What's your scripting process for planning a chapter?

[Pandastrophic]

I first write what happens in each episode in details in a google docs, this stage is usually far ahead of where I am, I also have a very simple timeline of the important scenes and plot points in google docs too. I sometimes write important conversation points in the planning stage and if I have any ideas on what I want them to say specifically.

I don't script or storyboard untill I'm maybe 1 month away from this episode, then I write the script seperating convarsation based on how I want them to flow in the comic. Since my comic is very convesation based, the flow of the convesation is really important.

Then I storyboard and my storyboard also becomes my base sketch, it just saves time as I don't have to redraw it again.

[XzynderVexymous]

I think about the character as if I knew the character first, and then I go into writing about the character.

[jpnakashima]

I know it's kind of a cop-out, but I find it changes from story to story.

For the series I started publishing now, Maxiboy, I usually plan half a year worth of strips. I have a somewhat clear direction in my head of what I want to do for all series, but I like to do it in these blocks so I can adapt and fit new storylines that I and my friend want to do at the moment. In this ''summary'', I try to describe a chapter in really broad strokes, so since it's a simple story, it takes from one to three lines.
After that, when I'm doing the script, I create another list, describing in one line what happens in each panel. I'm not saying the ''measures'' because I'm precise, but to say that all of that is really undetailed in my process. After the panels, I write the proper script, detailing panels, and after that, I write dialogue matching the scenes.

That's the only story I've ever done in such manner. I usually write dialogue first and do panels after. For a story I'm working right now, I have an outline for all 15 chapters, I keep notes of little bits of scenes and dialogue that I imagine will be useful, I have a character sheet and etc. For this one project in particular, I thought I could use some more detailed summaries, so I detailed what happens in each chapter before beginning to write. I usually also add one step further, making a list of what happens at each page before what happens in each panel. I just go breaking down steps.

Oh, and I'm using Scrivener for this last project. It's a really awesome tool for organizing quickly your notes and it's perfect for me that like to chop down the writing process.

You just got do you!

[Doubtcent]

I do similarly, however I don't have that many chapters planned out ahead.
Mostly because once I start drawing, the story and its details start to change. Like if I can't draw something I change it to something else. Or, maybe I come up with a brand new idea to add into the story, but that can mess up any plans I could have for future chapters. So, I only write the chapter I'm currently working on, and start sketching. I don't think about the next chapter until I've reread everything up to that point again, just to be certain on details and story elements.
In other words, I'm pretty horrible at sticking to my script, but I don't mind straying from it.

[rd_inks]

I once spoke to a creator who mentioned that they often kept changing things right until it was time to draw. My scripting process lets me be flexible to allow this to happen.

I wrote draft scripts months ago and now that I'm releasing on a weekly schedule I open them up to remember what happened, while giving me a guide as to rough dialogue etc. Then I totally abandon about 80% and open up my evernote and lay down the headings for:

Update synopsis - what I want to happen, cliffhangers for each page etc
Page 1 dialogue
Page 2 dialogue
Page 3 dialogue

I lay down super rough lines so I at least have something on paper and then edit over a day or so. Then I head to the storyboard and do rough panel thumbnails before then heading over to pencil/ink

Hope this helps

[joannekwan]

I do everything in Word, but I might start using G Docs more since I have an iPad now and can write on the go. First I start with general descriptions of what I want happening at such and such point in the story. But those rarely go over two sentences. Then I just lay down the dialogue. Like this:

I don't really fuss about setting the scene or small details as that will come later when I'm prepping to actually draw it. But I do like to have my scripts at least 75% done before I actually draw any part of the comic. I don't break things up into panels until I'm staring at the blank page ready to draw. But when that happens I always lay down the text first since speech bubble flow is of utmost importance to me. The panels form around that.

[punkarsenic]

i have several timeline lists, one that divides events into years with the MCs ages alongside, and another that bullets out each plot point thats sposed to happen. then i divvy them up into chapters, and write that out in prose - sometimes i rewrite parts for the comic process, but most of the time i use the prose as my main guide.

[GarnetDawn]

For me it's like:

1 - try to start without scripting at all
2 - feel bad for not making a proper script
3 - do a proper script
4 - change literally everything from the script while sketching the panels

[alarnia]

haha I'm not even sure if you could call what I do "scripting"

Because my 'scripts' are usually nothing more than a list of key events/plot points. I wouldn't really recommend this method unless you are intimately familiar with where you want your story to go, and how your characters behave.

I feel like I can sort of get away with this for RubySlippers because I've technically been developing it for something like 5 years now? Although it was never put to paper until recently. I have a friend/editor/co-conspirator whose helped me hash and rehash events and character concepts over the years, and this has helped me gain a sort of intuitive sense of where things should go, so I guess what I'm saying is my script's in my head lol.

on the other side of the coin, most of the technical aspects of my story get planned out in the thumbnail/sketch phase. I guess because Im more of a visual thinker I find it easier to plan out my comic at this stage. It's at this point that I'll figure out the exact things characters say, while simultaneously planning when and where i should put the dialogue, and actions, etc.PLUS I work in chapters. So I'm not just looking at the flow of one page, but a large number all at once. At this point I'll reference my 'script' to make sure im hitting the key points. It tends to be VERY loose however, just gestures and general concepts. Usually my drafts go through several revisions until im happy with the layout, and then it's straight to inking.

(just an example. I actually ended up cutting this page and distributed the panels to other pages in the final version)

Maybe its a bit chaotic, but I feel like this method is faster, and also optimizes 'flow'. Works for me!

[Shanny8]

I dont really do much "scripting" before I actually start writing the script. I gather a mental list of the stuff that I want to put into the particular issue/chapter, arrange it how I want the story to start and how I want it to end, and start scripting. I use Scrivener; it helped me this chapter, coz I wasnt quite sure how I wanted the story to flow and I ended up (physically)moving pieces of the story around, which helped it flow better- without messing it up.

[spadesart]

i do bullet points in a google docs outline that has character actions and dialogue cues (i rarely reference it though when im drawing the chapter but it helps a ton for the script)

then i use notepad to write my script (kind of from habit of using it to code in my web design glass and kind of because its easier than switching from program to browser)

then i kinda just take it from there with the art

[woah-man]

With E.L.I.S.E. we're pretty old school. We're roommates so we literally plop our butts down in the living room and put pen to paper. We have a few notebooks full of scripts and outlines, but a lot of our ideas come from old roleplays that we used to do when we were first coming up with the characters. So, originally some of the stories were written as a 3rd person/novel style, but when they're translated they sorta look like this.

CHAPTER/SCRIPT TITLE

[Character A, B, and C are sitting down for a coffee break in the kitchen. C is reading a magazine while A and B look bored.]

A: Whatcha readin', C?

C: [looking annoyed] None of your business.

B: Jeez, you guys are annoying. [looking irritated while sipping her coffee]

Aaaand so on and so forth until we reach the end of the episode/chapter/whatever you wanna call it. Sometimes we get a little more detailed for more involved scenarios and proceed to do a loose storyboard, but most of the time it's pretty simple... Probably because aside from the occasional long story arc, a good number of our comics consist of shorter strips.

But anyways, long story short, I personally feel like a 'play script' style is the way to go, especially if you're one to add annotations and notes and make changes since it doesn't take up too much room. ...Of course if you aren't totally masochistic like me and do it digitally instead of on paper, then that probably isn't too much of a concern.

[Wumbl]

Personally I write my scripts similarly to a screenplay - I was formally trained in writing screenplays and have written stage productions before so it is just comfortable to do it that way.
I separate them by page indications and then the layout of the panels comes in the thumbnail sketch stage.
An example of how I format them (forgive me I just threw this together in like 3 minutes):

INTERIOR - DEATH'S DOOR BAR - LATE EVENING
(p1)
RADICAL JASON and FOREAS UNDERDOWN share a table with a few assorted criminals. JASON sips his usual choice of Ratten 1968 rum while Foreas stares absentmindedly into a glass of Pinot Grigio. They are playing a card game lazily, as S.B. approaches the table.

(p2)
S.B.
(close-up, st level) So, who's winning?

JASON
(confidently) Do you really have to ask?

(she grins at him and collects a couple of empty glasses)

(p3)
S.B
Well, you kids have fun.

(she mumbles the lyrics to "Little Lies" to herself as she returns to her position behind the bar)

FOREAS
(swirling his glass) You just didn't want to admit you've got a lousy hand, did you?

JASON
(frowning, leaning towards him with mock-aggression) Do you know how to spell "suplex"?

FOREAS
(stares at him blankly for one panel before responding) Do you?

JASON (off-panel)
Shut up.

[jurinova]

To be perfectly honest... My scripts are a mess. I rarely sit down to write the script but rather when I have an idea I write it down where I can. My sketchbooks are filled with short pieces of dialogue or thumbnails of comic pages. On my computer I write everything down on Notepad. Not the most professional choice, I know, but it's simple so it works well enough for notes. I have entire folder full of notepad files where I've collected all the info and ideas I have about my comic. Then I just put together my script from all the notes I've written chapter by chapter.

On my script I usually only write the information I really need. It takes time to write a fully detailed script so I don't do that. The script is mostly about dialogue and the rest I usually plan during the thumbnailing process. I do have notes about details in the script that I don't want to forget, like "X is looking angry in the background" or "make the colours warm in the scene". My script may also include several versions of a scene in case I'm not sure which one works best. I've also often re-done entire scenes right when I was about to start drawing them if I felt that the original script wasn't good enough.

I know it would probably be less stressful to have a complete and perfect script ready but to me the script is a constantly changing process. I'm always adding things, taking things out, re-writing things etc. It's only final when it's on the page.

[Tanako]

I’m too damn lazy for a script. I write it out like short scenes then draw it according to the way I write it. Sometimes things change but it’s okay because naturally I change my mind a lot. Even things about life. I’m so unstable I don’t bother making plans I just go with the flow. If I make plans I don’t stick to it. Something about planning and time management freaks me out. I like to flow, run with the wind kinda gal! And writing all that dialogue and script takes too much time and I could use that time to be drawing or coloring a page. And I could write all that dialogue and end up not using it so what’s the point? So in short. I write short scenes then draw it and that’s it. Works GREAT for me. Haven’t failed and it’s a technique that works best. Sometimes people over emphasize and do too much, write too much only to end up hating the whole thing and doing it over and over again. Don’t think to much just do it and move on.

[TimCaloweh]

I agree. I usually have the plot in my head. I just need to worry about the angles of my art so rethinking the view takes time.

[Jenny-Toons]

When I plan for chapters, I like to write things out for, depending on where I am. If I'm starting with a fresh story, writing is my way to go. And usually, it's more like essay writing than outlining. I write in scenes and find out ways to connect them. It also helps when I have friends to look over my work.

Afterwards, I draw out what I've written, mostly with more details and involved dialogue. The writing is just there to give a general idea for the plot, but the story- boarding helps me picture things out more.

Afterwards, it's smooth sailing from them. Drawing and coloring the actual panels are fairly easy for me ^^

[MelancholicOtaku]

Before I write the script I usually like to go thru notebooks of random ideas I've had.Just to see what new ideas I think could work.
Next I write a rough draft,just to get my jumble thoughts into a organized format. Next comes my second rough draft where I make small edits. Finally I have part one of my final draft,which ends up being rough draft pt3 and I make even more edits or changes just to see if the story flows.
Finally I save and email myself a copy that way if something happens I'll always have a copy around.

[TheFalseVyper]

Before I started drawing my comic, Those Called Wolf, I had nearly 4 completed books I wrote over the course of years. Pretty much everything is already planned out at this point as far as plot, some dialogue, and story.

However, when it comes to actually drawing my comic, I basically rough sketch about 30 or so pages before starting a new chapter. These pages are just a guideline for where I want the chapter to go, but about half way through I tend to deviate and adjust scenes depending on what I feel might flow better.

This process has helped tremendously in making my comic flow better!

[NDmangaka]

I don't script I have my whole story line in my head