United Features had given me a development contract, which meant I was to work exclusively with them and rather than completing everything on my own and turning it in to them and having it rejected or accepted, I was working much more directly with the syndicate, turning in smaller batches much more frequently, and getting comments on them. The idea was that they would help me develop the strip and then, assuming that they liked it, it would flow into a normal contract for syndication.

You know what's the rage this year? ...Hats.

I still read newspaper comics, but without much hope for their future.

It's going to be a grim day when the world is run by a generation that doesn't know anything but what it's seen on TV.

My likely historical significance is a terrible burden. ~ Calvin

Of course, REAL zombies never get the giggles when they look at each other.

I tell you all this because it's worth recognizing that there is no such thing as an overnight success. You will do well to cultivate the resources in yourself that bring you happiness outside of success or failure. The truth is, most of us discover where we are headed when we arrive. At that time, we turn around and say, yes, this is obviously where I was going all along. It's a good idea to try to enjoy the scenery on the detours, because you'll probably take a few.