Storycomic Weekly Newsletter: March 15th
ALWAYS POSTED A WEEK EARLIER ON PATREON
From Swamp Sounds to Graphic Novels: The Creation of Frankie Crossroads
In a captivating interview, author and illustrator Mark Richard Luther shares the enchanting backstory of his graphic novel series, "Frankie Crossroads." Born from a blend of blues music and the natural ambiance of Route 28 in Upstate New York, Frankie Crossroads introduces readers to a blues-frog with a taste for adventure. Mark reveals how his solitary walks and the distinct croaks of a swamp frog mingled with the blues tunes in his headphones, inspiring the creation of his charismatic protagonist, Frankie.
As a self-published author, Mark embraces the challenges and freedoms that come with managing every aspect of his creative process. He reflects on his journey from concept to publication, emphasizing the personal satisfaction and artistic control self-publishing offers. The series, noted for its cartoonish style and engaging narrative, showcases Mark's dedication as he crafts each page, mirroring the committed spirit of solo artists like Charles Schultz.
Looking ahead, Mark teases the future of the series with "Frankie Crossroads-No Trespassing," the anticipated third installment. He continues to explore Frankie's world, promising more stories filled with humor, heart, and a touch of the blues. This interview not only highlights an innovative series but also celebrates the spirit of independent comic book creation.
Crafting Wonder: The Secrets of Jimmy Vee’s Storytelling
In our latest captivating interview, we sat down with Jimmy Vee, an enchanting figure in the world of children's literature and entertainment. Known for his vibrant storytelling and magical presentations, Jimmy shared insights into his creative journey and his mission to ignite a love for reading among the young and young-at-heart.
From his early days influenced by classic 80s culture to his dynamic career as an author and entertainer, Jimmy has mastered the art of engaging young minds. His books, filled with humor and whimsy, encourage children to explore their imaginations and embrace the joy of reading. During the interview, Jimmy emphasized the importance of laughter and creativity in learning, offering a peek into how he crafts his unique stories that resonate with children across the globe.
Jimmy also gave us a behind-the-scenes look at his writing process and his upcoming projects, which promise to bring even more laughter and learning to his readers. His passion for his craft and his dedication to spreading happiness through his work are truly inspiring, making this interview a must-watch for anyone who believes in the transformative power of storytelling.
Project Update: Weighing the Next Steps
As I wait to finalize an exciting (but still undisclosed) business purchase, progress on Daddest Jokes has been a bit stalled. The reality is, I just might have to bite the bullet and subscribe to Adobe for one more month so I can finally wrap up the draft. It’s not ideal, but getting this book finished is a priority, and having the right tools will make that happen.
With everything else going on, including expansion plans for the radio station, I’m juggling a lot, but slow progress is still progress! Hopefully, I’ll have more updates soon.
Whimsical Wonders in the Woods!
Amid our family’s delightful journey through children's books about animals, Silk Wood by Gill Davies, with illustrations by Eric Kincaid, emerged as a heartwarming treasure that perfectly aligns with our love for engaging narratives. This charming tale introduces Fluffytuft Squirrel, who embarks on whimsical adventures from attempting to lay an egg to exploring the beauty of his own tail and celebrating at Old Man Otter's birthday bash.
The vivid storytelling and playful illustrations captivate the imagination, making each reading session a joyous exploration of friendship and wonder in the natural world. As someone who cherishes books that blend humor with tender moments, I found Silk Wood to be a delightful addition to our evening routine, sparking laughter and discussions about the antics of Fluffytuft and his friends.
This book is not just a story; it’s a gateway to a magical woodland realm that invites young readers and their families to join in the fun. If your little ones are enchanted by tales of forest creatures and their adventures, then Silk Wood is a must-read that promises to enrich your collection of animal-themed children’s stories.
Personal Update: Big Things on the Horizon
If all goes well, I’ll be announcing an exciting expansion of my work next week! I’m hoping to grow the radio station into other areas of media, but I don’t want to jinx anything until it’s fully finalized. Fingers crossed!
As I enter my second year of running a small business in entertainment and advertising, I’ve definitely learned that folks are slow to pay between Christmas and tax season. It makes for some creative prioritizing of bills, but it’s all part of the process.
On the plus side, the feedback from the public has been overwhelmingly positive. People are really happy with how we’re running the station, which is great motivation to keep pushing forward.
And can we all agree—winter has overstayed its welcome? It’s the middle of March. The snow can leave now.
Elizabeth made cupcakes from scratch!
If you let a four year old dress himself… he’ll put them on inside out.
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!