Storycomic Weekly Newsletter: October 5th
ALWAYS POSTED A WEEK EARLIER ON PATREON
Behind Every Laugh & Trick: The Real Circus Life with Rob Mermin!
In Episode 391 of Storycomic Presents, we had the pleasure of welcoming back Rob Mermin, the storied circus performer, director, and now author, who shared captivating tales from his new memoir, "Circle of Sawdust." This book not only chronicles Rob’s own adventures in the circus world but also paints a vivid picture of the traditional circus's charm and challenges.
Rob’s narrative takes us on a journey through mud, myth, mirth, mayhem, and magic, providing an authentic glimpse into the life under the big top. From his early days of impulsive decisions to join a circus in Wales to the founding of Circus Smirkus in Vermont, Rob’s story is one of passion, perseverance, and the pursuit of dreams against all odds. His memoir goes beyond personal anecdotes, offering insights into the cultural and historical significance of the circus and its impact on communities and individuals alike.
Listeners were treated to stories filled with humor and poignancy, illustrating the ups and downs of circus life. Rob’s reflections on the circus as a metaphor for life's unpredictability and spectacle resonated deeply, making "Circle of Sawdust" a must-read for anyone fascinated by the blend of entertainment and life lessons only a circus can teach.
How a Rescue Dog Became a Children's Book Hero!
In our latest episode of Storycomic Presents, we were delighted to host Kathleen Conway, co-author of "The Adventures of Dori: A Rescue Pup." This children's book, beautifully illustrated and rich in warmth, follows Dori, a spirited rescue pup, on her beach adventures with friends. Each page bursts with the joy of discovery and the importance of friendship, making it a treasure for young readers.
Kathleen shared her journey from a passion for rescue animals to crafting a narrative that does more than tell a story—it also gives back. A portion of each book sold benefits Southern Comfort Maltese Rescue, the very organization that helped Dori find her forever home. This unique approach not only enhances the reading experience by adding a layer of real-world impact but also educates children about the significance of animal rescue and adoption.
"The Adventures of Dori" is not just a book; it's an invitation to young readers to become part of a larger story of compassion and community. Kathleen’s insights into the creative process and her commitment to animal welfare were truly inspiring, reminding us all of the power of storytelling to foster empathy and make a tangible difference. This episode is a must-watch for anyone who believes in the magic of books to shape hearts and change lives.
Project Update: Editing Progress on Daddest Jokes
I’ve been working on getting Daddest Jokes edited to ensure all the jokes are grammatically correct as they transition from my Facebook posts to the physical page. It's interesting how different the process feels when shifting from a casual online format to a more polished document, but it's all coming together. Making sure the humor still shines through while fine-tuning everything for the book has been a fun challenge.
Book Review: When Stars Are Scattered by Victoria Jamieson and Omar Mohamed
When Stars Are Scattered is an extraordinary middle-grade graphic novel that captures both heartbreak and hope in a moving story about life in a refugee camp. Beautifully illustrated by Victoria Jamieson and told through the real-life experiences of Omar Mohamed, this book transports readers into the daily struggles and triumphs of growing up in Dadaab, a refugee camp in Kenya.
The story follows Omar and his nonverbal younger brother, Hassan, who have spent most of their lives in the camp. Through Omar’s eyes, we experience the challenges of hunger, limited access to education, and the uncertainty of the future, while also witnessing the powerful bonds of family and community that help him persevere. When Omar is given the chance to go to school, he faces a difficult choice: pursue education in hopes of a better future or stay by his brother’s side, the only family he has left.
What sets this graphic novel apart is the way it weaves Omar’s personal experiences with universal themes of hope, resilience, and the importance of family. The narrative is heart-wrenching, but there’s also warmth and humor, making it accessible and engaging for young readers. Victoria Jamieson’s art beautifully complements the story, giving life to the emotions and challenges faced by the characters.
As someone who has worked in areas like Dadaab with international relief organizations, it’s heartening to see stories like this told in middle-grade graphic novel form. It offers an accessible way to educate young readers about the realities of life for many refugees, creating empathy and understanding for those living completely different lives. This is a book that will stay with you long after you’ve finished reading it, and I highly recommend it for readers of all ages.
When Stars Are Scattered is a powerful, educational, and uplifting story about resilience in the face of unimaginable hardship, and it's a must-read for anyone who values stories of perseverance and hope.
Personal Update: Balancing Work and Home Projects
It’s been a busy week at the radio station as I’ve been interviewing candidates for a marketing consultant role. I’m leaning toward hiring two part-time people instead of one full-time, which I think could give the company more flexibility and room to grow. I’ve also been teaching myself how to use HubSpot CRM, which has been a bit of a learning curve but super useful for managing things.
We wrapped up our final race broadcast for the season, and overall, it went pretty smoothly. There are a few tweaks we’ll need to make for next year, but I’m confident we’ll be back and even better next season.
On the home front, I’m planning a big project—moving the washer and dryer downstairs. The only catch is that I need to clean up the basement first, which is going to be quite the task. It’s been on my to-do list for a while, and while it’ll be a lot of work, it’ll be worth it in the end.
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!