When I first started working on Gabriel, it began as a novel. I had the idea in the late 90’s, but I didn’t start writing until sometime 2002 (I think). I had signed up for a creative writing in class at UTEP, which helped me get going on my own story, as well as the short stories I had to write for class. I got as far as chapter 8. After that, I found myself “stuck” all the time. This caused me to stop writing.

In April 2005, my girlfriend Maribel was stationed at Washington D.C. with the U.S. Army, and I moved with her. A few short months later, I began working as a security officer at the State Department. As time went by, I was constantly stressed out, I hated my job, and I was desperate to quit. Waking up at three in the morning for work all the time will do that to you. That’s when I told myself I had to finish writing my book.

I talked to Maribel and my brother, Robert. I let them know how unhappy I was with the direction my life was going, and how I wanted to quit my job and finish my book. This time, I wanted to write it as a comic book. I’ve always loved comic books. And even though I had no experience whatsoever in any aspect of creating a comic book, I was not going to let that deter me. Robert said I should go for it and he would help me out if I needed it. Maribel supported my decision to quit my job, and encouraged me to start working on my book again. So I quit my job at then end of December 2006.

Maribel and I went back to El Paso the following month. I gathered my friends to help me with the scenes in the comic. A few weeks later, we went back to Arlington, Virginia where the hard work began. After months of computer problems, numerous complications, dumb errors, and tons of cursing and headaches, I finished Gabriel in June. The comic book I was planning on writing became a graphic novel. There were still a few minor things I had to work on, but it was no big deal.

While doing the work, I read about the Xeric Foundation in Wizard magazine. They mentioned how some writers had received some grants. I looked up Xeric Foundation and read what they needed. I did not send my stuff until a week or so before the deadline. I seriously did not think I was going to win anything, being that it was so late.

I moved back to El Paso about two weeks ago. Then on October 18, 2007, I received a letter from the Xeric Foundation. HOLY!!!! I could not believe it. I got the letter saying I was awarded a grant for my graphic novel. I had a feeling I did, because when I got the letter, it was a little thick. And I wondered, “Did I really win this?” You should have seen my face when I realized I did. My smile would not go away. I actually did it.

I can not give you advice on the business aspect of comic books. I’m still trying to figure all that myself. I am even reading the experiences of the past winners to see what I have to do. I only hope that by reading this, it will motivate you to go ahead and complete your comic books, or any other project you have. Do not let the obstacles turn you away. I’ve been turned down by major comic book publishers. As a matter of fact, I received an e-mail from a major publisher telling me they turned me down after I learned that I won the grant. This is how I looked at it: If the Xeric Foundation awarded me with this grant, I must have something special. If you happen to not get the Xeric Foundation grant, keep trying.

Just read Troy Little’s "Chiaroscuro" entry. Just believe in yourself and good things will happen.