Storycomic Weekly Newsletter: October 26th
ALWAYS POSTED A WEEK EARLIER ON PATREON
How J.L. Durona Crafted a Spooky World in "The Stone Hollow Circle"!
In our latest episode of Storycomic Presents, we had the pleasure of welcoming back J.L. Durona, the acclaimed author of the spooky middle-grade series, The Berge Sisters. This time, J.L. introduces us to his newest installment, "The Stone Hollow Circle," a thrilling exploration of mystery and the supernatural nestled in the eerie setting of Stone Hollow.
During the interview, J.L. shared his inspirations drawn from his own childhood experiences, where he found solace and adventure in the woods during recess. These memories play a significant role in shaping the atmospheric backdrop of Stone Hollow, a place where the ordinary meets the extraordinary in the most unexpected ways.
"The Stone Hollow Circle" follows stepsisters Lacey and Cal as they navigate a summer filled with mysterious artifacts, an intriguing new friend, and a creepy house that seems to hide secrets of its own. J.L. discussed how he delves into themes of loyalty, bravery, and the complexities of familial relationships, making his characters relatable and their adventures compelling.
Listeners will appreciate J.L.’s commitment to fostering a love for reading through engaging storytelling that captures the essence of youth and discovery. "The Stone Hollow Circle" not only promises to entertain but also to ignite the imaginations of its young readers, encouraging them to explore the unknown with courage and curiosity.
This episode is a must-listen for fans and newcomers alike, offering a glimpse into the creative process of a master storyteller who continues to enchant and inspire the next generation of readers.
Project Update: Slow and Steady Progress
It’s been another slow-moving week on my projects, with little major progress to report. I’m still steadily working on Daddest Jokes, focusing on editing and ensuring the jokes are grammatically correct as I translate them from Facebook posts into the book format. This step has been more time-consuming than expected, but I’m getting there!
As for Appliance, no new developments this week. It’s still on the backburner as I balance everything else going on. Hopefully, I’ll have more to share soon as things pick up again.
Thanks for staying with me through the slow patches—I appreciate the ongoing support!
Book Review: Red Rackham’s Treasure by Hergé
"Red Rackham’s Treasure" is an iconic entry in the Tintin series, offering readers a thrilling treasure hunt adventure filled with intrigue and excitement. This book is the direct follow-up to The Secret of the Unicorn, where Tintin and Captain Haddock pursue the long-lost treasure of the pirate Red Rackham.
One of the standout aspects of this story is how it continues to build the relationship between Tintin and Captain Haddock. While we already met Haddock in previous books, this is where his backstory, particularly the history of his ancestor, Sir Francis Haddock, becomes a central theme. I especially loved how this installment gave Haddock more depth and humor, especially through his eccentric and memorable rants.
Hergé’s artwork in Red Rackham's Treasure is spectacular, with detailed depictions of sea voyages, underwater exploration using an innovative shark-shaped submarine, and the serene yet mysterious island they search. There’s also a wonderfully lighthearted tone with the introduction of Professor Calculus, a hard-of-hearing scientist whose quirks add to the story’s charm and humor
For fans of adventure and globe-trotting mysteries, this is a standout entry in the Tintin series that combines humor, excitement, and a satisfying treasure hunt. The story feels timeless, making it a joy to reread or discover for the first time.
Personal Update: A Busy Week of Work and Family
This past week has been quite a balancing act between work and family life. With Indigenous People’s Day this past Monday, the station was quiet, but as the owner, I was still there, keeping things running smoothly. It’s a reminder that owning a business means you're always on call!
We had a full sales meeting this week with the team, marking the start of Antonia’s second week. Melissa will be increasing her hours come early November, which will help lighten the load a bit. We’re all still getting the hang of Hubspot, and while there’s a learning curve, I’m confident that it will make our workflow much smoother in the future.
On a personal note, the house still feels different after Ruth’s passing earlier this month, but we’re starting to settle into this new normal. It’s been an emotional adjustment, but we’re taking it day by day.
To lift our spirits, Edith, the kids, and I had a fantastic family day at Storyland over the weekend. It was the perfect way to close out the amusement park season, especially since we were finally able to use the tickets I bought last year! We’ve been to a few fairs recently, and this was a great way to cap off those adventures before the colder weather hits.
I am growing my Patreon and offering an excellent way for my independent creative community to sustainably 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, Michael Winn, Higgins802, Von Allan, Stephanie Nina Pitsirilos, Marek Bennett, Donna Carr Roberts, Andrew Gronosky, and Matt & Therese. Check out their fantastic work at:
https://www.stephanieninapitsirilos.com/
https://mrfuzzyears.com/
Also to Michael Winn who is a member of our Founders Club!