Storycomic Weekly Newsletter: November 2nd
ALWAYS POSTED A WEEK EARLIER ON PATREON
Podcast Updates (We did 4 this week!)
This was a huge week for our podcast with four guests and reaching my milestone 400 episodes.
How Ged Hartland Created the Ultimate Sci-Fi Wrestling Comic!
In the latest episode of Storycomic Presents, we had the pleasure of speaking with Ged Hartland about his exciting new comic series, "Starr Slam." This series is a thrilling blend of 90s wrestling nostalgia and high-stakes sci-fi adventure, promising to captivate both comic book and wrestling enthusiasts alike.
"Starr Slam" introduces us to a group of veteran wrestling stars who find themselves in the unlikely role of Earth's defenders when an alien invasion threatens a small town. Inspired by iconic wrestling characters and sci-fi hits like "Galaxy Quest" and "Guardians of the Galaxy," Ged Hartland has crafted a unique narrative that promises action, humor, and heart.
During the interview, Ged shared insights into the creative process behind the series, including his collaboration with artist Huitzi Trujano to bring the vibrant and dynamic world of "Starr Slam" to life. He also discussed how the series pays homage to the golden age of wrestling while introducing a fresh, intergalactic twist that sets it apart from traditional comic narratives.
Listeners will appreciate Ged's passion for storytelling and his dedication to merging different genres to create something truly special. "Starr Slam" is not just a comic; it's an adventure that revives the spirit of 90s wrestling in a completely new and exciting way.
This episode is a must-listen for fans looking for a comic series that combines nostalgia with fresh, innovative storytelling. Join us as Ged Hartland takes us behind the scenes of "Starr Slam," where wrestling legends meet sci-fi spectacle in a battle for the ages.
Edilene Afonso-Willis: Creating a World Where Autism is Celebrated
In this exciting episode of Storycomic Presents, we were privileged to host Edilene Afonso-Willis, the passionate creator behind "Super A: Autism Is My Super Power." This innovative affirmation coloring book is more than just a tool for creativity; it's a profound message of empowerment and acceptance for children with autism.
Edilene, inspired by her own son's diagnosis and the challenges he faced, crafted "Super A" to help other children see their unique traits as strengths. The book features Super A, a character who travels the world spreading positivity and awareness, teaching children that their differences are indeed superpowers.
During our conversation, Edilene shared heartfelt insights into the creation process of the book. She emphasized how "Super A" serves not only as a creative outlet for children but also as an educational resource that promotes understanding and acceptance of autism. Each page is carefully designed to foster self-esteem and encourage kids to embrace their individuality.
"Super A: Autism Is My Super Power" stands out not only for its engaging content but also for its mission to make a positive impact in the autistic community. Edilene's dedication to this cause is truly inspiring, as she continues to advocate for greater awareness and inclusivity through her writing.
Listeners will find Edilene's story uplifting—a testament to the power of love, creativity, and advocacy in making a difference in the lives of children with autism. Join us in celebrating the successes and contributions of individuals like Edilene who are making the world a more inclusive and understanding place.
The Art of Blending Humor with Suspense in Crime Novels with Jim DeFilippi
In the latest episode of Storycomic Presents, we had the pleasure of sitting down with Jim DeFilippi, a celebrated crime novelist known for his distinctive blend of suspense and humor. Jim's novels, including "Duck Alley," "Blood Sugar," and "Jesus Burned," offer a refreshing take on the crime genre by integrating witty humor into the thrilling narratives.
During our conversation, Jim discussed his approach to writing, which involves creating vivid characters entrenched in intricate plots, yet always ensuring there's a light-hearted element to keep the readers engaged. He emphasized the importance of balancing the dark themes of crime with comedic relief, which has become a hallmark of his work.
Jim also shared anecdotes from his writing career, giving insights into the inspirations behind his most memorable characters and plots. He explained how his background and experiences influence his storytelling, allowing him to craft stories that are both entertaining and reflective of real human emotions.
Listeners of Storycomic Presents will find Jim's interview not only enlightening but also inspiring for anyone interested in the craft of writing or the nuances of crime and comedic literature. Join us to explore how Jim DeFilippi continues to captivate and amuse his readers through his masterful storytelling.
Barney Worfolk-Smith on Leveraging AI for Better Ads
In our special 400th episode of Storycomic Presents, we celebrated the innovative blend of artificial intelligence and advertising with Barney Worfolk-Smith, Chief Growth Officer at DAIVID. Barney’s extensive background in digital media and his pioneering work at DAIVID spotlight how AI technologies like emotional AI and eye-tracking are transforming the advertising landscape.
During our enlightening conversation, Barney shared insights into the development and application of these technologies at DAIVID. He explained how AI tools are not only enhancing the creative process but also making advertisements more effective by aligning them closely with consumer emotions and reactions.
Reflecting on our journey across 400 episodes, this milestone edition provided a unique opportunity to delve into how AI is influencing creative industries and driving the future of advertising. Barney's expertise illuminated the significant benefits of integrating advanced tech into advertising strategies, offering our audience a glimpse into the future of digital engagement.
Join us as we explore these exciting advancements and celebrate the convergence of technology and creativity in our landmark 400th episode. Here’s to many more episodes where we uncover the fascinating interplay between technology and human creativity with leaders like Barney Worfolk-Smith.
Project Update: Slow and Steady Progress
This week has been another steady, if somewhat slow, week for Daddest Jokes. I’ve been focusing on fine-tuning the edits to make sure each joke flows well on the page, translating from Facebook posts to a polished book format. Every bit of progress helps, even if it’s just one joke at a time!
As for Appliance, no major updates on that front—still on the backburner for now as I balance everything else. Thanks for sticking with me through these slower weeks; I appreciate the continued support!
Review: "Some Things Aren't Meant to Be" by J. Peter Cobb
"Some Things Aren't Meant to Be" by J. Peter Cobb is a heartfelt story about John Gauthier, a man on a journey to find love, faith, and his true purpose in life. Set in rural Vermont from 1929 to 1982, the book follows John through his early days working on a farm, the relationships that shape him, and his decision to become a priest. Cobb writes about love, loss, and personal growth in a way that feels both deep and relatable, pulling readers into John's world and making us care about his choices and dreams.
The story shifts between John’s younger years and his older reflections, giving readers a full picture of how each phase of his life leads him to who he becomes. Cobb’s writing is both descriptive and thoughtful, bringing Vermont’s scenery to life while also showing John’s struggles and growth in an honest way.
When J. Peter Cobb was a guest on my show, it was clear how much this story and these characters mean to him. The book is published by Rootstock Publishing, a local publisher known for supporting stories that feel real and meaningful, which is exactly what this book is.
For anyone who enjoys stories about self-discovery, "Some Things Aren't Meant to Be" is a powerful, reflective read. Cobb’s storytelling invites us to think about our own journeys and the ways we find meaning and peace in our lives.
Personal Update: Busy Times and Family Moments
This past week was packed, especially with all the political ad orders coming in. It’s been a full-on effort to get everything organized, and with week two of our new marketing consultants on board, there’s been a lot of coordination. They’re picking things up quickly, which is a huge help as we head into this busy season.
On a more personal note, I spent some time helping to clean out Uncle Tony’s apartment, which was bittersweet. And I had to make the difficult step of purchasing a burial plot for my mother-in-law, something that’s added another layer to everything going on.
Amid all of this, we made sure to set aside time to enjoy some quality moments with the kids. We played a few rounds of board games, which was a nice way to relax and just be together as a family.
At the station, we’re diving into holiday greeting sales and gearing up for basketball sponsorships. It feels like the end of the year is coming fast, but I’m grateful for these steady moments of connection and progress along the way.
Lunch at Upper Valley Grill!
My new Marketing Consultants!
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!