Storycomic Weekly Newsletter: June 29th
ALWAYS POSTED A WEEK EARLIER ON PATREON
Podcast Updates
Two Vermont authors came on the Podcast. From a production perspective, the audio wasn’t great on my side, but I need to figure out how to get my levels down pat.
From Real Life to Written Page: Rebecca Cummins and 'Dear Aunt Bea'
In the latest episode of Storycomic Presents, host Barney Smith sits down with Rebecca Cummins to discuss her newest children’s book, "Dear Aunt Bea: A Journal of a Journey." This poignant tale captures the essence of a young child, Jimi, who relocates from the American Midwest to the mountainous Northeast, embarking on a transformative personal journey.
Through Jimi’s daily adventures and the journal entries to his Aunt Bea, Rebecca beautifully weaves themes of adaptation, exploration, and discovery. Each entry not only highlights Jimi's growing connection with his new environment but also reflects on broader issues such as climate change, community dynamics, and the natural world's role in our lives. Rebecca's own experiences, from her childhood explorations in Indiana to her academic pursuits in Vermont, deeply influence the narrative, adding authenticity and depth to Jimi’s observations.
"Dear Aunt Bea" is more than just a story about moving to a new place; it's about finding oneself in the context of change and the unexpected friendships that can define our lives. Rebecca’s discussion on the creation of this book provides valuable insights into how storytelling can be a powerful tool for children to navigate their understanding of the world around them.
Listeners and readers alike will find inspiration in Rebecca's commitment to environmental education and her passion for nurturing young minds through relatable and engaging literature.
From Ghana to Vermont: Sefakor Komabu-Pomeyie's Journey of Resilience
In the latest episode of Storycomic Presents, host Barney Smith engages with Sefakor Komabu-Pomeyie, whose book "I'm Able" provides a profound look into the life of a person navigating the world with disabilities. Sefakor’s journey from Ghana to the halls of academia in Vermont exemplifies the power of determination and advocacy in overcoming immense obstacles.
"I'm Able" is not just Sefakor’s personal story; it is a clarion call for systemic change in how educational systems support students with disabilities. Drawing from her experiences, Sefakor highlights the significant disparities and challenges that disabled students face, emphasizing the need for policies that align more closely with their needs.
Through her narrative, Sefakor discusses her transformation from a victim of circumstance to a champion for disability rights. Her work as an educator and policy analyst brings an insightful perspective to the ongoing discussions about inclusivity and accessibility in education.
Listeners of the podcast will be inspired by Sefakor’s resilience and her commitment to empowering others facing similar challenges. Her story is a testament to what can be achieved when society fosters an environment where all individuals, regardless of their disabilities, are given the opportunity to succeed and contribute meaningfully.
Update on 'Daddest Jokes'
I wanted to give you all a quick update on the progress of 'Daddest Jokes Volume 3'. My goal for this book is to gather over 500 of the best dad jokes, and I'm excited to share that I've curated and collected 434 jokes so far. We're getting closer to the target, and each joke is carefully selected to ensure it's as hilarious and groan-worthy as possible.
In addition to the jokes, I’m thrilled to announce that I have a first draft of the cover ready to share with you. Since this is the third book in the series, I decided to age the Dad and the kids a bit, reflecting the progression of time and the ongoing journey of dad humor. I think you'll love the new design!
Thanks for your continued support and enthusiasm for this project. Stay tuned for more updates as we inch closer to completing 'Daddest Jokes Volume 3'!
Book Review: "Tintin and the Broken Ear" by Hergé
"Tintin and the Broken Ear" is the fifth book I've read in the classic Tintin series, and it truly showcases Hergé’s growing mastery of the comic form. In this installment, we see Hergé beginning to refine the framing of his comic squares, giving each scene a cinematic quality that enhances the storytelling. Additionally, his artistic style reaches a new level of maturity, and Tintin begins to exhibit the iconic look that fans have come to love.
The plot of "Tintin and the Broken Ear" is a thrilling adventure that takes our beloved reporter to South America in search of the stolen Arumbaya fetish. The story is filled with twists and turns, beginning with the theft of the artifact and its replacement with a cleverly disguised fake. Tintin’s keen eye for detail sets him on a path to uncover the truth, solve a murder, and navigate a series of perilous situations, including being framed as a terrorist and nearly executed.
One of the highlights of this book is the depth of its narrative. Tintin's journey is packed with danger and excitement, from his daring escape during a rebellion to his surprising appointment as a colonel, and finally, to his ultimate discovery of the true value of the fetish. Hergé’s ability to weave humor into the plot is evident throughout, providing light-hearted moments that balance the tension and keep readers engaged.
The humor is particularly effective, with clever details in both the dialogue and the illustrations. For instance, early in the book, Snowy’s sarcastic remarks and physical comedy—such as walking into a garbage can immediately after chastising Tintin—add a layer of charm that endears these characters to the readers. These small, humorous touches make "Tintin and the Broken Ear" a delightful read.
Moreover, the book excels in its visual storytelling. Hergé’s meticulous attention to detail and his use of framing enhance the action and convey a vivid sense of place and atmosphere. Each panel is thoughtfully crafted, contributing to the overall flow and immersion of the story.
In conclusion, "Tintin and the Broken Ear" is a standout entry in the Tintin series. Hergé’s evolving artistry and storytelling skill are on full display, making this a must-read for both long-time fans and newcomers to the series. The combination of a compelling plot, rich humor, and superb illustrations makes this graphic novel a true gem. Highly recommended for anyone looking for an adventurous and entertaining read.
Personal Update: Heat Waves, Field Trips, and eBay Triumphs
I hope you’re all staying cool and enjoying the summer so far. This past week has been quite the adventure, both at work and in my personal projects. Here’s a quick rundown of what’s been happening.
Surviving the Heat Wave
We experienced a small heat wave this week, and the biggest challenge was ensuring our tower sites stayed at a safe temperature. At one point, the FM tower hit a scorching 95 degrees! I had to make several trips to check on the air conditioners and make sure everything was running smoothly. It was a bit of a sweat, but we managed to keep things under control.
Radio Station Field Trip
In addition to battling the heat, I took a small field trip with my sales manager to visit another radio station. We went to learn about their automation software, and it was an enlightening experience. I’m planning to upgrade our own automation software from the ancient MS DOS to something more modern in the next few months. It’s exciting to think about bringing our operations into the 21st century and improving our efficiency.
eBay Success
On the eBay front, I finally reclaimed my 'Top Rated Seller' title! After about a year of inconsistent shipping timelines, I buckled down and improved my process. It feels great to have that badge back and to know that my hard work is paying off. I’m looking forward to continuing this positive trend and finding more cool items to sell.
Jordan had some Daddy Time as we visited Burlington on a thrift store adventure.
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!