Storycomic Weekly Newsletter: March 23rd
ALWAYS POSTED A WEEK EARLIER ON PATREON
From Ukraine to New Hampshire: Diverse Tales of Art's Impact
This week on Storycomic Presents, Barney Smith showcased two remarkable projects that beautifully illustrate the intersection of creativity with social impact and personal healing.
Firstly, Amanda Kahl and Michael Varhola of Skirmisher Publishing introduced their groundbreaking initiative, "Warning: Danger! A Children’s Guide to Mines & Unexploded Ordnance." This bilingual activity book, born out of the crisis in war-torn Ukraine, aims to educate children on the dangers of landmines. The collaboration between combat veterans, game developers, and artists has resulted in a tool that not only informs but also engages young minds in critical safety lessons. This project exemplifies how creativity can transcend art, becoming a lifeline that educates and protects amidst conflict.
In a different vein, Marjorie Nelson Matthews's latest novel, 'The Red Wheelbarrow,' explores the healing journey of its protagonists, Amy Barnes and Paul Rideau, through the arts of poetry and painting. Set against Matthews's rich cultural backdrop, the story delves into themes of loss, grief, and the transformative power of creative expression. Matthews's narrative is a poignant reminder of art's capacity to heal and bring light to the darkest corners of the human experience.
Both episodes highlight the diverse ways in which storytelling and creative endeavors can impact our world and individual lives. From providing life-saving information to offering solace and understanding through literature, these projects underscore the unique role of artists and writers in addressing humanitarian issues and exploring the depths of the human condition. As we reflect on these conversations, it's clear that creativity holds boundless potential to inspire change, foster healing, and bridge divides, making the world a safer, more compassionate place.
Diving into Design and Dad Jokes
So, this week has been a whirlwind of diving into website designs and spinning up some catchy commercials. With Maple Media Designs off the ground, I've been all in creating cool, user-friendly websites for folks needing them. It's been a blast putting my web design hat back on and helping businesses shine online.
On the radio side, I've been creating commercials that hopefully stick in your head (in a good way!). It's a fun challenge to capture what a business is all about in just a few seconds of airtime and make sure it clicks with our listeners.
And, of course, I haven't forgotten about the Dad Jokes book. Yep, the third one is still on the horizon! I'm knee-deep in puns and one-liners, picking out the best for the following laugh-out-loud collection. It's my creative breather among all the tech and script stuff.
Juggling website designs, commercial scripts, and dad jokes might sound like a circus act, but hey, it's all in a day's work. Each piece of the puzzle keeps my creative juices flowing in different directions, and I love the variety. Can't wait to share more updates with you all as these projects keep rolling.
A 10-Year-Old's Guide to the Magical Unicorn Society Official Handbook
Hey everyone! It's Elizabeth here, and I just finished reading the coolest book ever, "The Magical Unicorn Society Official Handbook." If you're as unicorn-crazy as I am, you're going to love this book. It's like the ultimate guide to everything unicorn!
First off, the book is filled with stories about people who've actually seen unicorns. Can you believe it? Real-life unicorn sightings! And it doesn't stop there. It dives into all the yummy stuff unicorns eat, shows a map of where you can find them around the world, and even explains how you can join the Magical Unicorn Society. Plus, it shows what unicorn tracks look like, so we can all become unicorn trackers!
The best part? There are 8 different unicorn families, and each one has its own story in the book. It's super cool because you get to learn about each unicorn's special qualities, like their horns, what they look like, where they live, their magical powers, and their wisdom. It's like getting to know new friends!
And there's more! The book is filled with pictures of unicorn sculptures and their coat of arms, which are like special unicorn family symbols. The illustrations are so beautiful and magical; they make you feel like you're right there with the unicorns.
I totally recommend "The Magical Unicorn Society Official Handbook" to anyone who loves unicorns as much as I do. It's not just a book; it's like a passport to a magical world where unicorns are real and just as amazing as we've always imagined. So, what are you waiting for? Let's start our unicorn adventure together!
- Elizabeth Smith
From Tax Returns to Tidying Up: Celebrating Small Victories
Big news from my corner of the world this week—I tackled my first paying gig for website design! Diving into Maple Media Designs' work has been a mix of excitement and nerves, but mostly, it's been fantastic to put my skills to the test on an actual project. It's one thing to dream it up and another to see it come to life and know it's helping someone's business shine a bit brighter online.
On the home front, Edith and I ventured out to tackle the annual ritual of getting our taxes done. I'm not gonna lie, I was a bit anxious given last year's less-than-stellar outcome. But, lo and behold, we're actually getting a small return this time around! It's a nice little boost, especially after last year's tax season left us scratching our heads. It's funny how something as mundane as taxes can lift your spirits when it turns out in your favor.
And speaking of uplifting news, my eBay sales are rising again! It's been great seeing more activity on my listings. Not only is it a nice little side hustle, but it's also helping with the ongoing mission to declutter the downstairs. Each sale feels like a double win—extra space at home and a bit more padding in the wallet.
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, Andrew Gronosky of Shewstone Publishing, and Matt & Therese. Check out their fantastic work at:
https://www.stephanieninapitsirilos.com/
https://www.vonallan.com/
https://higgins802.com/
https://shewstone.com/
Also to Michael Winn who is a member of our Founders Club!