CROM Update 045 with Rom Parsons Turning Prose into Comics
In Episode 45 of the CROM Updates Podcast, Kurt Brugel hosts Rom Parsons, a writer with a passion for sword and sorcery, to discuss Parsons' latest work, Crom and the Ziggurat of Blood. This short story unfolds in the city of Ophir, where Crom, under Queen Tanit’s guidance, battles bandits and uncovers a mysterious jeweled sarcophagus. The artifact, linked to hidden cultists in Ophir, sets off a series of intense action sequences as Crom faces cultists intending to use the relic to summon a demon. Parsons describes his creative influences, particularly Robert E. Howard, Lin Carter, and Lord Dunsany, noting how their works guide his vision for creating layered worlds filled with action, magic, and intrigue.
The conversation also delves into Parsons' aspiration to bring his prose stories to life as comics, ideally collaborating with an artist to visually capture the intense action and rich atmosphere in his tales. Kurt suggests a few strategies, advising Rom to consider breaking the story into shorter, five-page sections to make it more accessible for artists to handle. This modular approach, Kurt explains, could reduce the overwhelming task of adapting a dense story into a lengthy comic, making it a more manageable, enticing project for prospective collaborators. Kurt also shares insights on the collaborative dynamics between writers and artists, emphasizing the importance of balancing creative freedom with clear direction to bring out the best in both parties.
Beyond storytelling and adaptation strategies, Kurt and Rom explore the genre’s unique storytelling potential in comics, as well as Kurt’s broader goal to foster a supportive “Crommunity.” They discuss how platforms like Instagram can help creators connect and collaborate, with Kurt sharing how he connected with artist James Anthony. Rom concludes by expressing his eagerness to find collaborators for his other Crom stories and sword and sorcery projects, inspired by the supportive feedback he’s received from fans and peers alike.
Watch the CROM Update 045 video on YouTube:
Educational Values:
Insight into the Adaptation Process: The podcast provides practical steps for adapting prose stories into comic format, valuable for both writers and artists.
Collaboration Techniques: Listeners gain a deeper understanding of managing collaborative projects, balancing creativity with clear communication for successful outcomes.
Community Building for Creators: It underscores the importance of a supportive creative community, offering resources and connections for independent creators looking to collaborate.
Use these links to find out more about Kurt inker Brugel.
