Creating a graphic memoir: writing a script

I had grown weary of drawing random drawings for my graphic memoir and decided to write a proper script for the first chapter, which deals with the story of my birth. The script captures the text and images for each panel in the correct order. I used the approach explained by Meredith Li-Vollmer in Graphic Public Health: A Comics Anthology and Road Map.

She writes:

“I often begin writing a script in a table format to get down the basic structure of the story and the flow of written information. Scripts in table form can help track how the elements of a comic will work together during the writing process. Each panel gets a row, with separate columns for the text and the images (table 1). After the first draft, I review it, looking for opportunities to replace the written word with images, sequences or dialogue. I’ll often write in this table format before I make the thumbnails, then adjust the script after I have a sense of how this will look visually.”

Here's an example script in table format:

Source: M. Li-Vollmer, Graphic Public Health: A Comics Anthology and Road Map (2022), p. 168

And here’s my preliminary script:

Writing the script was extremely helpful in breaking down text-heavy panels and thinking of additional images. For example, I never considered drawing Panel 4 until I wrote the script, which now provides some additional historical context. Writing the script allowed me to identify knowledge gaps that I could later address in conversations with my Mom. Preparing a script can really give you a sense of direction and takes little effort in comparison to the more dynamic and structured story you will receive.