From Comic Books to the Classroom: Jarret Keene's Writing Journey
Discover the insights of writing and teaching from author and university professor Jarret Keene.
Jarret Keene’s journey into the world of writing began at a young age, sparked by the comic books he cherished.
"I first started noticing script credits in the comic books I read as a kid. I grabbed them off the spinner rack... and I was like, oh, that's really interesting."
This fascination with storytelling grew as he penned letters to Marvel Comics and DC Comics, ultimately leading him to understand that he, too, could craft stories. His early exposure to writing in comic books shaped his perspective, making him realize the potential for his own name to appear in print.
Teaching the Craft of Writing
Jarret's path to teaching at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, was anything but straightforward. After moving to Las Vegas, he initially took on various writing gigs, from music journalism to corporate communications, which enriched his understanding of writing as a craft.
"I learned so much from being a reporter and from being a propagandist and being a professor."
His diverse experiences have equipped him with unique insights that he now imparts to his students, particularly in his class on the history of the graphic novel. Here, he emphasizes the legitimacy of comics as an art form, encouraging students to explore the depth of storytelling beyond the surface.
The Misconceptions of Writing
During the conversation, Jarret shared a common misconception among aspiring writers:
"...putting out the book and having it published means nothing. Rarely will someone just walk up and buy a first-time author's book right off the bookshelf."
He highlights the importance of understanding the business side of writing, noting that mere publication does not guarantee success. Writers must actively engage in marketing their work and building their presence in the literary community.
Embracing the Process
Jarret’s approach to writing is pragmatic; he encourages aspiring authors to treat their craft with the seriousness it deserves.
"If I approach this as more like a job and less like some kind of precious passion... I think that helps people."
By demystifying the writing process and setting realistic expectations, he inspires his students to focus on their daily writing goals and to view each word as a step towards growth.
In the end, Jarret’s insights remind us that the journey of writing and teaching is filled with lessons from various experiences. Whether through the vibrant world of graphic novels or the grueling realities of publishing, there lies a wealth of knowledge waiting to be shared.
For those who wish to delve deeper into the craft of writing and the world of storytelling, Jarret's experiences offer a compelling perspective.
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As you navigate your own writing journey, remember that every experience—good or bad—contributes to your growth.
Check out the full episode for more insights from Jarret Keene!
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