Storycomic Weekly Newsletter: January 20th
ALWAYS POSTED A WEEK EARLIER ON PATREON
Exciting New Season at Storycomic: Podcasts and Interviews Galore!
Welcome to the latest update from Storycomic, where the enchanting world of children's books and the creative brilliance of Vermont's artists and authors converge. As the journey with our beloved podcast library unfolds, I'm thrilled to share some exciting developments and upcoming ventures with all of you, our valued listeners and readers.
Firstly, let's talk about ‘We Make Children’s Books’. It's been an incredible journey revisiting and refining our earlier interviews. These initial episodes, rich in their raw and unedited form, have transformed, making them more concise and engaging. Editing them down has been challenging and rewarding, allowing us to highlight the most captivating parts of our conversations. I'm also delighted to announce that our podcast calendar is brimming with content, scheduled for release through May. Expect a consistent stream of inspiring episodes featuring the creative geniuses behind your favorite children's books.
But that's not all! We are beginning this week by recording interviews for 'Storycomic Presents', a new series that promises to bring fresh and exciting content to our platform. This series will delve into the stories and insights of various creators, offering a new perspective to our audience.
Our 'Vermont Artists & Authors' podcast shows are also fully scheduled into May. This series has been a labor of love, showcasing Vermont's creative community's incredible talent and diversity. Each episode is a testament to the rich cultural tapestry of our state and the remarkable individuals who contribute to it.
As we continue this enthralling journey, your support and enthusiasm remain our greatest motivators. Your feedback and engagement have been instrumental in shaping our podcasts, and we're excited to bring you even more compelling content in the coming months.
So, stay tuned for more fascinating interviews across all our series, and don't forget to subscribe to Storycomic on your preferred podcast platform. Let's keep the magic of storytelling, creativity, and local talent thriving!
Daddest Jokes, Time to Draw
"As many of you know, my Dad Joke book series isn't just a collection of chuckle-inducing one-liners and groan-worthy puns; it's also a visual celebration of all things dad-related. Each book has a rotation of unique background illustrations that encapsulate heartwarming, hilarious, and quintessentially 'dad' activities.
From barbecuing in the backyard to teaching a child to ride a bike, these illustrations aim to capture the essence of fatherhood. These aren’t just jokes; they’re stories, memories, and moments we share and cherish. The illustrations add depth and warmth to each page, turning a simple book into a delightful journey through dads' myriad roles in our lives.
As I gear up to work on the third book in the series, I’m brimming with excitement and ideas. But this time, I want to make this process even more special and inclusive. The best ideas come from a community of shared experiences and diverse perspectives.
So, here’s where you come in! Do you have a favorite 'dad moment' that makes you smile whenever you think about it? Maybe it's your dad teaching you to change a tire or those early morning fishing trips. It could be as simple as your dad’s special pancake recipe or as grand as a backyard treehouse he built.
I’m opening the floor to you, my readers, to contribute your ideas and memories. What dad-themed activity, role, or job should make it into the next Dad Joke book? Your suggestions might spark the next set of illustrations, bringing smiles and laughter to families everywhere.
To share your ideas, comment below, message me, or use the hashtag #DadJokesIllustrated on social media. I can't wait to hear your stories and turn them into art that celebrates dads in all their glory.
Remember, every dad is unique, and so are their stories. Let's make this next book a tapestry of those wonderful, sometimes quirky, always-loving dad moments. I can't wait to get drawing!
Mastering Change with John Kotter's "Leading Change"
John Kotter's "Leading Change" is a seminal work that resonates deeply with me as an MBA student and now as a radio station owner. This book is more than a guide; it's a blueprint for navigating the complex world of organizational change.
Kotter, a renowned leadership and change management expert, offers a clear, actionable eight-step process for leading change. His approach shifts the focus from mere management to dynamic leadership, a crucial distinction in today's rapidly evolving business landscape. The book's relevance is timeless, providing applicable insights across various industries and roles.
One of the key takeaways from "Leading Change" is the importance of thinking long-term and embracing a mindset of continuous learning. Kotter emphasizes the need for leaders to be proactive, take risks, and be open to new ideas. His steps, including establishing a sense of urgency, creating a guiding coalition, and developing a vision, are practical and grounded in real-world challenges.
Revisiting this book in my current role has been enlightening. It serves as a reminder of the importance of laying a solid foundation for change. As I navigate the challenges of running a radio station, Kotter's insights on empowering broad-based action and generating short-term wins are particularly relevant.
"Leading Change" is not just theoretical; it's a practical guide for any leader seeking to initiate and sustain change. Whether you're an MBA student, a seasoned executive, or a new entrepreneur, Kotter's wisdom is invaluable. His approach to creating a guiding coalition, developing a vision, and empowering action is as applicable in a radio station as in any corporate setting.
A Week of Learning and Overcoming Challenges
This past week has been quite an educational journey, especially in generators. As a radio station owner, ensuring uninterrupted service is crucial, and this week tested my skills in that area.
The week started with discovering that our FM tower generator was not functioning. This was a crucial issue, as the generator plays a vital role in keeping our broadcasts running during power outages. Tackling this problem head-on, I delved into the world of generators, learning more than I ever expected about their operation and maintenance. Thankfully, I managed to get it fixed, a small victory in the grand scheme of things but a significant one for the station's reliability.
However, the challenges didn't stop there. Towards the end of the week, we faced a major power outage due to high winds. The outage, which lasted from around 8 am to 7 pm, affected the radio station and the surrounding towns. It was a stressful situation. Being without power for almost an entire day brought its own challenges, both for broadcasting and general operations.
Despite the stress, there was a sense of camaraderie in knowing that all the businesses in the area were in the same boat. It was a reminder of the importance of community and mutual support in times of difficulty. Moreover, it was a test of our preparedness and resilience, and I'm proud to say that we managed to navigate these challenges effectively.
This week has been a learning curve, not just in technical knowledge but also in handling unforeseen situations calmly and efficiently. Experiences like these strengthen our capabilities and prepare us for future challenges. As we move forward, I'm confident that the lessons learned this week will serve us well in maintaining the high standards of our radio station.
Power was out in Newbury for 11 hours…
At least there was a rainbow…
I am growing my Patreon and offering an excellent way for my independent creative community to sustained advertise their work!
The website of your choice will be featured in the show notes of all of our podcasts for as long as you are a member of the Storycomic Patreon. The Founders Club offer is only for the first 15 subscribers. This is at any Patreon Subscription level.
Thank you to our Founders Club Patrons,
Higgens802, Von Allan, Stephanie Nina Pitsirilos, Marek Bennett, and Matt & Therese. Check out their fantastic work at:
https://www.stephanieninapitsirilos.com/
https://www.vonallan.com/
https://higgins802.com/