Storycomic Weekly Newsletter: May 3rd
ALWAYS POSTED A WEEK EARLIER ON PATREON
A Mom’s Journey Through Loss Inspires a Book for Kids
In this moving interview, I talk with author Anna Marti about her debut children’s book, Henrietta Harmonica Finds Her Song. After losing her father, Anna turned to writing as a way to process grief and help children do the same. The result is a beautifully illustrated picture book that gently guides young readers through sorrow while pointing them toward hope in Christ.
Henrietta, the book’s harmonica-playing heroine, can’t find her song after the loss of her beloved Grandpa Elmer. Her journey through sadness, silence, and ultimately, rediscovery of joy is a loving tribute to the healing power of faith and family.
During our conversation, Anna shares how her real-life experiences shaped the story, and why it was important to her to create something that could be used by parents, teachers, and pastors alike. With a QR code in the book linking to the song that helped her heal, Henrietta Harmonica is more than a book—it’s a meaningful resource.
Whether you’re supporting a child through grief or simply love stories that bring comfort and truth, this interview is not to be missed. Anna’s authenticity and faith will inspire you.
Watch now and be reminded that even in sorrow, there’s always a song waiting to be found.
Project Update: Daddest Jokes Progress
Most of my creative focus this past week has gone into prepping my Daddest Jokes book, and I’m proud to say I’ve designed over 80 pages so far! It’s been one of those projects where you blink and suddenly the whole day’s gone—but in the best way. There's something oddly satisfying about lining up punchlines and panels until everything just clicks.
I originally had my sights set on finishing by the end of April, but while that didn’t quite happen, I’m still feeling really good about the momentum. Progress is progress, and it’s coming together more cohesively than I imagined. Every page I finish brings it closer to feeling like a real book—and not just a sprawling folder of dad-level puns.
More updates soon as I keep pushing toward the finish line!
Book Review: The World is Made of Cheese
This month I read The World is Made of Cheese: The Applied Cartooning Manifesto, a charming and sharp little zine from The Center for Cartoon Studies. It’s brief—digestible in one sitting—but its ideas linger. Rather than a how-to guide or academic treatise, it’s more of a mission statement for what cartooning can be in the world.
What CCS lays out is a vision of cartooning not just as an art form but as a tool—one that can be applied to education, healthcare, community organizing, and more. Comics, they argue, aren’t limited to entertainment or introspection. They can work in service of something greater, helping to clarify, connect, and catalyze.
The zine is visually loose and playful in its presentation, which makes its serious ideas all the more accessible. The title—The World is Made of Cheese—isn’t just whimsical; it’s a metaphor for a world that’s malleable, delicious, and collaborative. Cartooning, they suggest, should be the same.
Reading it gave me a creative jolt and reminded me that comics aren’t just about panels and punchlines—they can have purpose. If you’re someone who makes things, teaches, or just wants to see art make a difference in people’s lives, it’s worth the 10 minutes it takes to read.
You can even download it for free, which feels very on brand for a manifesto about making comics more democratic and useful.
Personal Update: Easter, Comics, and Community
Last Sunday was Easter, and it was such a nice reset. I got to hang out with family—nothing fancy, just good food, relaxed conversations, and that kind of warm, low-key joy that makes a weekend feel full. It’s always grounding to spend time with the people who know you best.
On the work side, we wrapped up week three of running both the newspaper and the radio station. It’s starting to feel like we’re finding a rhythm. There’s still a lot to learn, of course, but systems are settling into place, and the team is clicking in new ways. There’s something really satisfying about watching the gears start to turn smoothly after the initial scramble.
This past weekend was also a whirlwind, but in the best way—I helped staff the Vermont Comic Creators table and it was a blast. It’s always great reconnecting with the VCC crew and soaking in that creative energy. Elizabeth and Jordan pitched in too (huge thanks to them), and Elizabeth even sold some of her handmade crafts, which was super cool to see. It’s one thing to create, but seeing people genuinely excited to buy something you made? That hits different.
Elizabeth’s craft selling
Enjoying some pizza with the other VCC members after day one of the Vermont Sci Fi and Horror Expo
Elizabeth hanging out with famed Twitch Streamer and Storycomic Founders Club member, Higgins802!
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!