Storycomic Weekly Newsletter: August 2nd
ALWAYS POSTED A WEEK EARLIER ON PATREON
How to Thrive as a Writer in a Capitalist Dystopia—With Russell Nohelty
In the latest episode of Storycomic Presents, Russell Nohelty returns to share insights from his new book How to Thrive as a Writer in a Capitalist Dystopia. In a publishing world that can feel overwhelming, Russell provides writers with practical frameworks to build sustainable, fulfilling careers without sacrificing creativity or mental health.
We also cover his USA Today bestselling fantasy work—Cosmic Weave, Ichabod Jones, and The Obsidian Spindle Saga—and explore how his coaching platforms, like Writer MBA and The Author Stack, empower writers to earn without burnout.
Join us for a candid, inspiring conversation packed with strategies like creating writer ecosystems, avoiding hustle culture, and leveraging crowdfunding thoughtfully. Whether you’re drafting your first novel, planning a Kickstarter campaign, or managing a Substack, Russell’s guidance will help you thrive, not just survive. Check out the video for a roadmap to a writer’s life that’s both creative and sustainable.
Cats, Ninjas & Demons: The Weird Mix Behind Kuro Shouri
On this episode of Storycomic Presents, I chat with Vermont-based illustrator Kristin Laflin, also known online as Kikirini, about her epic manga-style webcomic, Kuro Shouri. The series—cowritten with Dylan Archbold—has been in progress for 20 years, showcasing a unique blend of anime-inspired visuals, action-packed ninja clans, demons, and strong characters like Yasha and Hisaki. Kristin discusses the evolution of her storytelling process, from early self-published zines to a growing digital footprint on Webtoons and her official site, kuroshouri.com.
She also dives into how her love for cats, 90s anime, and video games has driven her aesthetic and narrative choices—and how she juggles creative discipline with a busy life as an artist in Vermont .
Whether you're a long-term creator or a fan of indie comics, Kristin’s story shows what dedication, passion, and craft can produce over decades. Check out Kuro Shouri at her website, Webtoons, or IndiePlanet. This episode highlights the art of sticking with a creative dream—one panel at a time.
Project Update: Slow and Steady
Not much new to report on the project front this week. It’s been one of those stretches where the focus was elsewhere, and creative progress took a bit of a backseat. But sometimes a little pause is just part of the process.
Looking forward to getting back into the groove soon!
Book Review: The Napping House – A Cozy Bedtime Cumulative Classic
I recently revisited The Napping House with my 4-year-old, and it remains such a warm and funny bedtime ritual. In this cozy, rhythmic tale, a snoring granny, a dreaming child, a dozing dog, a snoozing cat, and a sleeping mouse all pile up on a comfy bed—until a wakeful flea comes along and sets off a chain reaction of wakefulness and hilarity
What makes this book so magic is its cumulative structure—each page builds on the last, and kids love predicting what comes next. The gentle rhymes and artful illustrations by Don Wood create the perfect sleepy rhythm, followed by a surprise that snaps the whole house—and you—wide awake
Reading it again with my child, I loved watching their anticipation grow as the pile-up gets taller and the tension more playful. And when that flea finally buzzes in? It always gets a big reaction.
What’s wonderful is how this book has that rare combination: seamlessly calming yet smartly surprising. It’s the kind of read that encourages participation—kids whisper, guess, and giggle along the way.
The Napping House is a timeless bedtime favorite. It’s simple, sweet, and perfectly childlike—proof that the best stories don’t need to be complicated to leave a lasting impression.
Personal Update: Fairs, Family, and Fantastic Films
It was another full (and fun) week over here, with lots happening both personally and professionally. Things continue to go solid with the paper and the radio station—steady momentum, which is always a good feeling.
Friday and Saturday were all about the North Haverhill Fair. I spent Friday getting a feel for the layout and helping out, then brought the whole family along on Saturday. I even got to introduce the musical concerts, which was a cool moment. The kids had a blast on the rides, I reconnected with some old friends, and even managed to catch some classic tractor pulling with my dad. Simple joys, but the kind that really stick.
And—believe it or not—I actually got to catch up on some sleep. A small miracle.
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, 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!