The adaptation of "I Can't Get Started."

After a writing exercise in my college playwriting class, I ended up with a one-act play that has haunted me since the read-through in the black box theater back in 2005. It’s titled “I Can’t Get Started,” and it is set against the backdrop of the George Washington Bridge. In the play, two strangers are drawn to the bridge for different reasons and meet, forming a unique bond.

I specifically chose the George Washington Bridge as a nod to my neighborhood and because staging a one-act play there would be the easiest logistically and would provide a good backdrop for most of the play. What resulted was having to dig deep emotionally to make these characters worth watching, essentially, stand around and monologue.

I didn’t know it at the time, but many of the fears both characters express ring true and are far more universal than I intended or realized. Since then, every couple of years, a line or sentiment would come to mind, and I’d tell myself I should revisit that play. Flash forward to 2025, and I rediscovered the manuscript again, and it went from wanting to revisit it to “I need to find a way to get this produced.”

I commissioned a Nigerian artist, Simon, and reworked the script. Together, we brought the story, characters, and first two scenes to life.

Never one to simply wait and see, I took it upon myself to personally deliver the first pages to the Director and King of New Jersey, Kevin Smith, at his comic book store event at The Secret Stash, an event I had planned to attend.

I stood in line and greeted Kevin as I normally did. They say never meet your heroes, but I would argue that Kevin Smith is the exception to the rule.

We exchanged pleasantries, and I presented him with the first couple of pages of the graphic novel adaptation of “I Can’t Get Started.” He listened intently, and I explained how dialogue-heavy the piece was, something he is very fond of. Without prompting, he says, “You know I publish comics.”

A smile crept across my face; as a loyal Kevin Smith fan, I knew this. I explained that I was still waiting on a couple of pages to complete the scene, and he encouraged me to finish it and said to send it his way once I’m ready. Well, Kevin, if you are reading, I have two completed scenes ready for you.

I turn to you, the reader, Substack, and fellow authors to help connect me with other independent authors, writers, and artists. Let’s work together to find a way to get “I Can’t Get It Started” published.