SAM & FUZZY, by Sam Logan (updates M/W/F)


Cult Classic, Pt. 42

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Apr 17, 2020

Sam and Fuzzy Q & A:  Sandwich Edition
Got a question you want answered? Just drop me an email with "Q & A" in the subject line!


"I am an aspiring novelist, so I have a question about the writing of Sam and Fuzzy. In the past, I know you have talked about making each individual comic meaningful in itself, while also carving out an overarching narrative. One of the things I love about Sam and Fuzzy is how you balance the character moments with advancing the plot. So how do you do it? How do you go about plotting Sam and Fuzzy so you can get those small payoffs in each comic as well as the big story payoffs? Also, has your process changed at all now that you are writing shorter stories?" -Nathan


I think after all this time, I probably just have a feel for it! But generally speaking, my personal rule is that serialized stories are most satisfying when every individual instalment feels like it conveys a complete thought that generates an emotional reaction from the reader. In the case of Sam and Fuzzy, that thought is often a joke, but it can also be a surprise or a shock or a moment of sadness.


In other words, each comic has to feel like it meant something, and the reader should by able to point at it and say "that's the one about _____". So even If I'm writing a scene that's going to take several comics to get through -- be it anything from a conversation to an action sequence -- then I try to identify the distinct pieces that make up that scene, and make each comic about one of those pieces in it's entirety. For example, Kate's big villain reveal takes three comics, but each one is about something specific: one comic explains who Kate is, one explains why she's thinks she can make Malcolm a star, and one explains how she plans to do that.


Of course, even I break these rules sometimes when there's something effect that I really want to achieve in the larger story that requires it. But as a general guideline, I think it serves me well, whether I'm writing huge stories or small ones!


"What's your favorite kind of sandwich?" -Daniel

Y'know, Daniel... I was never really big on sandwiches. But now that I am celliac and can't eat gluten, I literally never eat them. Ever! Most gluten-free bread is either bad or expensive or both, so I rarely even have it in the house. And when I do, I'm more likely to use it to make toast than "waste" it on a sandwich.


"Now that you have a bit more narrative space do you think you might do another collaboration along the lines of The Pitch? Or even just another O-GAWD?" -Thomas


I probably should! I've been feeling like another guest week is in order, but I was planning on saving it for the summer con season, when I was going to be travelling for several weeks! But now that the whole schedule for the rest of the year is up in the air, it's been hard to decide when I'm most going to need the break. We will see!


That's a wrap for this week, team. Come back on Monday for our next comic!

-Sam Logan



 


Apr 15, 2020

Tiny Hats


In this house, we will not tolerate those who speak ill of Mr. Booper.


We return on Friday with our next comic, plus a new round of Q and A! If you've got a question you'd like me to answer about whatever, just pop it in an email with "Q and A" in the subject line!


-Sam Logan


Apr 13, 2020

Sorry, Malcolm


A couple of notes of notes for you all!


1) If you're interested in my art series of video game platformer characters, I'm continuing to slowly spoon 'em out on instagram and twitter. (And I've posted a bunch more on Patreon, where many of these were originally requested!)


2) If you're interested in buying some Sam and Fuzzy books, shirts, or other swag, my friends over at Topatoco would be happy to send you some. (Or the swag of any of their other great artists, for that matter!) Thankfully, they are currently able to opperate in a reduced (but safe) capacity... which means ordering from them is a great way to support artists and small businesses during this time of general life turmoil.


That's all for today, friends. But come back on Wednesday for our next comic!


-Sam Logan