So, Yeah, That’s Not Happening

[the_gneech]

As much as I hate to do it, I’m going to have to face the fact that Arclight Adventures just isn’t going. I’ve got an overall plot, I’ve got an outline for the current issue, I have scripts even. But… it’s not going.

The reason is very simple: the art. I don’t want to do it. Doing the art is painful. Every time I try to sit down and force myself to draw for the comic, I suddenly think about how much more fun it would be to go empty the litterboxes, or maybe I’ll be lucky and get sick. This is not a healthy relationship to have with something that is supposed to be a fun hobby.

So… yeah. I might as well admit it to myself. Don’t expect any more Arclight Adventures, unless there’s someone out there fascinated by the concept who wants to do the art. I’m not happy about it, but I’m even less happy about having this thing dragging me down.

Sorry to disappoint, everyone. But sometimes you just have to let go.

-The Gneech

PS: Before anyone asks, I don’t have anything else in the works for the moment. I think I need to let my creativity lay fallow a little longer.

PPS: I might retool the characters and setting for fiction later. I do think there’s something of value there. I just can’t do it alone in the current format.

Originally published at gneech.com. You can comment here or there.

Comments

[aj-hyena.livejournal.com]

Do you think doing SJ for so long is to blame for the burnout?

[the-gneech.livejournal.com]

No, I don't think so; if anything, I suspect it's just that I'm trying to fit a square peg into a round hole when it comes to my strengths and weaknesses as a creator. There are other projects that would work better.

-TG

[huskyteer.livejournal.com]

I like the concept and characters for this one very much - and the title! Sorry you got bogged down, and I hope it will return in some form.

Well done for knowing where to draw the line. Sometimes you can push through a sticky patch, and sometimes it just goes on getting stickier.

[the-gneech.livejournal.com]

Thanks. I really did give this one a full effort, even if there's not much to show for it in the end; but like I said above, I think it just doesn't fit with my skillset in its current form.

-TG

[arakinuk.livejournal.com]

Sorry to hear how badly it was getting you down, glad that you've focussed on your wellbeing. I do love the idea, the characters and setting though, and was glad you gave it a go :)

[kamau-d-lyon.livejournal.com]

While I liked what you were doing here I completely understand what's happen. I've been shut out of my creative writing for a few years now and can't seem to get it restarted. I think you're doing the right thing by shelving this for the time being and looking at other outlets. I wish you good luck in the next creative effort you put forth.

[hantamouse.livejournal.com]

Aye, this way went the Hantaverse a few years ago.

[exatron.livejournal.com]

That's a shame, but it's understandable if you feel you can't do the project justice. And, like you said, the characters and setting are still there, so it could be salvaged in another form.

[athelind.livejournal.com]

I get it. It's unfortunate, but I get it. Every novelist has drawers full of manuscripts full of great ideas, charming characters, and novel settings, but for some reason, they just didn't CLICK.

The unfortunate side-effect of being a page-a-day web-cartoonist is that you've invited the entire world to have a peek at your drawers.

... wait, that came out all wrong.

[the-gneech.livejournal.com]

¬.¬

Only a privileged few get to peek at my drawers.

-TG

[usagiweaver.livejournal.com]

Yes, some people will be disappointed, but at the end of the day if it doesn't make you happy... don't do it. And from what I've learned from the Selfish Knitters board on Ravelry... it's okay to think of yourself first.