Storycomic Weekly Newsletter: August 3rd
ALWAYS POSTED A WEEK EARLIER ON PATREON
Podcast Updates
From Gallops to Pages: How Celia Ryker Turned Horse Tales into Heartfelt Stories!
In Episode 371 of Storycomic Presents, we had the pleasure of welcoming back Celia Ryker, an award-winning author whose diverse experiences from horse training to landscape design enrich her storytelling. This episode delves into her latest work, "Big Guy," a heartfelt novel that follows the journey of a show horse adapting to a new life as a school horse.
"Big Guy" is a tale told from the perspective of the horse himself, providing an intimate glimpse into the equine world that is both educational and touching. Ryker's background as a horse trainer lends authenticity to the story, capturing the essence of equine behavior and the bonds they form with one another. The book is not just about horses; it's about embracing change and finding resilience in new chapters of life, themes that resonate with readers of all ages.
Listeners will get to hear Ryker discuss the inspiration behind her characters and the real-life horses that influenced her narratives. She shares insights into her creative process, the challenges of writing from an animal’s perspective, and the joy of conveying the emotional landscapes that animals navigate. This episode is a treasure trove for animal lovers and anyone interested in the subtleties of writing from a non-human viewpoint.
"Big Guy" emerges as a compelling read recommended for anyone who has ever experienced or imagined the noble companionship of horses. It’s a reminder of the profound lessons animals teach us about perseverance, friendship, and the beauty of life’s simplest moments.
From Navy Officer to Novelist: Beth H Macy's Journey into Espionage Thrillers!
In the latest episode of Storycomic Presents, we had the pleasure of delving into the captivating world of espionage with Beth H Macy, the acclaimed author behind the enthralling Moscow Nights Trilogy. A former Navy officer turned novelist, Beth brings a unique blend of personal experience and imaginative storytelling to the spy genre, offering readers a glimpse into the intricate dance of misinformation and intrigue that defines her books.
Beth’s trilogy follows Elda Ainsworth, a retired spy reactivated to lead a diverse team of operatives from Russia, America, and Britain. Their mission is fraught with complexity as they tackle disinformation campaigns orchestrated by the Kremlin, aiming to protect the world’s most influential leaders. This backdrop serves as a rich canvas for Beth’s exploration of themes such as loyalty, betrayal, and the gray areas of moral ambiguity.
What sets Beth apart is her holistic approach to character development, influenced by her diverse career spanning mathematics, mental health counseling, and even art. This episode not only highlights her path from the military to literature but also her commitment to portraying a more humane side of espionage, resonating deeply with those who seek thrillers with depth and authenticity.
Listeners will find Beth's insights into the creation of her trilogy both enlightening and inspiring, making it a must-listen for fans of sophisticated, thought-provoking spy narratives.
Project Updates
'Daddest Jokes' Progress
I’m thrilled to announce that I'm still hard at work prepping for the Kickstarter launch of 'Daddest Jokes Volume 3.' Your support and enthusiasm have been incredible, and I’m working diligently to ensure that the reward tiers offer something special for everyone. From exclusive early access to signed copies and unique goodies, I’m excited to make this campaign as engaging and rewarding as possible. Stay tuned for more details and sneak peeks as we get closer to the launch!
'Appliance' Update
In addition to 'Daddest Jokes,' I’ve been diving back into my 'Appliance' role-playing game. It’s been a while since I last worked on it, but getting back into the game has been a rewarding and creative experience. I’m exploring new ideas and mechanics to enhance the gameplay and make it even more enjoyable. There’s a lot of exciting potential with 'Appliance,' and I’m eager to share more updates as the project develops.
Book Review: "Tintin: The Crab with The Golden Claws"
As the 8th book in the Tintin box set, "Tintin: The Crab with The Golden Claws" marks a significant milestone in the series with the introduction of the beloved Captain Haddock. This addition to the storyline does not disappoint and adds a delightful new dimension to Tintin's adventures.
In this installment, Tintin stumbles upon a series of clues, including a mysterious tin of crab and the possessions of a drowned sailor, which lead him to the ship called Karaboudjan. Here, he encounters a gang led by the villainous First Mate Allan and makes his first acquaintance with Captain Haddock. Initially presented as a pathetic and wretched drunk, Captain Haddock quickly becomes a great partner to Tintin. It's fun to watch Haddock's character evolve, and his introduction is filled with playful vulgarities that are perfect for young readers, as they are not your typical vulgar words.
The adventure takes Tintin and Captain Haddock from the clutches of Allan and his gang to a lifeboat fired on by a plane with Moroccan markings. Their escape leads them to the Sahara desert, where they face deathly thirst before being rescued by the French foreign legion in Morocco. Eventually, they reach the port-city of Bagghar, where Tintin uncovers a gang of drug-runners led by the wealthy merchant Omar Ben Salaad.
"Tintin: The Crab with The Golden Claws" is perfect for lovers of graphic novels, mysteries, and historical adventures. The story's mix of intrigue, action, and humor keeps readers engaged from start to finish. The dynamic between Tintin and Captain Haddock is particularly entertaining, with Haddock's colorful swearing adding a unique charm to the narrative.
This book is an important stage in Tintin's development. While it may not be as intricate as some of the other volumes, it remains an entertaining and memorable addition to any Tintin collection. The introduction of Captain Haddock and the exciting plot make "Tintin: The Crab with The Golden Claws" a must-read for fans of the series.
Personal Update: A Busy and Exciting Week at the North Haverhill Fair
The radio station was a proud sponsor of the North Haverhill Fair, and I had the pleasure of being deeply involved in several activities. I emceed the Little Miss North Haverhill Fair, which was a delightful experience. The kids were adorable, and it was great to see the community come together to support them.
In addition to that, I had the distinct honor of introducing the live bands on the main stage on both Friday and Saturday nights. It was an amazing experience to be up there, seeing everyone enjoying the music and having a great time. I also served as the announcer for the mini excavator rodeo, which was a blast.
It’s been over 30 years since I last attended the North Haverhill Fair, and it was fantastic to be back. As the owner of a country radio station, it was wonderful to connect with our core listener demographic in such a vibrant and lively setting. Seeing the fair again brought back many memories, and being a part of it was heartwarming.
Iggy and Grampa at the fair
Getting ready to go on stage.
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!