Storycomic Weekly Newsletter: May 24th
ALWAYS POSTED A WEEK EARLIER ON PATREON
Illustrating Feelings: Liza Woodruff Talks Phil's Big Day
In the latest episode of Storycomic Presents, I had the pleasure of speaking with Liza Woodruff, a Vermont-based children's book author and illustrator, about her newest picture book, Phil's Big Day. The story follows Phil, a young groundhog grappling with anxiety as he prepares for his big moment on Groundhog Day. Through Phil's journey, Liza addresses the universal theme of facing fears and the importance of support from loved ones.
Liza shared her creative process, from initial sketches to final illustrations, and how her experiences living in Vermont influence her work. With over twenty books to her name, she brings a wealth of knowledge about the intersection of art and storytelling. Our conversation delved into how children's literature can be a powerful tool for discussing complex emotions, and how Liza's work aims to provide comfort and understanding to young readers.
For more information on Liza Woodruff and her work, visit her website at lizawoodruff.com.
Project Update: Daddest Jokes Is Done!
Good news—Daddest Jokes is officially DONE! After weeks (okay, months) of writing, editing, and layout, the final version has been submitted, and I’ve ordered a proof copy. It’s on its way in the mail now, and I couldn’t be more excited to see it in printed form for the first time.
This book has been a real labor of love—over 500 groan-worthy, pun-packed dad jokes all compiled into one gloriously goofy collection. I’ll be doing a full review of the proof once it arrives and will definitely keep everyone in the loop as we get closer to release. Stay tuned for updates and maybe even a few sneak peeks!
Book Review: Jon Pay, Private Investigator – A Whimsical Noir Adventure
This week, I delved into Jon Pay, Private Investigator, a delightful graphic novel by Charlie Aabø. Set in the gritty streets of 1930s Cobb City, the story follows Jon Pay and his eclectic team of sidekicks as they tackle cases involving both historical and fictional criminals. The narrative is a playful homage to classic detective tales, infused with a generous dose of humor and charm.
Aabø's artwork is vibrant and expressive, capturing the essence of the era while adding a unique, cartoonish flair. The characters are endearing, each bringing their quirks to the table, making the story both engaging and entertaining. The dialogue is snappy, filled with witty banter that keeps the pages turning.
What sets this graphic novel apart is its ability to balance the noir atmosphere with lighthearted storytelling. It's evident that Aabø has a deep appreciation for the genre, and his passion shines through in every panel.
Reading Jon Pay, Private Investigator was a nostalgic experience, reminding me of the joy found in classic detective stories and the creativity that comics can offer. It's a testament to the enduring appeal of the genre and the fresh perspectives that independent creators bring to the table.
If you're a fan of detective tales with a twist, this graphic novel is a must-read. It's a charming addition to any comic enthusiast's collection.
Personal Update: Papers, Pipes, and Pouring Rain
Big milestone this week—we officially mailed out the first issue of the paper! The plan was for it to land in everyone’s mailbox by Thursday, but it ended up showing up on Friday instead. Not a huge delay, but a reminder that even small wins come with learning curves. We’re also in the process of slowly rebuilding our advertising base to help cover the costs of mailing, and it’s been encouraging to see some early momentum.
On the home front, we had our backyard steps rebuilt by Batchelder Carpentry, and—as always—they did a fantastic job. It’s one of those projects you don’t realize how much you appreciate until it’s done and looks great.
This weekend was also supposed to mark our first Bear Ridge broadcast of the season, but nature had other plans. A deluge of rain rolled through and washed out the event. To add to the fun, our basement flooded a bit… at the exact same time my brother came by to fix the leaky pipe. Perfect timing, honestly. At least that’s one issue off the list!
All in all, a week full of movement—some expected, some not—but plenty of progress just the same.
Testing the broadcasting equipment for our first radio race broadcast of the year!
Our new back steps. Do you see Iggy in the photo?
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!