Issue 18: Packing Light
Frequent Flyer Miles.
Why, hello there, friend! It’s so good to see you.
When I was in college, my friend Eric once asked me to watch his pet ferret for a weekend while he traveled home to Pennsylvania for… was it a holiday? A birthday? A wedding? I don’t remember. The point is, I gladly accepted. I like animals. I’ve always had pets. Hamsters (that disappeared), gerbils (that ate each other), Chinchillas (okay, that was technically my sister’s), fish, and cats. I figured, how hard could it be to watch a ferret?
Prior to heading out on his trip, Eric brought the ferret—Charlie—over to my apartment. Together, we created a nice little bed in my closet where Charlie would have all of the comforts of home for the duration of her 72-hour stay. Eric gave me a brief crash-course on ferret care and headed for the door. The last thing he said to me was, “Whatever you do, don’t let Charlie escape.” I assured Eric that everything would be fine, and that he should enjoy his time away. I closed the door behind Eric and headed back to the closet to check on my new friend.
Charlie was gone.
I spent the next 24 hours trying to find Charlie. I did. Eventually. She was fine. Just crafty, and able to tuck into very, very (very) small spaces.
Moral of the story? Don’t get a ferret. They’re tricky little things.
Why did I share this tale? Because it happened circa 2003 while I was living in Orlando, Florida. And I remembered this story last month while I was in Orlando!
Read on for more about those adventures! (And seriously, don’t get a ferret.)
What Happened Last Issue?
In the last issue, I bemoaned all of the craziness (both good and bad) that has kept my schedule packed and free time at a minimum. Wow, I complain a lot.
In This Issue:
Travelin’, mentorin’, and writin’
Project Updates!
Travelin’, Mentorin’, and Writin’
April was a busy month. Like, really busy.
Of the four weeks that make up the month, I spent two of them in Orlando, Florida. While most people go to Orlando for the sun, sand, and Mouse, I spent those two weeks at Full Sail University. Not only did I graduate from the entertainment media college, famous for its programs (and graduates) in the audio, gaming, live sound, animation, and film arenas, but I regularly return to the school to give back.
When I was coming up as a writer, I never had a lot of mentors. I had friends who were writers. I had teachers. I had acquaintances. But I never had mentors—those who I could speak with, or run ideas past—with the goal of getting an unfiltered and raw professional opinion. And because mentors are so important for personal learning and growth, as I built my own writing career, I made a self-pact that I would try to play that role for anyone who needed it.
Thank goodness for the school’s admissions, education, and alumni relations departments, all of whom call on me to help writers in various stages of their careers. Some of these students and grads have amazing potential, and need a nudge in the right direction. Some want someone else to do all the work for them. It’s finding those diamonds in the rough, and helping to polish their spirits, talent, enthusiasm, and work ethic that helps to get me out of bed in the morning.
The first week I was there was spent with educators and department chairs from Full Sail’s various Creative Writing programs. Together, that team, along with myself and a handful of professional writers representing numerous industries—gaming, novels, journalism, marketing, history—reviewed the course curriculum. The goal was to ensure that the curriculum being taught to students is relevant and timely based on our industry experience. The best way to make such determinations is to lock ourselves in a room together for several days each year to have difficult and real conversations. And to crack a lot of jokes.
Two weeks later I returned for Full Sail’s annual Hall of Fame celebration, in which six graduates are inducted into the schools—you guessed it—Hall of Fame. But in additional to immortalizing these amazing graduates, classes are shut down for a week, and more than 60 industry professionals are brought in to teach workshops, presentations, mentor one-on-one, sit on industry panels, and help inspire the next generation of creatives.
As one of said industry professionals, I gave seven presentations over three days on everything from Game Narrative Writing and Managing Creatives, to Preparing Writing Portfolios and the Art of Networking (which you can watch in the video below!)
It was an amazing week. An exhausting week. I talked to students and alumni every day until I lost my voice. Then, I went to parties every night and lost my voice all over again.
While I wasn’t paid for any of these extracurriculars, the school generously covered my travel, accommodations, meals, transportation… you name it. I’m so appreciative of the folks at Full Sail who allow me to play in their creative little world several times a year.
Only I can take time away from my day job and somehow work harder. For free.
Project Updates!
The Obsoletes
I spent last week playing a lot of catch up. One of the things that needed my attention was The Obsoletes issue #2! I’m currently lettering colored pages as they come in from colorist Haley Martin. The title’s publisher, Silverline Comics, has earmarked the issue to be part of a Kickstarter campaign launching in JUNE.
It’s almost an entire year since the first issue was released (sorry). But better late than never, right?
We’ll do better in the future. For now, here’s a sneak peek at issue #2!
Unit 44
Unit 44 is on FIIIIIIIIRE! I’m just thrilled with the progress that myself, Aleks, and colorist Andrew Pate have made on this series. At this point, we’re basically an entire YEAR ahead of schedule. Here’s how it breaks down:
Issue #7: Complete, and headed to the printer this month! If you haven’t preordered your copy (with guest art by the amazing Landon Franklin) hit the button below to get your copy for $1.98!
Issue #8: TIS FINISHED! This issue, which ends “Season 2” of the series, will be available for preorder in Fall 2023!
This issue will be available for preorder starting MAY 24 at 9pm ET! Hit the link below to be reminded when it goes live!
From Unit 44 #8 | Art by Aleks Jovic, Colors by Andrew Pate, Words/Letters by Me! Issue #9: DONE-ZO! Expect this issue to be available for preorder around the holidays of 2023/2024. This one kicks off “Season 3” of the series!
From Unit 44 #9 | Art by Aleks Jovic, Colors by Andrew Pate, Words/Letters by Me! Issue #10: FINITO! This one will be in your hands this time next year!
From Unit 44 #10 | Art & Colors by Aleks Jovic, Words/Letters by Me! Issue #11: Written!
Issue #12: Written!
Issue #13: Written!
Issue #14: Written!
The Oddity
Throughout April, the pacing at which Aleks and I were producing The Oddity pitch pages slowed down considerably. Aleks had a minor surgery and got backed up on deadlines for his various art projects. I was in a different state. Twice. Not to mention that I still have to write the final two chapters of the book.
However, despite that, Aleks shared some additional character sketches, along with his pencils for page one!
I look forward to getting back to this book once Aleks has healed and caught up on his to-do’s!
The Incoming Storm
I revealed in my last newsletter that this is a nonfiction book project—having to do with tornadoes—attached to a big publisher. In fact, it’s something I need to make the time to actually sit down and write.
I’ve already cleared my extracurriculars schedule for this week so that I can make some serious headway on the manuscript. I was able to take one of the weeks where I wasn’t traveling to start getting text onto the screen, so I’m looking forward to revising the first couple of chapters and then getting lost in this project for a bit.
More info to come!
The Writer’s Path
I’ve been on the receiving end of essays from 10 more talented writers as they share their “Path to Writing Success” by detailing both their victories and defeats. I’m aiming to get this out in the summer, and so far, we’re looking to be on track to do so.
I’m just the middleman, collecting these essays, offering advice or editing where it’s needed. In fact, it’s super interesting to see how writers at different stages in their careers actually write, in terms of tone, voice, and command of the English language. Occasionally one writer may need a heavier hand to help clarify their ideas and points, whereas I’ve also received several first drafts that have completely blown me away. It’s always a wonderful experience compiling these stories!
QUESTION!
What’s the weirdest animal you’ve ever “pet-sat” for?
Did you also lose track of that pet in the first five minutes it was in your care, or am I just a horrible person?
New Subscriber, Who Dis?
I’m Wes Locher. I’ve been writing professionally for more than a decade. I write comic books, video games, fiction, and nonfiction. I write whatever seems fun, cool, and inspiring. I also love helping other writers to demystify the process of making a living through words. This is my newsletter.
Love your newsletter Wes!! Keep up the great work!
You're awesome, Wes (little part of your name is awesome). I'd love to give back sooner or later myself. I learned so much at that place. I even had a professor from SCAD (Savannah College of Art and Design) email me for a recommendation. I was her student 15 years ago... so, nothing beats community!