Storycomic Weekly Newsletter: January 3rd
ALWAYS POSTED A WEEK EARLIER ON PATREON
Podcast Update: A Seasonal Pause and Planning Ahead
This is the time of year when I intentionally take a short break from releasing new podcast episodes. It’s a good window to step back, catch my breath, and focus on some back-burner projects that don’t always get the attention they deserve during the busier months.
One of those projects is my Appliance game, which I’ve been steadily working on and really enjoying digging back into. It’s been nice to have a little extra mental space to think, write, and build without the pressure of weekly episode deadlines.
I’m also starting to gear up for the next season of We Make Children’s Books. That means early planning, thinking about themes, lining up ideas, and getting everything organized so the next batch of episodes is strong right out of the gate.
This pause is always intentional and productive. It gives me the chance to reset creatively and come back energized, with new stories and conversations ready to share.
Project Update: Still Chipping Away at Appliance
I’m still chipping away at Appliance this week. Progress has been steady and consistent, even if it’s not huge leaps forward. I’ve been revisiting sections, tightening things up, and adding small pieces here and there that help the world and mechanics feel more complete.
It’s one of those stretches where persistence matters more than speed. Each little session adds up, and staying connected to the project—even in small ways—keeps the momentum alive. Slowly but surely, Appliance continues to take shape.
Book Review: 2050: Vermonters Take a Swipe at the Future – Thoughtful, Playful, and Deeply Vermont
Reading 2050: Vermonters Take a Swipe at the Future was a genuine pleasure—and a meaningful one. Edited and brought together by Bill Mares, this book feels like a time capsule, a conversation starter, and a love letter to Vermont all rolled into one.
The premise is simple and fun: ask Vermonters to imagine what life in the state might look like in the year 2050. The result is a wide-ranging collection of voices offering predictions, hopes, concerns, and playful speculation about energy, culture, technology, agriculture, and what it means to be a Vermonter in the future. Some pieces are serious, some tongue-in-cheek, but all of them feel grounded in that uniquely Vermont blend of practicality and imagination.
What makes this book especially meaningful for me is the connection to Bill himself. Bill came onto my podcast a few years ago, where we had a great conversation about his work and his books. He was thoughtful, curious, and genuinely enthusiastic about ideas and people. This book was published after his passing earlier this year, and reading it now carries a bit of extra weight. You can feel his curiosity and editorial voice guiding the project, even though he’s no longer here.
There’s something comforting about the book, too. Not every prediction is rosy, but there’s a shared sense that Vermont’s future is worth thinking about—and shaping. It invites you to reflect, smile, and maybe even argue a little with the pages.
2050: Vermonters Take a Swipe at the Future is a fitting and thoughtful final contribution from Bill Mares. It’s a book that encourages curiosity, conversation, and care for the place we call home—and I’m really glad I took the time to read it.
Personal Update: Snowy Days, Family Help, and Looking Ahead
It was a cold and snowy week, the kind that really makes you appreciate a warm studio and a good set of tires. On the radio side, I was especially grateful to have my nephew Christopher help out with one of the basketball game broadcasts. Having him there made a big difference and actually allowed me to get home at a reasonable hour, which felt like a small miracle. We’re now six games into the season, with nineteen more still ahead of us.
It was also a slightly funky week schedule-wise because of Christmas—but in the best possible way. The holiday always shakes up the normal routine, slowing some things down while speeding others up. Christmas morning was a good one, and the kids had a great time. Those moments of excitement and togetherness really help reset the batteries.
Looking ahead, I’m feeling very optimistic about 2026. Both the paper and the radio are on solid footing, and it feels like we’re building toward something sustainable and strong. There’s a lot of work ahead, but there’s also a lot to be thankful for—and a lot to look forward to.
🎙️ Been Here. Still Awesome. Still Limited. 🎨📚🎲
For a while now, we’ve been offering a tried-and-true promotional opportunity through the Storycomic Patreon—and if you’re an independent creative, it’s still one of the best ways to sustainably share your work and grow your audience.
Here’s what our Patreon members have been benefiting from:
✅ Permanent Promotion
Your website or project link is featured in the show notes of all podcast episodes for as long as you're a patron. That’s long-term visibility across every platform where our show is streamed.
🏆 Founders Club Access
The Founders Club remains limited to just 15 spots. No expansions, no waiting list—once it’s full, that’s it. These early supporters have their names (and links) locked into the Storycomic platform.
📢 Monthly Promotion at the Super Club Level
At the Super Club tier, members receive a minimum of one promotional post per month—whether it's a new release, project update, or spotlight on their creative work.
Founders Club patrons include amazing creators like:
Michael Winn, Higgins802, Von Allan, Stephanie Nina Pitsirilos, Marek Bennett, Donna Carr Roberts, Andrew Gronosky, Simki Kuznick, and Matt & Therese.
Explore their work:
🎯 If you're a creator—author, game designer, comic artist—this is your signal. This system is working. Don't wait until the last spot is gone.
Let’s keep building the kind of community that lifts each other up.