I think that, not the only way to write, but the best way to write, is writing what you want to write, as opposed to something that you think someone else wants to read.
Absolutely. And it’s the way you feel most comfortable. Whatever works best for you, whether it’s a dark, grim, voice, a gritty sensibility or a light, airy tone, or something that’s more off the wall, you need to write what you know, because I think people can pick up on that, and pick up the comfort in your style, when you write in a style that’s comfortable to you.
I think readers can sense when people are writing something that’s in their own voice, as opposed to something they feel they should write.
And that’s the thing. You need to write to your strengths, and write what you know. It’s always good to try and reach above your ability, but you need to know where your strengths are, and where your base is.
How is it juggling what you know about the rest of the DC line as co-publisher with being the writer of a monthly series? I know that your first issues of Outsiders touched on what was going on at the time with the Superman books…
It’s funny, because the issue that came out yesterday, we actually touch upon two current storylines [in other series]. We do a fun little gag in this issue. The entire War of The Supermen series takes place in the background of this issue, because it’s a hundred-minute war. The war starts on page one, and it’s over by page twelve, and everyone’s wondering what was going on. Plus, we touch on – because [Bruce Wayne’s butler] Alfred was a part of the early days of this incarnation of the team – we have Alfred hinting on some of the events that are happening in the Batman books right now. We’re having some fun with that, but then, after that, it goes off on its own route, you know?
And then, you’ll take a break next summer to write another Metal Men for a second Wednesday Comics, right…?
You know what, I don’t know if I would do another Metal Men… I’m still waiting to see how the hardcover does. I think it’s one of the best presentations of our work to date in all the time I’ve been here, and I’ve been here eight years now. I absolutely love the book, I’m so proud to be involved in it. Mark Chiarello is one of, if not the best, editors on our floor, but now I’m ready to see what the next big thing is.
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