Storycomic Weekly Newsletter: April 6th
ALWAYS POSTED A WEEK EARLIER ON PATREON
Podcast Updates
This past week, I was able to have 2 more interviews. The first was with Mark Maia, and the second was my annual Podcaster Roundtable discussion. Both were really fun conversations.
In creative storytelling, Mark Maia stands out not only for his passion for gaming but also for his foray into the world of comic books with 'So-Called Living.' Episode 345 of Storycomic Presents, hosted by Barney Smith, offers an engaging look into Mark's latest venture, a dark comedy comic series set in a reality brimming with supernatural beings — vampires and werewolves to zombies — living alongside humans.
'So-Called Living' centers around Jack, a regular guy whose life unexpectedly turns into the vampiric. Alongside a brilliantly written ensemble cast reminiscent of the camaraderie in 'Friends,' Jack's story unfolds with humor, tension, and a bit of Sopranos-style aggression. This narrative concoction promises an entertaining exploration of what it means to live among the undead and other creatures of the night.
Mark, a BAFTA winner and the creative mind behind the YouTube channel Board Game Coffee, skillfully transitions his storytelling prowess from board games to the comic book world. 'So-Called Living' marks a new chapter in his creative journey and introduces readers to a unique blend of genres, combining the familiar elements of beloved TV series with the thrilling unpredictability of the supernatural.
Supporting 'So-Called Living' on Kickstarter means backing a fresh and exciting story and a creator who continues to push the boundaries of storytelling across different mediums.
In the latest episode of Storycomic Presents, Episode 346, host Barney Smith took the helm for the much-anticipated quarterly podcaster roundtable. This time, the spotlight shone on Kurt Sasso of Two Geeks Talking and Jeffrey Haas of Traversing the Stars, as they joined Barney to delve into the evolving world of podcasting. These quarterly meetings, hosted by Barney every March, serve as a vital platform for sharing experiences, challenges, and trends within the podcasting community.
A focal point of the discussion was guest cancellations, a common hurdle for podcasters across the spectrum. Sharing their personal encounters and coping strategies, Kurt and Jeffrey offered invaluable insights into maintaining the show's momentum despite such setbacks. They highlighted the importance of flexibility and having a backup plan, ensuring that the show goes on and provides continuous content for their dedicated listeners.
Another hot topic was the rise of short-form content, reflecting the shifting preferences of audiences in an increasingly fast-paced world. The trio discussed the impact of this trend on content creation and audience engagement, emphasizing the need to adapt and innovate to captivate listeners who are often on the go or multitasking.
Barney, Kurt, and Jeffrey's conversation shed light on the behind-the-scenes realities of podcasting, from the scheduling challenges to the strategic adjustments required to stay relevant in the digital age. Their exchange offered a rare glimpse into the camaraderie and collaborative spirit that binds the podcasting community together as they navigate the ever-changing seas of content creation.
Listeners left with a deeper appreciation for the art and science of podcasting and practical tips for aspiring podcasters and content creators. The March roundtable, as always, proved to be a cornerstone event for Storycomic Presents, enriching the podcasting dialogue and fostering a sense of unity among creators.
Check out more from Kurt Sasso and Jeffrey Haas, and dive into their fascinating worlds of interviews and explorations at their respective YouTube channels, ensuring you stay connected to the pulse of creative storytelling and podcasting.
Daddest Jokes Book Update: The Slow and Steady Journey
There's something almost meditative about sifting through jokes, finding those gems that strike the perfect balance between eye-roll-inducing and genuinely funny. It's a fine line to walk, and I'm treading it with all the care of a tightrope walker in a circus. Each joke I select feels like a small victory, a piece of the puzzle that will eventually come together to form the third installment of the Daddest Jokes series.
I've been diving into the depths of dad humor, exploring every nook and cranny of the internet, and even revisiting some classic joke books for inspiration. It's a journey filled with laughter, occasional frustration (because not all puns are created equal), and a lot of reflection on what makes a joke truly "dad-worthy."
The process is slow, yes, but it's also incredibly rewarding. With each joke that makes the cut, I'm reminded of why I started this project in the first place: to bring a bit of light-hearted joy into our lives. And in times like these, we could all use a good laugh, couldn't we?
So, while the progress may not be fast, it's happening. And I'm excited to share the final product with you all when it's ready. Until then, I'll keep collecting, curating, and, of course, laughing at my own jokes (because if I don't, who will?).
So-Called Living" Issue 1: A Fresh Bite into Vampire Lore
In the latest addition to the comic book scene, Mark Maia's "So-Called Living" sinks its teeth into the vampire genre with a refreshing twist that's as humorous as it is visually stunning. Having featured Mark on the show recently, it's clear that his talents extend far beyond game design and into the realms of comic creation and fatherhood, all of which shine through in this debut issue.
"So-Called Living" follows the story of Jack, a newly turned vampire, as he navigates the complexities of his undead life with a wit and charm that's as infectious as his vampire bite. The narrative is a clever blend of mystery and comedy, steering clear of the dark and brooding vampire clichés and delivers a story filled with sitcom-like humor and engaging twists. Mark's writing sparkles with clever dialogue and a knack for the unexpected, ensuring that each page turn is a joy.
What truly sets "So-Called Living" apart is its art. The comic is a visual feast, with full-color illustrations that bring Jack and his world to life with a vibrancy that leaps off the page. The artistry is reminiscent of a supernatural "Friends" ensemble, where each character, from werewolves to surprisingly menacing bunnies, is rendered with detail and expressiveness that adds depth to the storytelling. The illustrations serve the narrative and elevate it, making the comic a must-read for those who appreciate the artful fusion of story and visuals.
Mark Maia has proven himself to be a triple threat: a game designer, a dad, and now, a comic writer who can deftly weave humor, intrigue, and art into a captivating package. "So-Called Living" is a testament to his creative prowess, offering a unique take on vampire lore that's both engaging and visually captivating. I highly recommend diving into the world of "So-Called Living" for a comic experience that's as refreshing as it is entertaining.
A Week of Ups and Downs
This week was a rollercoaster. After dodging the bullet for weeks, the stomach bug that made its rounds through the household finally caught up with me. It's as if it waited, biding its time until it could claim me as its last victim. Thankfully, it was a 24-hour ordeal, but what a long 24 hours they were. There's nothing quite like being laid low by something you thought you'd managed to avoid, but I suppose it's just one of those things that comes with the territory of family life.
On a brighter note, amidst the chaos of illness, we achieved a significant milestone in our home - the great room migration is complete! Iggy has finally moved into his room, marking the end of what felt like an era of musical rooms. It's a change that's been a long time, and seeing it finally happen brought a sense of accomplishment and relief. The process wasn't without its challenges, of course. Moving rooms and rearranging our living spaces to accommodate everyone's needs took time, patience, and not a small amount of effort. But the result? Worth it. I am so happy to see the little 3-year-old finally have his own space in the house.
Having everyone settled into their own spaces has brought a new sense of peace and order to our home. Iggy's excitement about his new room has been infectious, and it's heartwarming to see him so happy and proud of his space. Moments like these remind me of the joys of parenthood and the simple pleasures of providing for your family.
Reflecting on the week, it's been a mix of the good, the bad, and the ugly. But even with the unexpected turn of events and the minor setback of falling ill, the positives far outweigh the negatives. Completing the room migration marks a new chapter for us, where each family member has a place to call their own. It's a small victory in the grand scheme, but these victories make all the difference.
As we settle into this new arrangement, I'm reminded of the importance of flexibility, resilience, and the comfort of knowing that after every storm, there's a rainbow waiting on the other side. Here's to more rainbows and fewer storms in the weeks to come.
Iggy loves his new room, (even though the walls are dirty from his sisters previous occupancy)
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!