diff --git a/README.md b/README.md
index 934f17f..a7dc568 100644
--- a/README.md
+++ b/README.md
@@ -99,9 +99,13 @@ Comics are stored in the `COMICS` list in `comics_data.py`. Each comic entry:
 
 **Option 1: Use the script (recommended)**
 ```bash
+# Add comic entry only
 python scripts/add_comic.py
+
+# Add comic entry AND create markdown file for author notes
+python scripts/add_comic.py -m
 ```
-This will automatically add a new entry with defaults. Then edit `comics_data.py` to customize.
+This will automatically add a new entry with defaults. The `-m` flag creates a markdown file in `content/author_notes/{date}.md` with a template. Then edit `comics_data.py` to customize.
 
 **Option 2: Manual**
 1. Save your comic image in `static/images/comics/` (e.g., `comic-001.png`)
diff --git a/scripts/add_comic.py b/scripts/add_comic.py
index 3800b79..7f4f126 100755
--- a/scripts/add_comic.py
+++ b/scripts/add_comic.py
@@ -4,6 +4,7 @@ Script to add a new comic entry to comics_data.py with reasonable defaults
 """
 import sys
 import os
+import argparse
 from datetime import datetime
 
 # Add parent directory to path so we can import comics_data
@@ -11,8 +12,46 @@ sys.path.insert(0, os.path.dirname(os.path.dirname(os.path.abspath(__file__))))
 from comics_data import COMICS
 
 
+def create_markdown_file(date_str, parent_dir):
+    """Create a markdown file for author notes"""
+    author_notes_dir = os.path.join(parent_dir, 'content', 'author_notes')
+
+    # Create directory if it doesn't exist
+    os.makedirs(author_notes_dir, exist_ok=True)
+
+    markdown_file = os.path.join(author_notes_dir, f'{date_str}.md')
+
+    # Check if file already exists
+    if os.path.exists(markdown_file):
+        print(f"Warning: Markdown file already exists: {markdown_file}")
+        return markdown_file
+
+    # Create file with template content
+    template = f"""# Author Note
+
+Write your author note here using markdown formatting.
+
+**Example formatting:**
+- *Italic text*
+- **Bold text**
+- [Links](https://example.com)
+- `Code snippets`
+"""
+
+    with open(markdown_file, 'w') as f:
+        f.write(template)
+
+    print(f"Created markdown file: {markdown_file}")
+    return markdown_file
+
+
 def main():
     """Add a new comic entry with defaults"""
+    parser = argparse.ArgumentParser(description='Add a new comic entry to comics_data.py')
+    parser.add_argument('-m', '--markdown', action='store_true',
+                        help='Generate a markdown file for author notes')
+    args = parser.parse_args()
+
     # Get next number
     number = max(comic['number'] for comic in COMICS) + 1 if COMICS else 1
 
@@ -51,6 +90,10 @@ def main():
 
     print(f"Added comic #{number}")
 
+    # Create markdown file if requested
+    if args.markdown:
+        create_markdown_file(comic['date'], parent_dir)
+
 
 if __name__ == '__main__':
     main()