Storycomic Weekly Newsletter: June 28th
ALWAYS POSTED A WEEK EARLIER ON PATREON
This Revolutionary War Diary Will Change How You See American History
In the newest episode of Storycomic Presents, I’m joined by Paul Andriscin, a retired history professor and long‑time interpreter at Vermont’s Mount Independence, to explore his recently released novel, The Memoirs of Isaac Kendall.
This richly detailed fictional diary transports readers to 1776, following Continental Army soldier Isaac Kendall through winter encampments and pivotal moments in the Revolutionary War. Drawing from his years on-site at Mount Independence, Paul weaves local histories and soldierly experiences into an immersive narrative.
Our conversation dives into the research journey behind the book, the challenges of fictionalizing real events, and how the diary format brings readers closer to daily military life over two hundred years ago. Paul also shares how this novel helps preserve Vermont’s Revolutionary heritage for a new generation.
Perfect for history lovers and fiction readers alike, The Memoirs of Isaac Kendall is now available via Onion River Press and indie booksellers. To learn more, find Paul’s book at Indigo, McNally Jackson, or your local bookstore, and mark your calendars for his author talk at Mount Independence later this year
Project Update: Daddest Jokes Done—New Projects on Deck!
With Daddest Jokes now officially out in the world (still not over how good that feels!), I’m shifting gears and diving back into my other long-standing creative obsession: the Appliance Game. It's been sitting patiently on the back burner while I wrapped up the joke book, but now it's time to fire it up again.
And because I never seem to work on just one project at a time, I’m also kicking off a brand-new humor book. This one’s going to be a playful collection of “New England Proverbs That Don’t Exist (But Sound Like They Should).” Think: “Don’t stack your sap buckets before the mud’s out,” or “He who frowns at flannel, freezes at the fair.” I’ve already started jotting down ideas, and I’m having way too much fun with it.
Two new projects, one busy brain. Let’s go!
Book Review: Days with Frog and Toad – Timeless Tales of Friendship and Simplicity
This week I took a little detour down memory lane and reread Days with Frog and Toad by Arnold Lobel—and honestly, it was like wrapping myself in a cozy, storybook blanket.
These two iconic characters have been part of childhoods for generations, and revisiting their adventures felt like catching up with old friends. The stories are short, sweet, and deeply endearing. Whether Frog is helping Toad be brave, or Toad is writing a list just to feel organized, each tale offers gentle humor and heart.
What really hit me this time around is how much these stories still resonate. They’re simple, yes, but never shallow. The quiet depth of their friendship, the patience, the small acts of kindness—it all feels even more meaningful now. Plus, the illustrations still have that soft, earthy charm that makes every page feel warm and familiar.
Reading it again reminded me that not all great stories have to be big or flashy. Sometimes, a slow bike ride, a cup of tea, or a story shared on the porch is all you need to feel something special.
If you haven’t revisited Frog and Toad in a while, I highly recommend it. It’s a quick read that lingers long after the last page.
Personal Update: Broadcasting, Batteries, and “The Paper Plate”
This past week was packed from start to finish. I had my Outdoor Edge show, which always brings a good kind of chaos, and—after two rainouts—we finally got to broadcast our first Bear Ridge Race of the season! It felt great to get back out there and do what we’ve been planning for weeks. There’s something satisfying about hearing the engines roar and the mics working perfectly after a few weather-related setbacks.
On the home front, I gave my new electric lawnmower its first real test. It’s definitely quieter and smoother than a gas mower, but with just 20 minutes of battery power per charge, I’m learning the art of strategic mowing. It’s a process—but at least it’s a quiet one!
We also launched a fun new feature in the paper this week: our very own dining guide called The Paper Plate. I love the name—it’s playful, memorable, and fits perfectly with the casual, community vibe we’re aiming for. Can’t wait to see it grow as we highlight more local food spots in the weeks ahead.
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, Simki Kuznick, 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!