Indy Comics Writer

We have a plumbing problem in our house. Our kitchen sink drains slooooowly. It’s a real pleasure because our dishwasher isn’t working, either, and I don’t feel like shelling out the money to repair it. I love the fact that our stopped-up sink and non-functioning dishwasher make cleaning up after dinner just that much longer.

I’ll be forced to call a plumber next week, I think. This plumbing problem has progressed past the point where my meager skills can handle it. You see, I’ve already poured Liquid Plumber down it. It didn’t work. So I’m done. That’s as much plumbing talent as I have.

I could try to fix our plumbing. I could try to replace a pipe or two. But, from past experience, I already know what would happen. I’d get all wet. So would our kitchen floor and our cabinets. So I’ll call in the guy who really knows what he’s doing.

What does this have to do with comics? More than you might think. I’ve tried to write moody, dark stuff before. You know, stuff that you might find in a typical Batman story arc. But I’ve discovered that it’s not my strength. So, wisely, I’ll leave the dark stuff — which I do enjoy reading, mind you — to the people who are actually good at it. I’ll continue writing to what I think is my strength: lighthearted, comic scripts. Sure, I probably could dash off a moody, angry script. But why? I wouldn’t enjoy writing it. And there are so many others who can do it better than I can.

So don’t force yourself to be something you’re not. If you’re not a plumber, pick up the phone and call someone who is. If you’re not a noir-style writer, write what you’re most comfortable tackling.

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