Storycomic Weekly Newsletter: July 19th
ALWAYS POSTED A WEEK EARLIER ON PATREON
The Story Behind Vermont’s Longest-Running Poetry Journal
In this episode of Storycomic Presents, I have the pleasure of speaking with Erika Nichols-Frazer, editor of The Mountain Troubadour 2025: Volume 71, the annual literary journal of the Poetry Society of Vermont (PSOV). This year’s edition marks a historic first—published in collaboration with Rootstock Publishing, bringing the voices of Vermont poets to a wider audience than ever before.
With contributions from nearly 50 poets, including selections by Vermont Poet Laureate Bianca Stone, The Mountain Troubadour offers a vivid snapshot of the creative pulse of Vermont. Erika shares the behind-the-scenes process of curating, editing, and assembling this year’s collection—what it’s like balancing the voices of emerging writers and seasoned poets, and the importance of keeping literary communities thriving in the modern era.
Whether you’re a poetry lover, a curious reader, or an aspiring writer, Erika offers insights into what it means to capture life, place, and emotion through verse. We also talk about the upcoming launch celebration at the Kellogg-Hubbard Library, which promises to be a highlight for Vermont’s literary community.
Find The Mountain Troubadour 2025 wherever books are sold or through www.poetrysocietyofvermont.org.
Guitar Great Paul Asbell on Music, Memory & Mentorship
In the latest episode of Storycomic Presents, I chat with Paul Asbell—renowned guitarist, teacher, and author of Stages: Ruminations, Rants, and Reminiscences on a Life in Music. This compelling memoir features 32 personal essays, photos, and QR codes that bring his storied career to life through sound, from the smoky Chicago blues clubs of the late ’60s to Vermont classrooms and festivals.
Paul shares intimate stories about working alongside blues icons like Muddy Waters, Howlin’ Wolf, and Earl Hooker, alongside reflections on his decades teaching at UVM and Middlebury. We explore the book’s rich historical context, its heartfelt humor, and the art of linking narrative with music through QR-enabled listening experiences.
Perfect for music lovers, history buffs, and aspiring creators, Stages illuminates the paths traveled by one man who lived through—and taught—American music history. To celebrate, Paul is hosting a free, multimedia book-release event on June 1 in Burlington, mixing readings with live performance.
Project Update: Daddest Jokes – Officially Released!
After months of work, edits, laughs, and a whole lot of pun-filled proofreading, I’m officially wrapping up Daddest Jokes by publicly launching its release! The book is now out in the world and ready for readers to enjoy (and maybe groan a little too).
It’s been such a fun project to bring to life—from the first joke scribbled in a notebook to holding the finished book in my hands. I’m really proud of how it turned out, and I’m excited to finally share it with everyone.
If you’re a fan of dad jokes—or know someone who is—this one’s for you!
Book Review: I Was Born in a Tree and Raised by Bees – A Signed Treasure from a Local Legend
This week, we had a special reading moment in our house thanks to none other than Jim Arnosky—who, around here, is pretty much a local celebrity. Not only is he the beloved creator behind the Crinkleroot series, but he also gave my kid a signed copy of I Was Born in a Tree and Raised by Bees. That’s a book we’ll be holding onto forever.
Reading it again brought back all the reasons I love Arnosky’s work. The story follows Crinkleroot, a nature-loving forest dweller who—true to the title—was born in a tree and raised by bees. It’s part whimsical autobiography, part nature guide, and entirely enchanting. Through Crinkleroot’s eyes, we explore the forest across all four seasons, noticing everything from buzzing bees to silent animal tracks in the snow.
The illustrations are soft and welcoming, with just the right mix of realism and imagination. It’s the kind of book that invites you to slow down, look around, and appreciate the little things in nature. And when it’s coming from someone who lives in the same region and draws so much inspiration from the local landscape—it hits even harder.
Having a signed copy from Arnosky himself just adds to the magic. It’s not just a book anymore—it’s a keepsake, a memory, and a personal connection to someone who’s helped generations of kids (and grown-ups) fall in love with the outdoors.
Personal Update: Clearing Space and Shifting Seasons
The great garage reclamation project continues! This week, I made some solid progress—moving items I’m selling on eBay down to the basement and sorting through donation piles for the local charity thrift stores. It’s not glamorous work, but it feels good to see the garage slowly returning to its original purpose (and yes, my wife is very happy about that).
I also wrapped up a meaningful chapter this week with my final board meeting at the Lamoille Restorative Center. It’s been an honor to serve on the board for the past three years, but as I step away, I know it’s the right time. Ever since taking on the ownership of the newspaper, my schedule has been absolutely packed. Free time is now a rare commodity.
I truly love the work I do—but I’m realizing more and more how important it is to be intentional with my time. It’s all about balance, and knowing when to shift gears to focus on the things that matter most right now.
Our neighborhood has an ice cream truck!
Dragon costume! great yard sale find!