Storycomic Weekly Newsletter: April 5th
ALWAYS POSTED A WEEK EARLIER ON PATREON
Maggie Shang & Johnell DeWitt Dive into the "Let's Go" Anthology
In a captivating interview, Maggie Shang and Johnell DeWitt, contributors to the Kids Comics Unite anthology "Let's Go," shared their creative journeys and the passion that drives their work. Both authors bring unique backgrounds that enrich their storytelling—Maggie, with her deep roots in illustration and graphic design, and Johnell, with her extensive experience in writing enriched by global travels and a rich career in public relations.
Their stories in the anthology reflect not just their artistic talents but their commitment to fostering a love for reading and creativity among children. Maggie's work, often inspired by her personal history and a strong foundation in character art, complements Johnell's skillful narrative construction influenced by a lifetime of cultural experiences.
This interview not only highlighted their individual contributions to the anthology but also shed light on the collaborative spirit that defines the Kids Comics Unite community. Their discussion provided valuable insights into the challenges and triumphs of creating engaging content for young readers, making it a must-watch for anyone interested in children's literature and the art of comic book creation.
From Broadway to the Bookshelf: Jeff Larkin's Creative Evolution
In this episode of our podcast, we had the pleasure of hosting Jeff Larkin, an accomplished writer and illustrator whose journey through the world of theatre has profoundly shaped his approach to creating comics. Jeff shared insights into his transition from musical theatre to the vibrant field of comics, bringing a unique perspective that blends dramatic narrative with visual storytelling.
Jeff’s role in the Kids Comics Unite anthology is a testament to his diverse skills. As a member of the Publishing Committee and the leader of the Editorial Committee, Jeff has been instrumental in shaping the anthology from its inception. He discussed the challenges and rewards of managing the editorial process, from selecting contributors to refining the stories that make up this captivating collection.
Listeners were given a behind-the-scenes look at how themes are chosen, the intricacies of editorial feedback, and the collaborative environment that defines the creation of the anthology. Jeff’s enthusiasm for his craft and his dedication to fostering a love of comics among young readers were evident throughout the conversation.
This interview not only highlighted Jeff Larkin’s artistic and managerial talents but also underscored the importance of passion and perseverance in the world of creative arts. Whether you’re a fan of comics, an aspiring illustrator, or someone who appreciates the art of storytelling, Jeff’s journey from the stage to the comic book page is truly inspiring.
Project Update: New Tools, New Chapter
With the exciting news that I’ve officially purchased a local weekly newspaper, I now have a great reason (and need!) to get reacquainted with Adobe InDesign. Running a newspaper means diving back into the layout and design side of publishing — something I haven’t done in a while but am looking forward to brushing up on.
This new venture will not only support our community with strong local media, but it also gives me the perfect opportunity to revisit the tools that will help bring both the paper and future projects — like Daddest Jokes — to life with even more polish.
Time to dust off the keyboard shortcuts and relearn some layout magic!
Craft and Hobby Fun: A Treasure Trove of Timeless Projects
In a digital age where DIY tutorials are just a click away, stumbling upon the "Craft and Hobby Fun" book from 1971 feels like discovering a hidden gem in your attic. Edited by Marian Bennett and lovingly published by Standard Publishing, this book serves as a delightful throwback to the days when crafting was a communal kitchen table affair, rather than a solitary scroll through a digital playlist.
From the rustle of its pages to the distinct smell of ink and paper that's seen decades, each page of this book offers not just a craft project but a portal to the past. As you flip through, you’re greeted with a charming array of crafts—macramé plant hangers, hand-sewn puppets, and woodwork wonders—all illustrated with quaint, hand-drawn diagrams that evoke a sense of nostalgia.
What truly sets this book apart, and what has captured the heart of my daughter, who is an avid YouTube craft watcher, is its approach to teaching. Each project is laid out with clear, concise step-by-step instructions that respect the reader's pace and process—a stark, soothing contrast to the often hurried tutorials online. It’s about learning at your leisure, with the freedom to pause and ponder without pressing 'pause.'
My daughter has found joy in the tactile experience of tracing her fingers over diagrams and writing notes in the margins, something a video can't replicate. She appreciates the permanence of a physical book; it's always on her shelf, ready to inspire, with no ads to disrupt her crafting journey.
In conclusion, "Craft and Hobby Fun" is more than just a craft book; it’s a family heirloom in the making, a collection of projects that are as enjoyable today as they were over fifty years ago. It’s perfect for anyone looking to disconnect from the screen and engage in the tangible pleasure of making something with their own two hands. So, dust off your crafting table, open up this classic, and let the creative magic take hold. Happy crafting!
Personal Update: Big News & Big Wins
Well, the cat’s officially out of the bag — the news that I’ve purchased The Bridge Weekly Sho-Case has been making the rounds, and judging by the reactions, it’s been the talk of the region this week! It’s incredibly humbling and exciting to take the reins of such a beloved local publication. I truly believe in the power of local media, and this marks a big step forward in continuing that mission.
In other local media news, I wrapped up the high school basketball season by taking our amazing broadcast team out to dinner. It’s a tradition the previous owner of the station upheld, and I was happy to carry it on. These folks worked hard all season long, and it was great to celebrate with them.
We also had a busy weekend with remote broadcasts on both Friday and Saturday, covering the River Bend Technical Center 2025 Expo. My team absolutely crushed it — from setup to on-air delivery, I couldn’t be more proud. It’s weekends like this that make the long hours worth it.
Lots of momentum, lots of gratitude, and I’m excited for what’s next.
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!