What is The Indie Comics Alliance (#NDCA)?

Before lunch, I sat down with a shoggoth for a short Q and A about the Indie Comics Alliance. The following is a transcript of our conversation.

Source: Paizo Blog

Q. Yeah, what the title says. What is the Indie Comics Alliance?

A. The Indie Comics Alliance is a group of independent comic book and webcomic creators who wish to bring their work to a broader audience. We realize that we can’t possibly compete with a multi-million dollar PR firm, but we can support one another with Re-Tweets, sharing on Facebook, and on our respective blogs.

Q. So what is this #NDCA business?

#NDCA is a viral hashtag movement which allows members to monitor other creators’ links and RT them to their followers. If everyone RTs each link, we will achieve greater saturation and thus generate a broader viewership for each creator. In order for the #NDCA hashtag to achieve this goal, however, it requires each member to be an active participant. While I realize that our daily workloads will not allow us to RT every link, it is certainly a goal all members should strive for. This is about GIVE and take. If you wish to have your link RTed, RT others’ links. Good old-fashioned reciprocation.

Q. This sounds wonderful! I actually create comics when Dagon gives me some time off (which isn’t often, let me tell you). How can I join?

A. The Indie Comics Alliance is in its infancy at this time, but you can join the Twitter list by simply following my Twitter account and requesting to be added to THE LIST. Then, once you are added, follow all the wonderful creators on the list and start RTing their links. And if you would like a link to your work to be RTed, simply add the #NDCA tag to the end of your tweet and voila. You are an active member of the Indie Comics Alliance.

Q. What are the future plans of the Indie Comics Alliance? Will you have an interactive site?

A. Yes, we’re currently working on that right now. You can rest assured that I will let members know as soon as the site is built and available for use. Until then, spread the love on Twitter. You will be amazed how many wonderful, talented creators you will find.

Q. Why are you doing this? Don’t you have enough to do already?

A. Hey, that’s two questions! To answer why I’m doing this is very simple. As an independent creator with several years in the industry, I have found that spreading the news about my new and upcoming releases never becomes easier. While self-promotion is a necessity, I wondered why other creators did not support me, despite the fact that I supported their efforts on Twitter, Facebook–and even here on my blog. “Wouldn’t it be cool,” I thought, “If every independent creator supported one another?” While I realize that this may have been a pipe dream, I decided to try an experiment and see what would happen. That is how the Indie Comics Alliance was born. Creators supporting one another, give and take. United.

As for the second question: Yes, I have more than my fair share of work to do, but if I didn’t try this, I would always wonder if it could be done. Could independent creators actually come together and support one another? I guess I’ll learn the answer to that question in the days, months and years to come.

Q. Anything else to add?

A. Has anyone ever told you that you’d make a tasty sammich?

Vote For Lovecraft or a Shoggoth Will Die!

I would like to take a few moments out of a busy writing day to ask you–yes, YOU– for a very special favor.

Last year, my good friend and co-writer Bruce Brown and I teamed with artist Renzo Podesta to create a very special graphic novel titled Howard Lovecraft and the Frozen Kingdom.

Cover Art by Thomas Boatwright

I say this is a “very special graphic novel” because it was my sons’ first venture into the weird world of Lovecraft. And, over the course of the year, I have learned that it was also the first taste of Lovecraft for many, many little Shoggoths and Deep Ones around the world.

When Bruce and I set out to create a book that would introduce young readers to Lovecraft’s work, I must admit that I was a bit intimidated. As a lifelong (almost) fan, I felt that we were treading on (un)holy ground. What resulted, however, was a true effort of love that Bruce and I can say that we are extremely proud of.

(And wait till you read the sequel!)

The graphic novel has received quite a bit of critical praise, but the feedback we’ve received from readers and educators has been the most rewarding.

Yes, unlike some of those other guys, we CARE VERY MUCH about hearing from our wonderful readers and will always take the time to respond to YOU because, unlike the other guys (you know who I’m talking about), we made this graphic novel out of our love for the medium and for Lovecraft and his work. This isn’t “just another paying gig” for us. Our only reward is a few kind words–and perhaps a recommendation–from our readership.

So… to cut to the chase, I am asking you to NOMINATE Howard Lovecraft and the Frozen Kingdom for an Eagle Award, and consider voting for Bruce in the best writer category, Renzo for best artist, and yours truly as best editor. Bruce and I would truly appreciate your votes, and you could proudly proclaim “I SUPPORT INDIE COMICS!” and “I LOVE HOWARD LOVECRAFT AND DON’T WANT A SHOGGOTH TO DIE!”