BOSTON METAPHYSICAL SOCIETY

Word to the wise: whilst 'doing a Google', always remember to check your spelling before hitting the enter key. You see, only the other day I was searching for 'Bosom Mega Physical Variety' on my laptop, and what I got instead was the 'Boston Metaphysical Society'. Still, it worked out for the best in the end. As I got to read a great webcomic created by Madeleine Holly-Rosing. Here, check out this conversation I had with her whilst 'doing a Google' for 'luck-less mass'.


Boston Metaphysical Society


1) What are your own origins Madeleine? And when did you know that you wanted to be a creator?    I’ve been writing stories since -- well -- since I learned how to write. I especially loved TV and the movies, so that’s where I started my professional career. Plus I was fortunate enough to be accepted to the UCLA MFA Program in Screenwriting.

While I was there I was taught how to really write a story. LOL You know, something that a reader would enjoy and feel satisfied with.

2) What are your own artistic and personal aspirations? Plus what inspired you to create the comic Boston Metaphysical Society?    My aspirations have many levels. First and foremost, I am a writer. And sometimes that journey takes to me places I never expected. Meaning I like to write in various formats. I’m building up a library of novelettes based in the BMS universe as a way to build that world and support the webcomic. Which, by the way, is fun and frustrating at the same time.

Also, I have other TV and feature projects that I am writing as well. When I started the MFA Program, I had no idea that I would write comic books someday. And what a happy surprise. I love writing them and I have a number of ideas that I can’t wait to jump on.

BMS was originally written as a TV pilot and because it would be expensive to make, it was suggested that I turn it into a comic book. Well, I loved the idea. And that started my real journey into comic books.

Though, to get back to your central question, the idea behind BMS came from a synergy between a script (STARGAZER) that I wrote and The X-Files. The script was a bio-pic about a Scottish-American astronomer who when she first came to this country in 1860 got a job as a maid in the house of the director of the Harvard Observatory. For those readers in the screenwriting world that script won the Sloan Fellowship. Anyway, I loved the setting and the world. But then a friend of mine suggested that I give it a steampunk angle. I didn’t know much about steampunk then, so I read everything I could get my hands on. I soon discovered how fun and interesting it was, so I redeveloped it with those elements in mind.

3.1) In your own words how would you describe this comic book?    Before Mulder and Scully, there was Hunter and O’Sullivan.

3.2) Plus what formats does it come in?    Only online right now. I've submitted to several publishers and I’m waiting to hear back. If they pass then I will probably self-publish.

4) Who would you cast in a BMS™ movie if one was devised?    Michael Fassbinder as Samuel. Scarlett Johansson as Caitlin. Andre Braugher as Granville.

5) The art in your book is just amazing, and reminds me of Scott Campbell's work on 'Image'. So what I'd like to know is how did you find the artist, Emily Hu?    It took me nine months to find an artist. I went through friends, then spent hours on Deviant Art. Sent out emails through the UCLA listserv…the list goes on. I met a number of very talented artists, but often it wasn't the style I was looking for. Others I had on board then they would get another job. Finally, another friend knew Emi had just graduated and thought she might be a fit. So, I had her do a couple of sample pages and I was very happy. She’s done an outstanding job and I predict a great future for her.

6) What was the first comic book you have ever read? And do you still read mainstream comics?    I don’t remember the first comic I read, but my brother was a big superhero fan, so maybe it was 'Daredevil'. I've never been a superhero fan, but I do like Hawkeye. My favorites right now would be SAGA, MIND THE GAP and an anthology series called THE WEIRDING WILLOWS. However, there is some great stuff online like FOX SISTER and NEXT TOWN OVER.

7) If you could assign a smell to BMS™, what odor would it be and why?    Definitely coastal sea air with a hint of rankness and decay.

8) During your time as a writer, what is the one thing that has kept you in good stead?    My husband. He has been on this journey with me and was my first believer in what I could do with BMS.

Ahhh! Bless him. And bless you too, Madeleine. Thank you very much for telling us about your great webcomic, www.bostonmetaphysicalsociety.com. So when our dear readers have the time, I'm sure they'll know what to do -- click-click - face-face - and tweet-tweet. Lovely.