Episode 37 - The Trials of Starting Your Own Comic Publisher (with Shaun Keenan of Comics2Movies)

In this episode, Under the Mask Podcast is heading Down Under, and talking with an award-winning comic writer and creator, and the director of Australian-based publisher Comics2Movies. Shaun Keenan’s book, XCT, recently won “Best Comic” at the AFIN International Film Festival.

He’s launching a brand new book, Talos of Sparta, and we’re talking about the trials and tribulations of balancing a writing career while also starting up a publishing house.

My only regret is Shaun never once said “Crickey” in the entire episode…

Talos of Sparta is LIVE ON KICKSTARTER through 11/29/20. You can support it HERE!

Enjoy!

SHOW NOTES:

Talos of Sparta Kickstarter Campaign - www.kickstarter.com/projects/2067957354/talos-of-sparta

Comics 2 Movies Website - www.comics2movies.com.au

SOCIAL MEDIA:

Facebook - @Comics2Movies

Twitter - @comics_2_movies

Instagram - @comics2movies

Episode 36 - How to Publish (and Crowdfund) A Dozen Issues (with Tart Writer/Creator Kevin Joseph)

In this episode, I’m talking with Tart writer and creator Kevin Joseph. Kevin has published and crowdfunded a dozen issues of Tart, which is a huge accomplishment for an independent comic.

We talk about how he did it, and why your fans and followers are always the most important piece of the puzzle!

Enjoy!

Tart is LIVE ON KICKSTARTER through 11/27/20. Go support it HERE!

SHOW NOTES:

Tart #1 - 12 Kickstarter - www.kickstarter.com/projects/tartcomic/tart-1-12-demons-devils-and-demagogues

SOCIAL MEDIA:

Twitter - @KevinJosephCMX

Facebook - @tartofficial

Instagram - @KevinJosephCMX

Episode 33 - Writing Stories that Matter! (With Frank Gogol of Source Point Press)

In this episode of Under the Mask, I talk with acclaimed writer Frank Gogol, writer of Grief, Dead End Kids, and No Heroine. Frank’s first work was nominated for a Ringo award, and his next works won him Best Writer and Best New Series at the Independent Creator Awards. We talk about how’s built up his career as a writer, his relationship with Source Point Press, and his latest book coming out next year!

Dead End Kids: The Suburban Job is coming to your local comic book shop on January 27th, 2021. Don’t get left behind; Source Point Press books are notorious for selling out! Be sure to pre-order DEK, and to make it extra easy for your shop, bring them the preview code NOV201523 to make their job extra easy!

SHOW NOTES:

Sign up to Frank’s Newsletter “Caption Boxes” HERE

Frank Gogol’s Professional Website - www.frankgogol.com

SOCIAL MEDIA:

Facebook - @frankgogol

Twitter - @frankgogol

Instagram - @frankgogol

Episode 32 - Is This The Most Epic Independent Crossover Ever?! (Featuring Lawrence James King)

This November, Under the Mask is kicking it up a notch by offering not one, but TWO interviews the first two weeks of the month. There’s just that many creators reaching out to me to be on the show! Thank you for you support!

This episode, I’m talking with Lawrence James King, the owner and CEO of Constant Hustle Comics, and the writer and creator of the comics Avery the Amazing and The Last Line.

Constant Hustle has teamed up with Wingless Comics and Concept Moon Studios to create an epic indie crossover unlike any you’ve ever seen. NIGHTFALL follows the three company’s biggest hitters as they face a secret order with plans to dominate the world…and threaten existence itself!

SHOW NOTES:

The Multi-Company Crossover, Nightfall, Part 1 is LIVE ON KICKSTARTER through 11/14/20. Go support it HERE!

Constant Hustle Comics’ Website - www.constanthustlecomics.com

SOCIAL MEDIA

Facebook - @ConstantHustleComics

Twitter - @CHustleComics

Instagram - @C.H.Comics

Episode 31 - Networking and Getting Yourself Out There! (featuring Chuck Pineau)

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!

This week, I’m talking with up-and-coming comic creator Chuck Pineau. He’s the writer and editor of the audio drama, Essence House, and his latest project, an action-adventure comedy comic called Belial, is live on Kickstarter.

Chuck’s no stranger to networking. After his first work failed to launch successfully, he realized he needed to build a name for himself. He’s since signed on to edit countless independent comics, and is a mainstay on videos, podcasts, and livestreams on social media and beyond!

We talk about his process writing, what an editor brings the the table, the importance of networking and actually getting yourself out there, and so much more!

Belial is LIVE ON KICKSTARTER now through 11/11/20. Go support it HERE!

Enjoy!

SHOW NOTES & LINKS:

Belial #1 - 2 on Kickstarter - www.kickstarter.com/projects/1551820313/belial-2-make-mine-a-double

Essence House Audio Drama Website - www.essencehousestory.com

Check out Chuck’s YouTube Channel - Chuck’s Raw Reviews

Bonfire Press’ Professional Facebook - www.facebook.com/BonfirePress/

SOCIAL MEDIA

Facebook - @chuckpineau

Twitter - @chuckypin

Instagram - @chuckpineau

Episode 28 - Publishing Your Very First Comic Book! (with Mike McCarthy, writer of Dino-Thrashers)

I’m very lucky that, by producing this podcast, I’m able to talk to many professional (and semi-professional) creators. But today we have a special opportunity to talk to a creator who is on the cusp of his very first launch!

Our guest this week is Mike McCarthy, founder of Wingman Magazine and writer and creator of DINO-THRASHERS. Dino-Thrashers features good and evil anthropomorphic dinosaurs fighting for the fate of the world, and humanity is caught in the crossfire!

We’re talking with Mike about how it feels to launch his very first comic, how he hooked up with his art team, and how his first work was picked up to be published through Ageless Comics Publishing!

Enjoy!

Dino-Thrashers is LIVE ON KICKSTARTER now through 10/31/20. Go check it out HERE!

SHOW NOTES & MORE INFO

Mike’s also the founder of Wingman Magazine. Check it out below

Wingman Magazine - www.wingmanmagazine.com

SOCIAL MEDIA

Dino-Thrashers on Twitter - @DinoThrashers

Dino-Thrashers on Instagram - @DinoThrashers_Comic

Mike’s Personal Instagram - @MJMPhotographsNH

Episode 25.5 - A Candid Discussion With Russell Nohelty

This is a conversation with Russell Nohelty that was left on the cutting room floor. The conversation deals with serious topics, and I felt it dealt with topics too heavy for an episode of Under the Mask. But, both Russell and I agreed that it’s an important topic.

This conversation picks up after I asked Russell for his best advice, usually the final question of the podcast, and a bit of it is rehashed from Episode 26. But most of it is never-before-heard conversation . It’s mostly unedited, though I did edit some sections for brevity’s sake.

SHOW NOTES AND CONTACT INFO:

Russell Nohelty’s Website - www.russellnohelty.com

Wannabe Press Website - www.wannabepress.com

Check out Ichabod Jones: Monster Hunter at www.russellnohelty.com/ichabodvolume2

SOCIAL MEDIA:

Facebook - @russellnohelty

Twitter - @russellnohelty

Instagram - @russellnohelty

Episode 25 - How to Become a Complete Creative in Comics, Novels, and Beyond! (featuring USA Today Best Selling Author Russell Nohelty)

This week, I’m speaking with USA Today Best Selling Author Russell Nohelty, owner of Wannabe Press and writer/author of over a dozen novels, and even more comic books. Since starting Wannabe Press, Russell has raised cumulatively over $200,000 on Kickstarter, and he really is a creator that I look up to. We find out how he did it, how he stays so prolific, and his process when it comes to writing!

Russell’s latest work, Ichabod Jones: Monster Hunter is LIVE ON KICKSTARTER now through October 1st, 2020. Go check it out HERE!

Enjoy!

SHOW NOTES AND CONTACT INFO:

Russell Nohelty’s Website - www.russellnohelty.com

Wannabe Press Website - www.wannabepress.com

Check out Ichabod Jones: Monster Hunter at www.russellnohelty.com/ichabodvolume2

SOCIAL MEDIA:

Facebook - @russellnohelty

Twitter - @russellnohelty

Instagram - @russellnohelty

Episode 23 - How to Write Comic Books Professionally (Special Episode Featuring Bill Coulombe

This week features a very special episode - we bring on an artificial intelligence to interview Under the Mask Podcast host and Kinetic writer Bill Coulombe. We talk about how he got started out writing, and what keeps him going, even when the times seem rough!

Bill’s most recent work is as the the writer on KINETIC:IDENTITITES #1, and it’s available for preorder at our Kickstarter, or just visit www.kineticomic.com now through 9/12/20.

Thanks for listening, and checking out our Kickstarter campaign!

SOCIAL MEDIA

Facebook - @ycomics.net

Twitter - @seattle_ycomics

Instagram - @ycomics.seattle

Website - www.ycomics.net

Episode 17 - Tips and Tricks from a Writer With 20 Years of Professional Experience (With Nick Macari)

This week, I’m talking with Nick Macari. Nick is a freelance story consultant, developmental editor, narrative designer, and writer - and he’s been doing this for over 20 years. As you’d expect, Nick has a TON of experience helping others make the best books they possibly can. I had the chance to pick his brain for about an hour, and this episode is full of practical tips and tricks to up your creative game.

Nick’s most recent work, PEERLESS, is a dark fantasy martial arts comic packed to the brim with all-out action. It’s also live on Kickstarter through 8/10/2020.

Go show some support for Peerless HERE: www.peerlesskungfucomic.com

Nick’s Website - www.nickmacari.com

Want to Level Up Your Storytelling?! Check out his professional workshop for writing and story development: www.storytoscript.com