Storycomic Weekly Newsletter: September 6th
ALWAYS POSTED A WEEK EARLIER ON PATREON
The Cases I Can't Forget - Memoirs of a Small Town Prosecutor
In the latest Storycomic Presents, we sit down with Bob Simpson, former Vermont state’s attorney, to explore his new memoir Small Town Prosecutor: Trials of Killers, Con Men, and a Priest. Drawing from decades of real courtroom battles, Bob recounts the cases that tested both his resolve and the community’s sense of justice—from teenage murderers and cult-related raids to the landmark prosecution of a predatory priest. His stories are deeply rooted in memory, trial notes, court records, and Vermont's unique judicial fabric.
This conversation dives into the challenges and moral complexities of prosecuting deeply personal cases in tight-knit communities, the emotional weight of jury decision-making, and the unwavering pursuit of justice. Whether you're drawn to true crime, legal ethics, or the quiet heroism of public servants, Bob’s reflections provide both chilling drama and hopeful insight into a justice system that works at the grassroots level. Don't miss this compelling and deeply human exploration of law and legacy.
Project Update: Quiet but Ongoing
Not much new to report on the project front this week. Things have been steady but fairly quiet as other responsibilities take the spotlight. Even so, the ideas are still simmering in the background, and I know I’ll be diving back in with more focus soon.
Sometimes “no news” just means the groundwork is still settling in place.
Book Review: Cast Into Twilight – A Dark Forest, A New Beginning
This week I read Cast Into Twilight by Keller Marie, the first book in her Mistwalker Chronicles, and it made for a gripping start to what feels like a very promising series. Even better—I had Keller Marie on my podcast a few weeks ago, and it was such a great conversation. Having the chance to hear her talk about her creative process made diving into the book even more rewarding.
The story opens with Sammy waking up alone in a dark forest, completely disoriented. The atmosphere immediately pulls you in—shadowy trees, strange sounds, and the looming question of how he got there. Soon he meets Rourke, a mysterious rescuer who becomes both a guide and a puzzle in his own right. From there, the book unfolds into a tense, survival-driven adventure with a touch of heart and wonder.
What stood out to me is how immersive Keller Marie’s writing is. She has a knack for building a world that feels both dangerous and alive, keeping you alert to every detail. At the same time, the story balances its suspense with character-driven depth. Sammy’s growth feels authentic, and Rourke adds just the right amount of intrigue.
Reading Cast Into Twilight after talking with Keller Marie gave me a deeper appreciation for her creativity and vision. It’s suspenseful, mysterious, and leaves you eager for the next installment. If you enjoy survival fantasy with a fresh edge, this is one to put on your list.
Personal Update: Deadlines, Festivals, and a Marathon Workday
This past week was definitely a busy one, especially on the newspaper side of things. Because Labor Day is coming up, the printers needed our proof earlier than usual, which meant we had to pull the paper together ahead of schedule. It made for some long days, but it’s always satisfying to hit that deadline.
Saturday was packed from start to finish. In the morning, we had a remote broadcast for Wells River’s So Long Summer, Hello Fall festival. It was a great community event with lots of energy, and I really enjoyed being part of it. Later that evening, I shifted gears into race mode with a live broadcast from the track. By the end of the day, I had worked from 8 a.m. straight through to 11 p.m.—a true marathon.
It was exhausting, sure, but also a lot of fun. Days like that remind me why I love what I do: connecting with the community, telling stories, and sharing the excitement of local events.
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!