Ian LeWinter and Don Richmond, the writer and artist of Blank: The Graphic Novel, understand the importance of Social Media as a platform to promote and distribute their work. Known as The Brothers of The Silence, the two men invite their readers to unravel the unfolding saga of John Blank and his journey into the abyss.

Take a peak into the minds of Ian and Don as they discuss their creative process, their belief in Social Media and yes, their strategy for World domination.

Describe Blank in 140 words or less:

At least you didn’t say 140 characters. Blank is a supernatural thriller. The protagonist, John Blank is an everyman — literally. He is a hitman who subsumes the souls of his prey, creating a psychological complex that is in constant struggle to harmonize internally. Ian had the brilliant idea of killing him in Chapter One and then following his death journey. John is haunted by a girl-ghost who will become his defacto spirit guide in his journey toward realization of his destiny.

John Blank has what psychologists term a compromised ego integrity — one that is continually fragmented and redefined, possessing no reliable sense of self apart from his unique capability to kill. The antagonist, Ouranos Gaia, has a psychopathic megalomania that stems from a mythic iconography that has been nurtured by his family for generations. Angel is the mysterious wild-card.

You have a dedicated Blank website, a Blank Facebook fan page and you are both very active on Twitter. How do you utilize each of these mediums to your advantage?

When we first launched Blank, it would be impossible to communicate how wonderful the fan reaction was. Currently, for instance, we communicate with close to 30,000 people generally, nearly 3,000 people concretely, and about 300 people intimately every week! The comments from readers are the fuel for this project. In the past, all writers had to keep a clear picture of their audience in their minds. Now, you can have real-time, two-way contact with your audience as each page is unveiled. That’s a phenomenal innovation that technology has afforded writers.

Our goal was simple: find the most effective means to tell the world about Blank. The medium dictated the solution — social media is free and experiencing growth rates of 1400 percent, while traditional channels were experiencing a decline. We saw our responsibility to the project and to future generations who must know about the Trilogy. Because of this, the book is being launched on several social media platforms. We knew Blank would work by the artistic excitement we felt when discussing the project. It had all the attributes of a magnum opus, of a life work on such a grand scale that it would survive for many generations. Whether it worked economically was subsidiary to that fact. The only challenge after that realization was to listen to what the characters were saying and to find the most productive means of telling everyone about the story. Both Social and Traditional Media had to be exhausted as distribution channels. Before this project is over, for us to accomplish our goals, we will have multiple social media hubs, have published three graphic novels, negotiated a motion picture deal, produced spin-off books and launched on augmented reality.

How did the story of John Blank come to life?

The concepts came in parallel from both of us. Don was obsessed by an after-world in the Greek tradition in which its inhabitants metaphorically drank from a river of forgetfulness — in other words, its inhabitants were unclear of the reality of a prior existence and uncertain of a future different from the one they currently experienced. Throw in a young girl-ghost who would be the ostensible guide for a hitman who is new to that world.

Ian was haunted himself by a megalomaniacal intellectual giant who was raised to believe he was the incarnation of Uranus, much in the way the Dali-Lama is raised to believe that he is the incarnation of the Buddha. Ian also gave John the quality of personality fragmentation, making him a melting pot of competing mental images of self.

Why did you choose a graphic novel to tell your story?

Some brains collect formulas. Some brains collect algorithms. Our brains collect art — whether in words, in visuals or in sounds. Because of this, our interest in graphic serials began the first moment we touched one. The promise of creating a world in which we can communicate the unique patterns we see in life was and still is the most important discovery we’ve ever made. So graphic novels were a natural for us.

And graphic novels are, without a doubt, a mega-burgeoning market. We are poised for a new age in this medium. These are exciting times. There are people entering this arena who will amaze and inspire beyond our comprehension. Publishers are recognizing this fact and expanding their labels. Fans are what this market is all about and they are driving the generation of the most creative work seen in decades. We’re like kids in a candy store.

How did you meet? Is this your first collaboration?

We met in an opium den in Kabul…wait, that’s not true. Although Ian most likely is an opium addict, we met as marketing and advertising professionals and quickly learned of our shared passion for graphic novels. The Blank franchise is our first collaboration together.

Your blog posts indicate that both of you share a talent for writing. Do you ever switch off on duties?

Don: Never. Only so far as to make comic bubble suggestions for brevity or grammatical suggestions for clarity. To alter Ian’s story-crafting would be ridiculous. That would put me in the shoes of Tom Higginson, the guy who edited Dickinson’s poetry. Silliness playing with ego. I am not here.

Ian: Ouranos, John and Angel tell the story. I’m only writing it down. I am not here.

Don (after more consideration): Also, I am afraid that if I did that, Ian would kill me with a scramasax that he keeps in his top desk drawer. I’m not joking. He would do it.

Ian: But I wouldn’t kill him until he was done drawing.

What do you love about writing? What is your process?

Writing is beautiful because it is the ultimate act of destruction.

Readers come to a work with all the faculties and prejudices and expectations that society has helped them architect up to that moment. Authors are gifted with the opportunity to dismantle those constructs — slowly, carefully at first, and then with irresistible abandon. At the end of any story, the reader should feel as breathless and frightened and disoriented as a newborn. That terrifying destruction is the true test of any great work.

As for Blank, the typical process is to discuss the project from various vantage points. Afterward, Ian jacks into the ether and begins listening (and sometimes confronting) the characters as they craft the story for him. As a story designer, he sees the action, he hears the conversation, he feels the emotions. When the characters eventually get it right, he records his vision and sends it to Don. Don’s responsibility at that point is to become immersed in the words as one drowning and then draw that floating, deadly suspension as beautifully as his hand will allow. The Flash site is a collaborative effort after Don’s illustrations meet with approval.

What’s next for the Brothers of The Silence?

We have a franchise idea on deck and one in the hole, making three long-term projects. But for now, our short-term goals necessitate that we focus on hitting the tipping point with Blank. It’s too important not to do that. After that, we’ll play with expanding that franchise and nurturing the next two. It’s hard to believe that we have this opportunity. We feel that we’re being encouraged to play, to inspire, to create and, ultimately, to bring to life the greatest cast of characters our genre has seen to date.

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Blank: The Graphic Novel- A Chat with Ian LeWinter and Don Richmond

This is not a definitive list; I tried mixing some well-known blogs with some not-so-well-known ones. If you have a site to add, please feel free to make your suggestion in the comments section!

Culture

Absolute Arts This is actually a niche-blogging community, where you can start your own art-related blog. You can place your portfolio on this site as well, under one of three different portfolio offerings. There is a free portfolio level, as well as an “Artist” level for $44 per year, and a “Premiere” level for $100 per year. Premiere level portfolios are judged by a jury for acceptance, for which there is a $25 fee.

Book Reporter – This site, and its sister sites, reviews books. You can sign up to be a reviewer for a variety of genres including fiction, memoirs, mysteries, nonfiction, fantasy, science fiction, romance, youth, and graphic novels.

CPAL – Officially known as the “Cultural Property & Archaeology Law” blog, this legal blog accepts submissions for “scholar[s] looking for a forum to discuss [their] area of special interest.”

Design/Web

Pro Blog Design – Every accepted post is $50 in your pocket, but you get a $30 bonus if the article is a “social media success.”

SitePoint – Both articles and full-length books are accepted at this site. SitePoint is well-known for publishing definitive how-to guides for web designers and developers.

Smashing Magazine – Seriously one of the largest design blogs out there. A post here gets you exposed to over 138,000 subscribers. They’re looking for both single article submissions and long-term contributors. Payment varies depending on article length and quality.

Tutsplus – The TUTS+ network (psdtuts.com, nettuts.com, etc.) accepts tutorials and other articles for submission on any of their eight niche sites.

Webitect – For $150 per accepted submission, Webitect is “a resource blog for webmasters” looking for interesting tutorials or articles.  Their topics range from blogging to development to website traffic.

Yanko Design - If you have a review or article you’d like to post about any design related topic, you can share your 250 word post to this blog. They like things short and sweet and related to modern industrial design.

General

Associated Content – You can write about any topic, or choose from the assignment desk. Submissions can be in any medium — text, video, audio, or images. Money is paid upfront and over time as people read your posts.

Freelance Writing – This website lets you search through thousands of jobs that you can either apply for or bid on. Other site features include writing advice, discussion forums and a reading room.

Fuel Brand Network – A network of blogging sites “dedicated to creative development.” Each of the 12 niche blogs focus on a separate topic, and are always looking for contributors.

Funds for Writers – Recipient of Writers Digest’s accolade as one of the “101 Best Websites for Writers,” this site lists paying opportunities for writers as well as offers payment for articles submitted to its site. They’ll even pay for articles you’ve already written elsewhere.

Health

Disabled World- This online community for “persons with disabilities” accepts articles of at least 400 words that are related to health or disabilities. Subject areas include seniors, assisted living, disability sports, and more.

The Health Care Blog – This health blog posts original material only. It’s been mentioned in a number of media publications such as The Wall Street Journal, The New York Times, The Washington Post, and The Economist, to name a few.

Marketing/Media

Marketing Profs – Over 350 contributors help develop the content over at Marketing Profs already. Exposure is a guaranteed with this site, which publishes the blog as well as daily newsletters.

Mashable – The Mecca of all things social media related. Quality content on new media, technology, and social media fill this site. With over 280,000 subscribers, and over 1.15 million twitter followers, guest writers have to apply to the popular program.

Sports

Sports Blog Net – This is another blogging community, where your blog is connected with others that will help you to promote and build your own site. Content on your blog is fed through the main site to help drive traffic. There are many, many other sports blogs looking for content, but most are targeted to specific areas.

Technology

Digital Inspiration – Over 37,000 subscribers comprise the readership of this technological blog.  This “online tech magazine” publish reviews, guides, tutorials, news, and tips.

GeekEstate Blog – Specifically for the real estate industry, this blog is founded by Zillow.com. Contributions should related to technology uses or applications for the industry, including MLS, APIs, SEO, and office gadgets.

Read Write Web – This blog focuses on web technology news and reviews, often reporting on trends and popular tech use. Guest posts are accepted upon approval of topic and content.

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22 Places to Get Published Now

For three years I’ve taken my writing seriously, and for three years I’ve slowly discovered some lies that I was telling myself. Lies, that if left alone, would kill any creative desire and ultimately convince me that my writing wasn’t worth the effort. Deep down I know it IS worth the effort, so my hope is that by taking notice of these, I will not only be able to move past the, but help others do so as well.

10. I can only be successful if I find some other writer out there who is like me and copy them.

I am a unique individual. My interests, experiences, perspectives and skills are totally unique, so completely copying someone’s work would only make me a hack, not a truly original writer. Looking to other writers for inspiration is one thing, passing off their hard won words as my own is another.

9. I don’t have time to pursue my dreams.

I’ve got five children. I can find ten minutes here and there to work on my novel. I’ve found that I can delegate household responsibilities, make meals in advance, keep my computer on in my kitchen, carry a notebook to the playground and keep working at it.

8. It must be some cosmic joke to have a desire to write, yet have no opportunity.

I am not a big fan of the phrase “God helps those who help themselves,” yet I do believe that I will have to go out and work to find the opportunities. In three years I’ve started a blog, written and sold an e-book, was runner-up in a short story contest and published a half dozen articles. Oh, and I’m working on a novel. If I’m going to succeed, then I need to find the opportunity myself.

7. Past failures trump future successes.

I still remember sitting in a college writing course holding back tears while staring at a paper with a “D” on it. I had a lot of “D’s” in my writing classes. I look back now and believe that as a 20-year old I had no life experience, no self-confidence and clearly not much skill. I’m older now and I’ve got something to say. I still might make mistakes, but I’m not going to look back at what happened in college. I’m going to keep looking forward.

6. I can’t be a real writer since I don’t wear black, chain smoke or have a whiskey habit.

When I was younger I had a lot of preconceived notions about what a “real” writer looks like and what they do in their free time. To me they were poor housekeepers, wore mismatched and torn clothing and had a couple of cats. I am not like that and yet I want to be a writer. I need to discard any silliness and just write. Real writers write.

5. I can only write when I feel creative.

Because I have so little time to devote to my writing, I’ve had to discipline my emotions. I don’t always feel creative, but I write anyway. I don’t always feel like making dinner or getting out of bed either, but it must be done for my household to run smoothly. This same self-discipline pays off when I apply it to writing. I’ve never regretted forcing myself sit and write for just 10 minutes.

4. Everything that needs to be said has already been said and there’s no room for me.

This is a tough thought to shake, especially when agents and publishers are unkind or uninterested. Nevertheless, I must believe that my stories and perspectives are important and then sculpt them beautifully and clearly. I must work on my craft so that my creations are so well said that others will happily make room for me.

3. Taking another idea, twisting it around to make it unique and then calling it my own is cheating.

There really are no new ideas, just unique interpretations of old ideas. How freeing it is to realize that many of Shakespeare’s plays were based on factual events? What makes them valuable is his artistic interpretation. I can do that, too. And if I’m lucky, I’ll have a fraction of the success that he did. But be careful not to fall back into lie #10 though, as it can sometimes be a thin- and blurry- line that many writers have a difficult time with.

2. “Real” writers write quickly and elegantly without effort.

BAH!  This is nonsense and it took me a long time to figure this out. “Real” writers understand that the writing process often means riding an ocean of ebbs and flows, storms and doldrums as well as smooth sailing and choppy waters. If I think that I can’t be a writer because I get stuck once in a while then I’m doomed.

1. This can’t be my “calling” because it’s way too much fun!

Those of us from austere backgrounds have a hard time with this, but it is true. We were created for specific purposes and learned that by doing what we were made to do we will find happiness. I didn’t fully embrace writing until I understood that the reason I do this is because it makes me happy! To have readers who enjoy my writing makes it a double blessing.

This is my collection of writing lies. Because I’ve finally seen them for what they are, dealt with them properly and embraced the truth, I’m free to write. I’m free to pursue my dreams.

My dream is to be a writer. And I am not afraid.

Do you have any other “writing lies” that you want to share?

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Who Am I Fooling: 10 Lies This Writer Told Herself

After a frank discussion with a friend I realized that I needed to discover the reason for my lack of commitment. What was enabling me from completing a story? I tended to write in a manner that complicated my story line and my characters. What started off clear in my mind became muddled near the middle and impossible by the end. I needed to alter my direction from the way I was writing.

Whenever you are in doubt or unable to create the ending to your work, go back to the basics. Start small.

1. Draw a timeline.

Plot the character(s) and events for the beginning, middle and end of the story.

2. Brainstorm.

Create a list of every ending you can think of and read it over and over until one “clicks.”

3. Write the first five words that spring to mind.

Whether it’s a dog, bird, railway, light, printer –find a way to incorporate the words into your story. If the first five words do not help, continue the process.

4. Re-read the ending to one of your favorite books.

What intrigued you about the last few chapters, paragraph, or sentence? Allow that intensity to travel to your own work.

5. Change direction.

Many times we do have an idea how we foresee the end to our tale, but too much stands in our way. My advice, travel in the opposite direction. If you have known from the start that your protagonist is found guilty of murder, change your direction and mix it up. Instead have him found innocent, through a jury deadlock. Take a chance on moving away from your original plan, if your original plan has stopped moving you forward.

6. Take the beginning of your story and make it the ending.

Many times our fever for writing provides ideas and concepts at the start, but we loose steam. (Especially if you have other major responsibilities that warrant your time) If you know that you will have issue with the ending, use what you have written. Whether or not the intention was for the end of the story, make it so. How does that change the flow of your work?

7.  Say it out loud!

Verbalize your story, before you write it down. Make sure to record yourself, while you are telling your tale. Speak for a minute or an hour. Once you are finished speaking, play it back. Capture the details pertinent to your story.

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Seven Tips to Help You Find Your Happy Ending