Videos for Aspiring Writers Part Deux

Over a year ago—in February to be exact—I wrote the first part of this article. The entire purpose was to include videos that inspired me and other amateur writers to pick up a pen, or more accurately open a laptop, and start writing their stories.

The current state of the world made me start watching more of this genre of videos, to get my own creative juices flowing, and that's where I thought I'd share it with other aspiring writers out there, who might just need a little motivation to get their own projects underway.

FREE VERSE: NEIL GAIMAN AND DAVE MCKEAN

If you go back and read the last one, you'll notice how much of a "fanboy" I am for Gaiman. And usually, the abundance of his presence in such lists happens because of his readiness to adapt to such mediums. However, I selected this particular video simply due to the brilliance of McKean, and the overall synergy between Gaiman and McKean as juggernauts in the 80s comic industry.

CRAIG THOMPSON AT MELTDOWN COMICS

Thompson is the mastermind behind Goodbye, Chunky Rice; Blankets; Habibi; and many more. What really makes Thompson unique is that he is both the writer and the artist of his books. This particular interview showcases the process behind his initial writing and then subsequently visualising it in image form. Thompson also talks about fun ways in which artists can set up their storyboards, which I found really interesting.

CONVERSATION WITH MARJANE SATRAPI AND ART SPIEGELMAN

Both Satrapi and Spiegelman have had storied careers in the writing and, its subset, comic industry. However, these two are recognised specifically for their monumental work on Persepolis (Satrapi) and Maus (Spiegelman). Hearing these two discuss their art form is inspiring, as it almost seems like the creators are the only true version of themselves. They also talk more in-depth about their thoughts during the process of creation.

NEIL GAIMAN AND CHIP KIDD: 20TH ANNIVERSARY OF SANDMAN

People who want to call me a "stan" can now proceed to do so, but this really is a masterpiece. I watched this video long before I ever read Sandman in its entirety, and while it does have its fair share of spoilers, hearing about this is also what convinced me to put the iconic series on my reading list. Chip Kidd is also a great interviewer, knowing exactly how to set the stage for Gaiman to talk, and he puts it all out there.

I hope everyone enjoys this list and can use this as some form of inspiration to catapult their next article/story/novel/blog post out there.

Aaqib is stuck in an existential crisis loop. Send help at aaqibhasib94@gmail.com