’s about not quitting and having no regrets, even if you fail to make the bestseller lists (this time or the next).

Because doing what we love isn’t about sales. It’s about living our calling and loving ourselves, and when fear tries to stop us, we look it in the eyes and say, “You won’t stop me, not today―not any day!”

And by doing this, we get dead serious and gain a laser-like focus and determination that cannot be created in any other way other than from facing our fears.

Call it the gift of fear. This is how you will prevail, by realizing fear is a gift and using it to do what you love to do, better, with more focus and determination than you could have ever mustered without it.

You are good enough! You will prevail. You’re a serious writer.

Serious Writers Never Quit

Serious Writers Never Quit

Serious Writers Never Quit

written by Bryan Hutchinson

If you’re a writer or artist who wants to activate the unlimited potential within you, this book will show you the way!

A heartfelt thanks to everyone who has reviewed Serious Writers Never Quit so far. A collection of blurbs from reviewers across the web are below, along with the links to their full reviews.

Any author could be proud to have their work remarked upon. Thank you so very much. I’m glad my work has meant enough for your time and consideration.

If you’ve reviewed Serious Writers Never Quit on your blog and the link to your review isn’t below, please let me know and I’ll be happy to add it.

'Serious Writers Never Quit' Can Bring You Mindblowing Revelations @IreneAprile #amwriting #onwriting Click To Tweet

Reviews From The Blogosphere

“You will be using the lessons from this book daily for the rest of your life as a writer.” ―Alisa Russell, blog: Thriving in Grace

“I love the encouragement in this book and the straight talk we all need to hear. This book is PACKED with valuable advice!” ―Edie Melson, blog: The Write Conversation

“Hutchinson rips off the band-aid and shares why we must fight the urge to quit, whatever the reason, and dig deeper into why we wanted to write in the first place. A must-read that you will continually reference to stay on track and keep doing what you do—WRITE.” Harley Christensen, full review.

“I gotta say, this was one of the most enjoyable books about the writer’s mindset I have read. I found it encouraging, practical, and intuitive with insights and suggestions. I love the way it got me to thinking.” ―Blog: Juneta Key

“‘Serious Writers Never Quit’ is a valuable resource for any writer’s library. You will feel inspired to creative action by this book. It belongs on your bookshelf next to The War of Art.” ―Josh Pack, blog: Etched in Gold

“Chapter Eight is my favorite, The Way is To Design Your Own Plan. All my life I’ve been ‘the product of someone else’s version’ and I’ve come to resent that. I’m encouraged to keep writing.” ―Judy Blackburn, blog: Listening to my Characters

“This book will help you win the battle for your mind and your will.” ―Frank McKinley, blog: Thriving Writers

“‘Serious Writers Never Quit’ is about the psychological mechanism that underlies the writing process. It can bring you mindblowing revelations.” ―Irene April, blog: Turning Passion Into Words

“He gets me, seems to know exactly how I feel and what keeps me from writing. Extraordinary. Usually, I speed read, but this time I had to go back, and read every line, with focused attention and mindfulness.” ―Blog: Ursula Nieuwoudt

“‘Serious Writers Never Quit’ is a manual for writers and can help you get motivated or unstuck.” ―Bandi, blog: The B Word

“I highly recommend ‘Serious Writers Never Quit.’ That is, if you’re really serious.” ―Blog: Anne Peterson

Read this Book to Feel Better about your Writing and Improve It, too! ―Debbie De Louise, blog: Mysteries & more

“Refreshing and Empowering ‘Serious Writers Never Quit’ offers a different view than other writing books I’ve read. I think every writer needs to read this book.” ―blog: Danielle Bernock

“I love where he says that a writer’s biggest enemy is failure; so true, but everything he shares is about passing past that failure, and going on to the finish line, and to pursue your calling as a writer!” ―Del, blog: Pen 4 The Lord

“I like the way Bryan inserts motivation with cinematic sports themes. Well, it is inspiring. Try plugging in Survivor’s Eye of the Tiger on Spotify and you’ll feel the effect.” ―Blog, The Fed Up Declaration

“This Kindle ebook is a major shot in the arm that could lead you to write your bestselling book (or launch your successful farm or restaurant). Bryan’s tips for getting out from under perfectionism, and sticking with what you are serious about, are good advice for living in general. Though aimed at writers, Bryan’s advice is spot-on for anyone who aspires to be a success at what they do.” ―Blog, Jenny Nazak

“First of all, it was highly readable. I felt the author had taken me aside, put his arm around my shoulder and imparted all of his hard-won wisdom about “The Way” to the writing life. The simple list of 21 key points of “The Way” near the end of the book was, alone, worth the low price of the Kindle version I read.” ―Elizabeth Cottrell, blog, Heartspoken

“A must book for every writer. I love chapter eight, design your own plan… don’t write what we think others want to read but what you’re passionate about.” ―Jon Bates

“I confess that the author’s take on what readers want was definitely something I needed to see and he did it in a preachy-free way.” ―Stella Carrier

“Rather than feeling put down by what I would need to do in order to be a ‘serious writer’ (which has happened before), I instead felt uplifted albeit with moments where I shook my head saying ‘Don’t tell me that, it’ll be too easy and then I won’t have a good excuse not to anymore’.” ―Jocelyn Nielson

“Loved this book! Packed with practical “put in practice today” tips. I fell off my chair laughing when the author suggested I learn to procrastinate wisely.” ―La McCoy

“If you’ve struggled to write consistently, pick up Bryan’s book. It’ll help you get over your objections and begin to write.” ―J. Lalonde

“If you’re looking for a bit of encouragement, this book is a quick read that could fit the bill and get you motivated to start writing again. (Actually, there are tips here that could apply to other careers, as well.)”  ―Blog, Leslie L. McKee

“I hear it all the time in the workshops I teach. “I don’t have time.” “I’m not good enough to be published.” The reasons, the excuses, the self-doubt… “Serious Writers Never Quit” is your answer… I should be handing this book out at every writing class I teach.”  ―Mary Potter Kenyon

“Boom, there it was!  For weeks I felt behind schedule and disappointed in my writing progress. But no more.  I let those feelings go immediately. The day after reading Serious Writers Never Quit, I starting writing my book again.” ―Blog, Karen Brown Tyson

“I’ve recently found a kindred spirit in Bryan Hutchinson, author of Serious Writers Never Quit–They find: The Way. His ebook captures much of what I was trying to convey to my students. If this had been around back then, I would have made it required reading.”  ―Blog, Laura Denooyer

“This book should be included with the purchase of any writing or editing program because it addresses the real issues, the issues that go on internally. There are books galore to help us with writing our craft, but none as eloquent that addresses self-doubt and how to overcome it. In fact, his process can be used for almost anything.” ―Blog, Angie McMann Writes

Don’t Quit. Your Writing Matters (Please Read This!)

Don’t Quit. Your Writing Matters (Please Read This!)

written by Bryan Hutchinson

You could write a great book and yet have no one ever buy it or much less, read it.

Another person could write a mediocre book and it ends up flying off of the shelves.

Which is which, is often subjective. But either way, it’s likely both authors put a lot of time and effort into their work. Both had to overcome their fears and their naysayers to take the leap and publish.

What You’re Doing Is Valuable

Just because something doesn’t seem all that great doesn’t mean a lot of work wasn’t put into it. Just because something seems simple doesn’t mean it wasn’t a challenge to create. The same goes for something that seems brilliant―it doesn’t mean the author wasn’t afraid it was total crap and would be laughed at.

Not everything we create will be a NYT’s bestseller or the next blockbuster of the summer. That doesn’t mean it’s not good. It doesn’t mean you didn’t work your ass off to create it. Sometimes it’s a timing thing, sometimes it’s not as good as you hoped it would be, and sometimes the work you do now is just practice for the better work you’re going to do later. And you know what? That’s okay. It’s still important.

I say a lot in my new book Serious Writers Never Quit and I hope the ultimate message you get from it is that what you’re doing is valuable. It means something. Even if you never read the book, I want you to know that. Don’t quit. Whatever you’re working on right now, whether it’s in contemplation or in actualization, is important.

Whatever you're working on right now, whether it's in contemplation or in actualization, is important. Click To Tweet

Everything is a process. Everything we do is about growth.

I hope what I created yesterday meant something and will stand the test of time. I hope what I create today is better than what I created yesterday. Just as I hope what I create tomorrow will mean something too. I hope everything I create means something to someone, somewhere.

We don’t always know if people will ‘get it’ before we create something. And you know what? Sometimes we won’t know afterward either. It doesn’t mean you didn’t create something valuable and it doesn’t mean you didn’t work hard. But with that said, I’ve worked hard on everything I’ve put out there. And with that said, some people still think I’m lazy and my work sucks (Hell, I’ve told myself that on more than an occasion, too).

I have no control over what other people think and, quite frankly, neither do you. We can only press on, whether people realize what we’re trying to do or not, or for that matter, how much sweat goes into it.

So please allow me to share something with you, just this morning a kind person named Will, sent me a message telling me how much my work keeps him going, no matter how much he’s wanted to give up.

Will, if you’re reading this, let me just say, back at you, my friend. Thank you.

Sometimes I’ve wanted to give up on this whole writing thing too. There are days, weeks, and even years, when the work can be all-consuming and there’s very little payoff. Sometimes people don’t realize what goes into your work. Sometimes others think what you do is effortless. And, more often than we’d like to admit, there are those who simply don’t care.

So, yes, sometimes it’s all a bit much, and I have to wonder, what am I doing it for?

And then, seemingly out of nowhere, just when I’m wondering if anyone really, truly cares, a message like Will’s comes along.

Every now and then we need to be reminded of what’s important.

Keep writing. Keep creating whatever it is you create. Never quit. You might not hear from them as often as you’d like, but there are those who truly care and appreciate you.

Your. Words. Matter.

Curl up in a blanket if you have to. Cry, if you have to. Hell, get a little drunk if you have to. But know this, when you’re done, it will be time to unsheathe your warrior’s pen and get back to creating that which only you can create!

Serious Writers Never Quit.

How To Make An Animated Book Cover That Rocks!

How To Make An Animated Book Cover That Rocks!

written by Bryan Hutchinson

I wanted to create something different―something special, a cover that tells a story in motion. You see animated images on social media all the time, so I thought why not create an animated cover for my new book? I didn’t realize it would cause such a ruckus. But hey, that’s what marketing is all about, getting people to take notice.

Here’s how I did it and you can, too!

Think about it, you work on your book for years, perhaps even decades, and yet you’re forced to do your best to sum up the entire story in one single, static image. Not anymore!

What if you could create a moving story on your book’s cover?

I did exactly that with my most recent book Serious Writers Never Quit, and since posting it on Facebook, and in my sidebar here on Positive Writer, I’ve received a tremendous amount of inquiries as to how I did it.

Before we get to the creation steps, here’s the result that’s causing all the ruckus:

(What’s also cool about this animated cover is that even though it’s in motion, it’s still possible to add a link to a sales page just as you would to a static image, such as a jpeg or png. Click on it to see it in action!)

Let’s Get To The Gif Of It

You see animated gifs all the time on social media, especially on Facebook. So why not make a book cover gif?

This isn’t exactly new, but almost all of the current gif book covers are gimmicky and do not take the time to tell a real story. You don’t want to create a forgettable gimmick if you can help it. I’ll explain what I did to try and avoid this problem.

First, it’s a good idea to understand how this works. A gif is basically several images on top of each other in one file that gives the perception of a single moving image. It’s like a flipbook.

In order to create an animated book cover, you’ll actually need about 5 to 10 individual covers. Don’t worry, though, it’s easier than it sounds.

The Design Steps

Usually, I hire a professional book cover designer, but for this experiment, I decided for my own sanity, and the sanity of whomever I would have hired, I should try this myself first.

1) Tell A Clear And Compelling Story

The story should be able to be told with as few images as necessary and should clearly visualize what the book is about with as little guesswork as possible on the viewer’s part. This is what separates the forgettable from the memorable.

The story I decided on is, well, what the book is about:

A writer becoming serious about (his or) her writing and in order to do that she must discover The Way to awaken the warrior within. Warriors have a mindset that drives them to achieve their goals. This book is about that mindset.

That’s a serious story and needed to be broken down into simple steps. I originally had 10 individual covers and finally got it down to 6.

Cover 1. A writer ready to make the all-important mental shift all of us writers must eventually come to make: Quit or take our writing seriously!

(Click images to see larger versions.)

Cover 2. Again, like the rest of us, she’s not exactly sure how to go about it at first, so she finds a manual (ahem, Serious Writers Never Quit).

Cover 3. She finds The Way. (The Way isn’t too complex to learn for anyone, but what makes it scarce is that not everyone takes the time to learn what it is and how to use it. So those who do, they gain the edge and become more enthusiastic about their work.)

Cover 4. Now that she understands The Way, she chooses her new direction with great enthusiasm!

Cover 5. She’s getting very serious and will attack her writing with her newfound way of being a writer, an artist, and if I dare say, a person. She’s becoming a writing warrior and nothing and no one will stop her now!

Cover 6. She is now a serious writer, armed with The Way, who will never quit!

2) Keep It Simple

I figured if I am going to do this on my own I would need to keep it as simple as possible. Simple stories often work best. No one wants their brain fried. Better designers can get more complicated, but for a novice like me, simple was best.

3) Pick Images That Go Together, Preferably In A Series

The best option, I think, is to purchase from stock photo sites to ensure you have the licenses you need. This is an example of what I downloaded from depositphotos.com:

4) Choose The Design Tools

I used Canva.com. This design site is super easy to use and has great templates to start with. You can also easily import your own images. What I like about Canva is that I didn’t need to learn a lot because it’s straight forward and it’s not cluttered with adverts and other nonsense.

5) Create A Basic Template

If you look at the below cover, I used the same typewriter that is used in the logo for my website Positive Writer and is also used on the cover of my previous book Writer’s Doubt (did you already guess that?). Thus I have continuity between my website and my books. The text and other elements I created from within Canva.

The cover is minimalist. Indeed, it looks simple, but I assure you it cost me hours and hours of tweaking. The simpler something looks the harder it was to make. If you find you’re having a difficult time of it, don’t worry, it’s normal.

Canva has many basic designs you can start with; however, I recommend you customize, customize, customize or you’ll end up with something thousands of others are using too.

6) Create (Or Choose) The Main Book Cover

Even though we are creating an animated book cover, you will still need a main static book cover for any site that does not yet allow animated book covers. Also, if you’re going to make a print copy you’ll need a static cover.

One of the cool things about any of the static images for Serious Writers Never Quit is that any one of them could serve as the main cover!

Here’s the one I chose to use on Amazon as the main cover:

7) Use A Software Program To Create A Gif

Once you have your design ready, download each individual cover and load them into a gif creation software program. Does it sound too easy? It really is that easy.

I used SSuit Gif Animator. It’s a free software program and you can download it here. SSuit Gif Animator is extremely easy to use and allows you to customize the timing between images as well, it will even resize the gif as per your needs. One recommendation I make is that you number your covers in the order you want them to be in the animation. Then load them into the software and click create, the gif animator will do the rest!

There are also several websites that specialize in creating animated gifs for you for free. However, a word of warning, some of those websites put their logo on it. I recommend creating using stand-alone software.

10) Upload It To Social Media And Your Website

Once your book is published and you’re ready to share the animated book cover, upload it to your favorite social media websites and post it on your author/book website.

The MYTHs

Don’t let any myths stop you!

There’s a myth that you should only have one book cover. And another myth that if you have multiple covers for the same book it will hurt sales. But these are simply not true!

Look at what Marvel did by creating several different covers for X-Men #1 (1991) below:

X-Men #1, with multiple covers for the same issue, is in The Guinness Book of World Records for best selling comic book of all time! So, there’s that!

Or, look at studios that create several different posters for the same movie.

OOPS! Marvel did it again! With what now is the #1 Box office hit of all time, Avengers Endgame!

That’s It!

With a bit of luck, and hopefully a compelling design, your animated book image might even go viral!

Viral or not, it’s still a cool and fun marketing strategy. It’s cost-effective too. Aside from the images I purchased, the rest was free. If you hire someone to do this for you, it could cost hundreds, even thousands, so consider costs if you want to have a professional create it. I highly recommend trying it yourself first. Canva really is that easy. After all, I am by no means a designer!

If you find yourself getting good at creating your own covers and you’ve self-published, go ahead and get even more creative and design separate covers for holidays and other occasions, if you like. There are so many options.

Since it’s almost Halloween, here’s a poster I created for the season:

(Click to enlarge)

And, of course, we have an animated version for Halloween as well. I can’t stop watching it because the cat totally cracks me up (every now and then I have a fun idea)! I’m already thinking up things I can do with the Christmas version.

There you go! Now go and create your own animated book cover.

If you do create your own animated cover, feel free to leave a link to it in the comments. I’d love to see it.

Chance To Win

If you haven’t read Serious Writers Never Quit yet, here’s the link to it on Amazon. Once you read it, consider reviewing it and enter a drawing I set up where you can win an Amazon Gift Card and/or an Amazon Fire Tablet!

Click here for how to enter the drawing.

Good Luck and Happy Reading!