Above, story illustration by Gary Scott Beatty.
An Uplifting 2017, Thanks to You
BY GARY SCOTT BEATTY, WRITER AND ILLUSTRATOR OF BOOKS, AND PUBLISHER AND EDITOR, MUSKEGONMAGAZINE.COM
When 2017 began, both of my parents were recovering from a terrible, near-fatal car accident, just out of the hospital with their future in question.
I began considering my career choices as a storyteller. Positive reviews were encouraging enough to keep me going, but a shrinking market in comic book shops for graphic novels written for adults without super heroes had me wondering where I was going to find readers.
Then my Strange Horror Kickstarter campaign came in at 142% of goal! Results there were much more encouraging than the years I’ve been trying to beat my way into the comic shop market. Through this wonderful, online website I was able to connect directly with readers who liked the idea of well-illustrated, thought provoking adventure stories with a shadow of horror.
Kickstarter is a fantastic place online where we can back all kinds of creative projects from around the world or right in our own back yard. Explore Kickstarter here and you may find a creators project you will want to help bring to life.
Above, Gary’s four graphic novels and much more will be offered during his Kickstarter beginning January 16 and ending next month.
Then, another positive. Indie publishing legend Caliber comics decided to carry the “Wounds” story from Strange Horror in a graphic novel.
I began work on a stand alone sequel, “Zombies’ End,” bringing the characters only imagined in “Wounds” into a world overcome with zombies and racing toward the end of mankind.
I’ve been studying illustration for over 50 years but this year I’ve brought myself to a new level. I used several short stories to explore techniques and tools, including a few I’m offering as free Milestone Rewards in January 16’s Kickstarter for “Zombies’ End.”
It’s all coming together for me and it’s all due to connecting with like-minded readers through the Kickstarter platform. Believe me, I’m more thankful as the new year approaches than I’ve been in a long, long time.
I just spent the holidays with family and my mom and dad are doing fine, thank you. Modern medicine and the human body’s ability to heal itself are both miraculous.
Here’s to a 2018 where the miracles keep coming!
GALLERY
Above, this year Gary has been honing his illustration craft on short stories. Several will be offered as free rewards to backers during the “Zombies’ End” Kickstarter.
Above, Gary says The Deadly Passion of Vega and Altair is a “bit of a twisted love and horror story based on a rather quaint Japanese legend.” This tale is free to those who join his Fan List at StrangeHorror.com.
Above, a page from “Zombie’s End.” “This book has a surprisingly uplifting ending for a horror story,” said Gary.
Above, signed bookplates are offered at some of Gary’s Kickstarter deluxe levels.
Gary Scott Beatty is excited to share projects, art, video and other updates with those who are interested. If you want to enjoy a free story, and have him share his creative journey with you, join the Aazurn Fan List at http://strangehorror.com/
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Jazz: Midnight, with art inspired by jazz album cover design, drops readers into the late night music clubs of 1957. From Gary Scott Beatty. Click here for Jazz: Midnight.
Wounds, Gary Scott Beatty’s zombie horror book with a twist, is now on Amazon. Click here for Wounds.
Worlds, the first Gary Scott Beatty retrospective is now on Amazon. This 96 page collection includes early work, unpublished art, in-depth articles, a jazz art gallery and more. Click here for “Worlds.”
