Storycomic Weekly Newsletter: July 26th
ALWAYS POSTED A WEEK EARLIER ON PATREON
Magic Rules You Need to Know
In the newest episode of Storycomic Presents, I’m joined by Clark R. Rowenson, a chemist-turned-author known as the “Magic Engineer.” Clark’s guidebook, The Magic System Blueprint, offers writers a clear, science‑inspired approach to building believable and cohesive magic systems.
Drawing from his background in chemistry and engineering, Clark shares how even fantastical magic can—and should—adhere to internal logic and narrative purpose. We explore how to blend wonder with rules, design limitations that drive story conflict, and create magic that characters and readers can relate to.
Clark has worked one-on-one with authors from first‑time writers to New York Times bestsellers—and even screenwriters and game developers—to improve worldbuilding and power systems. We also discuss his popular YouTube channel, The Magic Engineer, and how creators can avoid common pitfalls like deus ex machina or magic as a shortcut.
Whether you're outlining a new fantasy epic or fixing longstanding worldbuilding issues, Clark's system offers a roadmap. Don’t miss this conversation if you want your magic to feel real, purposeful, and powerful.
Find Clark’s book at The Magic System Blueprint and explore his Grimoire and free resources at crrowenson.com.
Project Update: Quiet Week on the Creative Front
Not much to report on the project front this week—just one of those stretches where other things took priority, and the creative gears slowed down a bit. Sometimes you need a little space to reset before diving back in, and that’s totally okay.
Looking forward to picking things back up again soon with fresh energy and ideas!
Book Review: Owl’s Story – A Tiny Treasure Rediscovered
During one of my yard sale excursions last week, I stumbled upon a little gem—Owl’s Story by Richard Fowler. This classic stand-up board book from the ‘80s immediately brought back a wave of nostalgia, and I couldn’t resist picking it up. That night, I read it with my 4-year-old at bedtime, and it turned out to be the perfect wind-down story.
The book is small in size but big in charm. Told from the perspective of a wise owl, it gently walks young readers through what makes her special—how she flies silently at night, cares for her chicks, and lives a life quite different from the birds we usually see during the day. The story is simple, sweet, and quietly empowering.
The die-cut design and stand-up format make it feel like more than just a book—it’s a little experience. My son was absolutely captivated, and I had just as much fun watching his reactions as I did reading the story itself.
Owl’s Story is a reminder that sometimes the smallest finds can bring the most joy. It’s earned a spot on our bedtime rotation and in my growing collection of vintage book treasures.
Personal Update: Airwaves, Yard Sales, and Superheroes
This past week was a busy one, packed with plenty of radio hustle and a healthy dose of weekend fun. I hosted my Outdoor Edge Show and spent a good chunk of the week making small but meaningful connections—reaching out to new clients and rekindling relationships with a few familiar faces. It’s the kind of steady, relationship-building work that adds up, and it felt good to be in that groove again.
Behind the scenes, I’ve also started thinking ahead to something big: the radio station’s 50th birthday next year. It’s wild to think it’s been around for half a century, and I want to make sure we mark the occasion in a way that honors its legacy and celebrates the community that’s kept it alive all these years. Planning is still early, but the wheels are turning!
Over the weekend, Elizabeth and I hit the yard sale circuit (because you never know what treasures are out there), and then I took the girls to see the new Superman movie. It was really good—tons of heart, action, and just enough nostalgia to keep us all smiling. A busy weekend, but one that felt full in all the right ways.
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.
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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:
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Also to Michael Winn who is a member of our Founders Club!