Storycomic Weekly Newsletter: February 22nd
ALWAYS POSTED A WEEK EARLIER ON PATREON
The Art of Storytelling: Howard Norman on Life, Loss, and Literature
In a captivating session with Howard Norman, we explored the layers behind his final novel, "Come to the Window," set against the gritty backdrop of 1918 Nova Scotia. Norman, a twice National Book Award finalist, weaves a narrative that intertwines the fates of characters during tumultuous times, revealing the complex interplay of personal and historical dramas. His storytelling, rich with reflections on grief and resilience, invites readers into the depths of human emotion and historical context.
Furthermore, Norman shared insights from his memoir, "The Wound is the Place the Light Enters," where he delves into his friendship with painter Jake Berthot, offering a raw and intimate look at their creative and personal connections. This discussion not only highlighted his literary craftsmanship but also his profound understanding of the human condition, making it a deeply enriching experience for fans and aspiring writers alike.
As we discussed his transition from novels to non-fiction, Norman expressed a thoughtful perspective on the evolution of his writing style and thematic focuses, underscoring the continuous growth and adaptation that defines a successful writing career. This interview was not just a look into Norman's works but a masterclass on the art of storytelling from one of the most introspective writers of our time.
Project Update: Still Moving Forward
Not much has changed this week, but progress is still happening! I’m still waiting on the possibility of getting an Adobe Suite subscription through work, which will make finishing Daddest Jokes a lot smoother. Once that’s in place, I’ll be able to finalize the formatting and get everything polished up.
For now, things are moving along at a slow but steady pace. Looking forward to picking up momentum soon!
Book Review: Explorers on the Moon
Reading Explorers on the Moon was a special experience for me. Growing up, I read all the Tintin books I could get my hands on from our school library, but for some reason, this was one they never had. So finally getting to read it now felt like discovering a missing piece of my childhood!
This book is a direct follow-up to Destination Moon, picking up right where the last adventure left off. Hergé’s attention to detail is incredible—his depiction of space travel was way ahead of its time, considering this was written before the real-life moon landing. The art is stunning, with beautifully drawn moon landscapes and an exciting mix of realism and adventure that makes you feel like you’re right there with Tintin and the crew.
Of course, no Tintin adventure would be complete without some chaos, and Captain Haddock provides plenty of that. His antics in zero gravity, combined with his usual grumpy humor, add some great comic relief. But beyond the laughs, this is a thrilling story filled with danger, betrayal, and tense moments that kept me hooked until the very last page.
It may have taken me years to finally read Explorers on the Moon, but it was absolutely worth the wait!
Personal Update: Snow, Slow Sales, and a Family Valentine’s Dinner
Another week of cold and snowy weather! The roads haven’t been great, which has made for some interesting morning drives to work. At this point, I’ve just accepted that winter is keeping things adventurous.
On the eBay front, sales have been super slow these past couple of weeks—not surprising for this time of year, but still a bit of a bummer. Speaking of slow, it’s also that season when invoices take their sweet time getting paid. Between the post-holiday lull and tax season, payments to the station have been trickling in, so it’s just a waiting game right now.
This past Friday was Valentine’s Day, and since impromptu date nights have been tough ever since Ruth passed away in October, Edith and I decided to take the kiddos out with us for a Valentine’s dinner. It was definitely different than past years, but honestly, I’m not complaining. Spending time with the kids is always special, even if it wasn’t the quiet, romantic evening we might have had in the past.
All in all, just pushing through winter, keeping things moving at work, and making the best of the season!
Valentines Day Photo :)
Brownie Sundae for dessert!
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.
Also at the Super Club level, we will publish an advertisement for the patron at a minimum of once a month.
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/
Also to Michael Winn who is a member of our Founders Club!