Note: Agents, editors and publishers, you can view and comment on any pitches starting tomorrow at 8 a.m. EDT. The pitches will stay up until the end of October. GN creators, you have until 11:59 pm tomorrow night (Oct. 1) to get your pitches in. Please remember, you can pitch up to three projects across any age category. Illustrators, if you don’t have a project, you can pitch a sample from your portfolio in the illustration section but you cannot then also pitch a project, and vice versa.
If you want to get inspired by storytelling, gain industry insights and learn expert tips about the creative process, check out Storycomic at www.storycomic.com, a premiere podcast hosted and produced by Barney Smith, the author-illustrator of the graphic novels: Dad Jokes, Dadder Jokes, and Daddest Jokes.
Storycomic first started out as an occasional Livestream rendezvous with industry peers has transformed into a celebrated international podcast. It’s a sonic journey that has resonated across more than 50 countries, connecting people with the shared passion of telling a good story. Every week, Barney “engages in captivating conversations with storytellers and artists, plunging into the multifaceted world of prose, children’s books, graphic novels, and illustrations.”
KidLitGN is excited to “sit down” with Barney and ask him about what he’s learned from his own podcast.
What’s the mission of Storycomic, and why does it matter to you?
At its core, Storycomic is a platform for creators to share their stories—and hopefully inspire others in the process. It started with indie comic creators, but it’s since grown to include authors, children’s book creators, illustrators, and game designers. The one thing they all have in common? They’re building something from scratch, and they’re doing it with heart.
This show is really for the storytellers—whether you’re just starting out or you’ve been in the trenches for years.
How has interviewing so many different comics and graphic novel creators helped you become a better author-illustrator?
Honestly, it’s been like auditing a masterclass every week. I’ve picked up insights on creative discipline, layout tricks, worldbuilding, and even how to handle rejection. More than anything, I’ve learned that no one has it all figured out—and that’s okay. We’re all learning from each other, one project at a time.
What are some of the tips people have shared over the years that have stuck with you?
- “Done is better than perfect.” You can’t grow if you don’t finish.
- Block time like it’s a job—even if it’s your side hustle.
- Community > Competition.
- Build your email list. It’s more important than social media long-term.
After interviewing so many authors and illustrators, have you noticed any common threads in their experiences or processes?
Yup—and it doesn’t matter whether they’re writing a novel or building a tabletop game. The creators I’ve spoken with tend to:
- Start scrappy and build from the ground up.
- Share generously and learn from each other.
- Embrace the grind. No one’s waiting around for permission—they just get to work.
- Stay passionate, even when the process gets messy.
Do you have any tips for staying on schedule and consistent with your work?
Batch recording has saved me more than once. I try to always stay 2–3 interviews ahead. I also treat it like a real gig—block off time for editing, posting, and outreach. I even have checklists so I don’t get derailed. It’s not glamorous, but it works.
Are there any platforms or strategies that have helped you grow your audience?
Consistency’s been key. I put out episodes weekly and promote across platforms—YouTube, podcast apps, social, and the website. Tagging guests and encouraging cross-promotion helps too. And I always try to keep it authentic. If folks can tell you’re genuinely curious and supportive, they’ll come back.
What advice would you give for new graphic novelists trying to make it in the industry?
Start with something manageable—short stories or even a one-page comic. Focus on finishing, not perfecting. Don’t be afraid to put your work out there before it’s “perfect.” Join online communities or local creator groups, and support others too. Building genuine relationships goes a long way.
Which of your resources would you recommend for new graphic novelists?
Honestly, the podcast archive at Storycomic.com is packed with real, useful insight from indie pros across mediums :). Whether you’re looking for tips on publishing, Kickstarter, creative burnout, or building your audience—there’s something in there for you.
To watch Kidlitgn’s own interview with Storycomic, check out the video here:
To discover more, check out Storycomics’ website and Instagram:
What a fun interview! And Barney’s right: y’all have created something super special here <3
I love to see it!