Storycomic Weekly Newsletter: September 7th
ALWAYS POSTED A WEEK EARLIER ON PATREON
Podcast Updates
This past week we had two really fun interviews. Sarah Woodard came back on and I had a great conversation with a Canadian film maker.
From Children's Tales to Women's Triumphs: Sarah Woodard's Poetic Journey
Returning to "Storycomic Presents" for a third enlightening visit, Sarah Woodard captivated listeners with her latest literary venture—a poetry collection titled "Unity." Known for her award-winning children's books, Sarah has transitioned her narrative prowess into poetry, tackling themes of solitude, community, and the empowerment of women.
"Unity" is not just a book; it's a movement encapsulated in verse, aiming to resonate with and unite readers around the strength found in womanhood and collective action. In her interview, Sarah discussed how the transition from children's literature to poetry allows her to address broader themes that touch on human rights, environmentalism, and spirituality, connecting these issues with the empowerment of the divine feminine.
Her poetry extends the conversation about activism to include the sacredness of all beings and the power of women unified across ages. Sarah's goal with "Unity" is to foster a compassionate society, a theme that permeates her diverse body of work, whether it's through the innocent eyes of a child or the profound voice of a woman rising in power.
Listeners of Episode 382 will find inspiration in Sarah's dedication to social change and her ability to weave activism seamlessly into her art, making her a true pioneer in both the literary and activist communities.
Michael Potter on Turning Theatre Woes into Comedy Gold in '(up)STAGED'
In the latest episode of Storycomic Presents, we sat down with Michael K. Potter, a visionary in the realm of independent theatre and the brains behind the mockumentary-style comedy series "(up)STAGED." Potter, who has a storied career spanning roles from writer and director to teaching specialist, brings his unique perspective to this innovative project set in Windsor, Ontario.
"(up)STAGED" serves as a hilarious yet poignant look at the inner workings of a regional theatre company. The series captures everything from the absurdity of set building based on crayon sketches to the trials of managing a diverse and quirky cast. Potter's narrative is not just about making people laugh; it's a love letter to the art of theatre, highlighting the dedication and resilience of those who create magic on stage against all odds.
Through our conversation, Potter shared insights into the creative challenges and triumphs of producing "(up)STAGED." He detailed how the series mirrors real-life theatrical productions, where passion and creativity often contend with limited resources and unexpected obstacles. This episode of Storycomic Presents not only entertains but also educates viewers about the resilience required to bring a theatrical production to life, making it a must-watch for theatre enthusiasts and comedy lovers alike.
Project Update: Slow and Steady with 'Appliance'
Just a quick update this week—there’s been little change on the 'Appliance' front. Progress is slow but steady, and I’m continuing to work on the project bit by bit. Sometimes these things take time, and I appreciate your patience and ongoing support.
Thanks for sticking with me, and I’m looking forward to sharing more when there’s a bit more to report!
Book Review: "Iggy Peck, Architect" by Andrea Beaty and David Roberts
"Iggy Peck, Architect" is an absolute delight of a picture book, perfect for kids and parents alike! Written by Andrea Beaty and illustrated by David Roberts, this charming and humorous story follows the creative journey of Iggy Peck, a young boy with a passion for building that knows no bounds.
From the very beginning, Iggy’s talent for architecture is clear—who else would think to build towers out of diapers at the tender age of two? His inventive spirit only grows as he gets older, but when Iggy enters second grade, he faces a major challenge: his teacher, Miss Lila Greer, despises architecture due to a traumatic experience from her past. Despite her disapproval, Iggy’s love for building is unstoppable, and when a school field trip takes a dangerous turn, it’s Iggy’s architectural skills that save the day.
The illustrations by David Roberts are nothing short of spectacular. They capture the spirit of the late 50s and early 60s, with a playful nod to American design history. The diverse classroom and quirky character designs make each page a visual treat, with plenty of details to keep both kids and adults engaged.
Beaty’s rhyming text is lively and fun, though it might take a couple of read-throughs to get the rhythm just right. The story is not only entertaining but also carries important messages about creativity, perseverance, and the importance of supporting a child’s passions.
Iggy Peck is a wonderful role model for young readers, and the book is a great way to introduce kids to the joys of creativity and problem-solving. Whether you’re reading it with your own little architect or just looking for a fun and inspiring story, "Iggy Peck, Architect" is a must-have for your bookshelf.
Personal Update: A Busy Week of Firsts and New Challenges
This week has been full of milestones and new challenges, both at home and at the radio station.
First Week of School
The kiddos just had their first week of school, and even little Iggy started preschool! It’s a big reminder that time is flying by and everyone’s getting older. It’s a bittersweet moment watching them all grow up so fast, but also exciting to see them embark on new adventures.
Took the girls out to a church supper. Jordan wanted to see her ukelele teacher play
Political Season at the Station
Political season is now in full swing, which means the radio station is buzzing with activity as we start receiving orders for political ads. I’ve taken on the task of learning how to upload all these orders to the FCC site, which has been a bit of a learning curve. There’s a tight deadline—we have just 24 hours to get them uploaded—so when I get hit with eight orders in a single day, it tends to push everything else I had planned to the back burner. It’s hectic, but I’m getting the hang of it.
I was the official judge for the Wells River Zucchini contest!
Looking Ahead to 'The Outdoor Edge'
Next week is going to be exciting as I’ll be hosting my first show for 'The Outdoor Edge.' I’m really looking forward to putting almost half a decade of experience into this new project. It’s going to be a lot of fun, and I can’t wait to share it with all of you.
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!