Ryan George on Aliens, Optimism, and Accountability

Hi, Ryan. Thanks for doing this interview! Can you tell our readers a bit about yourself?

I’m a writer, born and raised in New York City. I grew up a fan of comics and pop culture in general. I’ve always liked to tell stories and at some point, I got past my own insecurities and reservations and decided to tell the stories that I wanted to tell. 

You’ve been writing for a long time, first in nonfiction, then fiction, and now in comics. Do you think all that experience in different mediums has been helpful as you began your comics-writing career?

Absolutely. Writing is both a deeply personal and a collaborative process. As a writer, you need a good team around you, you need to be able to accept feedback and constructive criticism, and you need to be able to look at your work as objectively as possible. Writing in those mediums taught me the value of having an editor and another pair of eyes on my work. It also helped me to develop thick skin. Having that knowledge helped immensely as I started more creative writing because I seek out criticism and make it a point to surround myself with a solid team.

You’ve also had a career in fitness! Do you think there’s any fitness-related advice that applies to writing comics, too?

This is a great question. There are definitely some really important parallels between approaching fitness and approaching writing. First, I think planning for both is incredibly important. Unlike writing prose, there are certain limitations and guidelines inherent in comics. As a writer, it is very difficult to “wing it” so it is really important to outline or structure the comic ahead of time. The same goes for fitness. You get the best results by planning ahead of time and working fitness into the constraints of life. 

The other two things that apply are consistency and accountability. In fitness, it is really important to maintain consistency and to find methods to hold oneself accountable. The most successful fitness programs are centered around finding ways to maintain a consistent training schedule and incorporate methods to keep the person accountable. These very much apply to writing because it is often a solo endeavour, and life can so easily get in the way.

Can you tell us about your inspiration and process for creating “The Last Martian” for the Sidequests Anthology?

My writing often tends to be cynical and centered around morally gray characters, even though I am very much a positive and optimistic person. When I found out about the Sidequests Anthology, I decided that I wanted to write something with a more optimistic tone. For some reason, I decided I wanted something set on Mars and then started thinking about the ideas of identity and acceptance, and the idea took off from there. 

Who are your writing heroes?

James O’Barr (The Crow), James S.A. Corey (The Expanse writers), Mark Twain

What comic book character do you identify most with, and why?

Maybe Wolverine. I’m short, stocky, enjoy combat (in controlled settings), and think I’m immortal. 

What’s important to you in a comic book, as a reader? As a writer?

I always come back to three things. First, I need to know what the characters want. If I don’t know what the character wants, it’s hard to connect with their journey. Second, what are the stakes? The stakes could be big, like the end of the world, or small, like getting the last milkshake. But it’s important to know what is at stake. Third is that actions must have consequences. My biggest pet peeve is when actions don’t have appropriate consequences. When it happens, it takes me out of the story.  

What advice do you have for aspiring comics writers?

As a comic writer, once your script is done (and often before), you almost have to think of yourself as a project manager. There are a lot of cooks in the kitchen (line art, colors, cover art, editor, letterer, etc.) and you have to be able to manage them and direct them to a finished product that you are proud of. And that’s just the beginning. Then you have to think about your brand, marketing, social media, crowdfunding, conventions, and so much more. It’s expensive and time-consuming. Any aspiring writer should know ahead of time that there is a lot involved and you may never “break even.” That being said, if you love it, there is no better feeling than having a finished book out in the world. 

Any new projects you’re working on?

Currently, I’m working on a couple of projects. The main one is the follow-up to my first full length comic, A Debt to the Ceaseless Reaper. Book 1 is called The Devil’s Hymn. It’s a western with some supernatural and horror elements. Book 2, called Ashes and Arrows, is currently in production. I actually just finished writing books 3-6 and I’m super excited about it. I’m really happy with this story and where it’s going. 

Where can readers find you online?

My website is http://www.PortableHolePublising.com, and people can find me on Instagram: @Portable_Hole.

I also put out a monthly newsletter called the Portable Perspectives Newsletter. People can subscribe here:  mailchi.mp/portableholepublishing/from-comics-to-ai-art-tips-reviews-and-more-12704179