The Journey

The Gypsy Dawn Rising journey began 10 years ago. I had an idea for a supernatural drama set on a Romani Travellers site. Originally, I envisioned this story’s home being on TV. By that time, I had already written several radio dramas for the BBC, so I sent a one-page proposal to a producer I knew in radio who then passed it on to a TV producer. The TV producer liked the idea, and I was commissioned to write a scene-by-scene treatment. Initially, the plan was for it to be a returning TV series, and I also wrote the pilot episode screenplay.

However, at this point, the project became entangled in the development process, which continued for several years, as these things can do. In the meantime, I kept busy with other projects. But I always believed that Gypsy Dawn Rising had the potential to be a compelling drama. Then I met someone interested in gaming and digital graphic novels. Turning it into a game would have been prohibitively expensive, but I believed I could secure the funding to produce a digital graphic novel. I also saw the graphic novel format as a perfect fit for my story, especially after becoming familiar with the Patreon platform, which would enable me to gain support directly to my audience and drive the project forward.

Over the next few years, I dedicated myself to raising the funds to create the first instalment of what is planned to be a three-part trilogy of digital graphic novels, telling the Gypsy Dawn Rising story. I’ve assembled a fantastic team, and we are currently in the process of creating part one.

I’ve loved graphic novels for many years, but this is the first time I’ve ever attempted to write and produce one myself. So, I thought, rather than just simply create it, why not invite some of you out there to join me on this journey? You can follow not only how I created a graphic novel from scratch but also how I adapted a TV screenplay into a graphic novel format. I can assure you it’s been an extraordinary journey so far, and I’d love you to be part of it!

So how can you get involved? We will be releasing Gypsy Dawn Rising later this year on Patreon with a range of perks for supporters of the project.

These will include:

• Writing tutorials from Dan Allum
• Mentoring scheme for aspiring writers
• The opportunity to be a character in the digital graphic novel

You’ll also have the opportunity to gain exclusive insights from my team, including our illustrator, web designer/head of marketing, development adviser, and technical adviser. And perhaps you can even help us solve a problem or two on the path to its online release—I’m sure there will be some.

I will also share tips on creative writing, whether that’s for the stage, screen, radio, or graphic novels, of course. Topics will include character development, story structure, writing dynamic dialogue, and much more. Plus, I’ll delve into practical aspects like fundraising and getting your work published and/or produced.

One of our goals for this project is to raise enough money to create part two and, following that, part three—to complete the trilogy. If all goes well, who knows where it could lead? Back to TV, perhaps!

Support us on Patreon to be a part of this exciting journey.