It’s been since last Fall that we connected. What’s been going on with you since then?
So many amazing things have happened since we got together in the Fall! Issue 4 was published, Path of the Pale Rider Trade Paperback was published internationally, and Issue 5 is live on Kickstarter! This next installment is anticipated to be completed and published by Fall 2024, and we will move on to the next! I’ve also been invited to many Comic Book Stores and Comic Cons to set up and talk about my author journey.
What’s the difference between the two shows you host?
The Tuesday Morning Brew is on the Comic-Related Madness networks with around 40 other nerd-related shows! That one is a two-hour block where I really get to pick the brains of some of the hottest talent in indie! I’ve had artists, writers, game builders, actors, podcasters, musicians, novelists, and even a very talented ventriloquist. The other is NE1 World Showcase, a 45-minute show where I focus on the talents involved behind ASAP Imagination and NE1 World groups. ASAP Imagination is a wonderful publisher based in the UK, and I am fortunate enough to be a part of it.
This campaign is for issue #5, with us picking up the story where Jude St. Clair left off. I’m excited because we are moving into the middle section of the arc, where we answer some questions. Jude is on his path to discovery… and then everything goes wrong. LOL. The middle 4 issues in the 12-issue arc are my absolute favorite. We also have a new team member! Gilbert Perez is tackling the pencils and inks for issues 5-8 and hopefully for the rest of the story. He is keeping the essence of what makes Path so amazing to look at, and his capacity to put 1000 details into the background makes the 2nd and 3rd read of the issue just as exciting as the first. As usual, the campaign has new tiers, with a “Hot Sauce Sampler” getting quite the buzz! We have jigsaw puzzles, t-shirts, original art, Undead Bear-themed EVERYTHING, and even wooden covers!
As a creator, what are some challenges when putting together a project?
One of my major hurdles is time. I know this goes for most indie since we manage projects in addition to our “regular lives.” It can be a logistical nightmare, from scheduling podcasts and marketing in advance managing the many artists involved, predicting merch turnaround times, etc. I give myself plenty of time to plan every launch to optimize success.
What’s changed for you since you started creating your comics and as a host?
The indie community is so gracious about passing on information and techniques. I love having a knowledgeable guest on my show about something I’ve been trying to improve on. It gives me a chance to get to know them, promote their project, and also LEARN from their expertise. I think the audience watching my shows agrees that we can all learn from each other. So, I have improved my comic-making skills, explored printing options, brainstormed merch, cross-promoted projects, and so much more since hosting a show that has benefited my projects directly. I am most thankful to anyone willing to share their creativity with the world.
As a creator and a host of two shows—are there any creative ways you market everything and try to reach out to as many fans as possible?
The Tuesday Morning Brew is a long enough show where I can take the first 5 minutes and give people updates on my own project before bringing on a guest. That typically allows me to reach new people, assuming the guest brings new eyes to the show. I try to post the shows on all of my social media accounts and, in addition, make shorts and reels of the weekly episodes to draw in more views. Everything grows with consistent content, which will help me grow as a creator.
Do you have anything else coming in the coming months?
I will be at stores in the Dallas Fort Worth area, Geek Out in Burleson, Cowtown Comic Con in October, and wherever I can set up in person. Of course, I will be out and about filming things for the next short film for Path of the Pale Rider. We are MORE than just a comic book, with Riddles on the back of every cover and short films where fans can send in pictures and recordings to be a part of the world itself. I have a few more things up my sleeves I have not revealed yet.
What’s your advice to run a successful KS campaign or some pitfalls to avoid?
My first advice is to plan accordingly. Marketing for a KS should start 30+ days before launch, building buzz about what’s coming. Make sure you cultivate those relationships that have supported your projects in the past. Secondly, budget accordingly. Make sure you know what your products weigh for accurate shipping rates, and be honest about what your print job is really going to cost. Don’t put yourself in a position where you create a goal that is too low for you to produce the issue or too high that the campaign won’t fund in the allotted time. (Research other successful campaigns that resemble yours and ask many questions.)
You have a lot of connections. What are some things others don’t know about and should?
Reach out to local comic book shops! Most are very supportive of Indie Comic Creators. They can help you expand your market. I always take the three-pronged approach. 1: Social Media – Promote your project regularly while running a campaign and between. 2: Comic Cons – Make appearances in person! This crowd is most likely not aware of your social media presence. 3: Podcasts – Make appearances on podcasts of all kinds to attract new audiences! Don’t just do comic ones. See if there are pods about your genre as well. There are horror pods, zombie pods, and more that I have been on that have much success.
You get the last word. Do you have any closing comments?
Stay in the fight, my friends! Like everything, You will have good and bad days on this journey. The key is consistency and proper planning. And Time. The longer you stay active, the more time you have to find your audience. At times, we all want to quit. Lean on your community; they will help you focus and stay on the Path. Remember… the BEST stories all come from indie. I can’t wait to read yours!
