<![CDATA[TRADECRAFT]]>https://jalexmorrissey.substack.comhttps://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!AoQb!,w_256,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fce06fab0-6b54-4c35-b3b1-14454c0439b8_900x900.pngTRADECRAFThttps://jalexmorrissey.substack.comSubstackSat, 13 Jun 2026 20:23:08 GMT<![CDATA[EPISODE 255 JH WILLIAMS III]]>https://jalexmorrissey.substack.com/p/episode-255-jh-williams-iiihttps://jalexmorrissey.substack.com/p/episode-255-jh-williams-iiiTue, 02 Dec 2025 11:01:48 GMT

JH WILLIAMS III returns to talk about starting his love-letter to comics, ECHOLANDS and where he and the story are four-years in. We get into his passion for pushing the envelope with his visual storytelling, subtext, writing stories in collaboration, and for others.

Want to support TRADECRAFT and be awesome? Please share the show with people who you feel will benefit from these conversations.

If you want to be legendary, consider Buying Me a Coffee!

Learn more about the podcast, and me on my website.

Also, check out my friend Kyle T Webster’s Substack, at THE ACCIDENTAL EXPERT. It’s chockablock full of insightful creative and mindset information.

Thanks for listening!

TRADECRAFT is a community-supported publication and podcast. To receive new posts and podcast episodes, please consider becoming a free subscriber.

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]]><![CDATA[EPISODE 254 MICHEL FIFFE]]>https://jalexmorrissey.substack.com/p/episode-254-michel-fiffehttps://jalexmorrissey.substack.com/p/episode-254-michel-fiffeTue, 25 Nov 2025 11:03:07 GMT

MICHEL FIFFE joins me to talk about his creative journey, wrapping-up his psycho-drama epic COPRA, and the internal conflicts and wealth of unknowns that arose in the wake of this massive change.

Want to support TRADECRAFT and be awesome? Please share the show with people who you feel will benefit from these conversations.

If you want to be legendary, consider Buying Me a Coffee!

Learn more about the podcast, and me on my website.

Also, check out my friend Kyle T Webster’s Substack, at THE ACCIDENTAL EXPERT. It’s chockablock full of insightful creative and mindset information.

Thanks for listening!

TRADECRAFT is a community-supported publication and podcast. To receive new posts and podcast episodes, please consider becoming a free subscriber.

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]]><![CDATA[EPISODE 253 RON MARZ]]>https://jalexmorrissey.substack.com/p/episode-253-ron-marzhttps://jalexmorrissey.substack.com/p/episode-253-ron-marzTue, 18 Nov 2025 11:03:17 GMT

RON MARZ and I talk writing, and his amazing comic book career, on books like SILVER SURFER, BATMAN/ALIENS, GREEN LANTERN, DC vs. MARVEL, and WITCHBLADE. He clarifies the world of video game writing for me. We discuss the value of travel, creative relationships. his passion for prose, and how he remains engaged with his craft. We touch on his upcoming novel project, and have a good old-fashioned jaw about being a writer.

Want to support TRADECRAFT and be awesome? Please share the show with people who you feel will benefit from these conversations.

If you want to be legendary, consider Buying Me a Coffee!

Learn more about the podcast, and me on my website.

Also, check out my friend Kyle T Webster’s Substack, at THE ACCIDENTAL EXPERT. It’s chockablock full of insightful creative and mindset information.

Thanks for listening!

TRADECRAFT is a community-supported publication and podcast. To receive new posts and podcast episodes, please consider becoming a free subscriber.

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]]><![CDATA[EPISODE 252 INKER'S ROUNDTABLE]]>https://jalexmorrissey.substack.com/p/episode-252-inkers-roundtablehttps://jalexmorrissey.substack.com/p/episode-252-inkers-roundtableTue, 11 Nov 2025 11:02:12 GMT

DEXTER VINES, SANDRA HOPE, and KARL STORY join me to talk about the true art and value of traditional inking in an age when digital art dominates the medium and how they’ve stayed so employable.

With over a hundred years of comic book experience in this one, these pros tell stories and serve wisdom. These are some of the best inkers working in the business, and their longevity is testament to their craft. So grab a brush, and join in.

Dexter

Sandra

Karl

Want to support TRADECRAFT and be awesome? Please share the show with people who you feel will benefit from these conversations.

If you want to be legendary, consider Buying Me a Coffee!

Learn more about the podcast, and me on my website.

Also, check out my friend Kyle T Webster’s Substack, at THE ACCIDENTAL EXPERT. It’s chockablock full of insightful creative and mindset information.

Thanks for listening!

TRADECRAFT is a community-supported publication and podcast. To receive new posts and podcast episodes, please consider becoming a free subscriber.

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]]><![CDATA[EPISODE 251 JOHN WORKMAN]]>https://jalexmorrissey.substack.com/p/episode-251-john-workmanhttps://jalexmorrissey.substack.com/p/episode-251-john-workmanTue, 04 Nov 2025 11:02:02 GMT

JOHN WORKMAN joins me to talk about a life in comics, and other passions. We cover the highlights, like working for HEAVY METAL, lettering MÖBIUS, the ALIEN graphic novel, lettering THOR and RAGNAROK with Walter Simonson, and so many other stories that you’ll just have to listen ‘em all. sa

Want to support TRADECRAFT and be awesome? Please share the show with people who you feel will benefit from these conversations.

If you want to be legendary, consider Buying Me a Coffee!

Learn more about the podcast, and me on my website.

Also, check out my friend Kyle T Webster’s Substack, at THE ACCIDENTAL EXPERT. It’s chockablock full of insightful creative and mindset information.

Thanks for listening!

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]]><![CDATA[EPISODE 250 CHRISTOPHER GOLDEN]]>https://jalexmorrissey.substack.com/p/episode-250-christopher-goldenhttps://jalexmorrissey.substack.com/p/episode-250-christopher-goldenTue, 28 Oct 2025 12:02:41 GMT

CHRISTOPHER GOLDEN joins me for as close to a Halloween Spookfest as it gets around here. We talk about his immense and impressive career as an author of so many loved—and feared—books. His latest novel THE NIGT BIRDS, the co-edited anthology THE END OF THE WORLD AS WE KNOW IT, with Brain Keene, and his thirty-year creative partnership with MIKE MIGNOLA.

Want to support TRADECRAFT and be awesome? Please share the show with people who you feel will benefit from these conversations.

If you want to be legendary, consider Buying Me a Coffee!

Learn more about the podcast, and me on my website.

Also, check out my friend Kyle T Webster’s Substack, at THE ACCIDENTAL EXPERT. It’s chockablock full of insightful creative and mindset information.

Thanks for listening!

TRADECRAFT is a community-supported publication and podcast. To receive new posts and podcast episodes, please consider becoming a free subscriber.

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]]><![CDATA[EPISODE 249 SOPHIE CAMPBELL]]>https://jalexmorrissey.substack.com/p/episode-249-sophie-campbellhttps://jalexmorrissey.substack.com/p/episode-249-sophie-campbellTue, 21 Oct 2025 10:03:12 GMT

SOPHIE CAMPBELL returns after four years to talk about life after TEENAGE MUTANT NINJA TURTLES, her writing duties on MOTHRA: QUEEN OF THE MONSTERS, and how things go as the writer/artist on SUPERGIRL. We catch up on lots of career and process stuff, plus talk about managing distractions, and much more.

Want to support TRADECRAFT and be awesome? Please share the show with people who you feel will benefit from these conversations.

If you want to be legendary, consider Buying Me a Coffee!

Learn more about the podcast, and me on my website.

Also, check out my friend Kyle T Webster’s Substack, at THE ACCIDENTAL EXPERT. It’s chockablock full of insightful creative and mindset information.

Thanks for listening!

TRADECRAFT is a community-supported publication and podcast. To receive new posts and podcast episodes, please consider becoming a free subscriber.

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]]><![CDATA[EPISODE 248 PAUL POPE]]>https://jalexmorrissey.substack.com/p/episode-248-paul-popehttps://jalexmorrissey.substack.com/p/episode-248-paul-popeTue, 14 Oct 2025 10:00:19 GMT

Modern comicbook maverick, PAUL POPE joins me to talk about being an American manga artist, how he built his publishing career, and what he has in store. We discuss his process in-depth, BATTLING BOY, and the new collection of his seminal series, THB from 23rd St comics.

Want to support TRADECRAFT and be awesome? Please share the show with people who you feel will benefit from these conversations.

If you want to be legendary, consider Buying Me a Coffee!

Learn more about the podcast, and me on my website.

Also, check out my friend Kyle T Webster’s Substack, at THE ACCIDENTAL EXPERT. It’s chockablock full of insightful creative and mindset information.

Thanks for listening!

TRADECRAFT is a community-supported publication and podcast. To receive new posts and podcast episodes, please consider becoming a free subscriber.

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]]><![CDATA[EPISODE 247 CHRIS SCHWEIZER]]>https://jalexmorrissey.substack.com/p/episode-247-chris-schweizerhttps://jalexmorrissey.substack.com/p/episode-247-chris-schweizerTue, 07 Oct 2025 10:02:06 GMT

The super-talented, Chris Schweizer joins me for an in-depth conversation about his upcoming web-serialized graphic novel, OUTLAW’S APPRENTICE. We discuss story creation, writing, lettering, structure, panel and page format, crowdfunding, AND how the book will look in print. This one’s chock-a-block with great stuff.

Want to support TRADECRAFT and be awesome? Please share the show with people who you feel will benefit from these conversations.

If you want to be legendary, consider Buying Me a Coffee!

Learn more about the podcast, and me on my website.

Also, check out my friend Kyle T Webster’s Substack, at THE ACCIDENTAL EXPERT. It’s chockablock full of insightful creative and mindset information.

Thanks for listening!

TRADECRAFT is a community-supported publication and podcast. To receive new posts and podcast episodes, please consider becoming a free subscriber.

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]]><![CDATA[EPISODE 246 JIMMY PALMIOTTI]]>https://jalexmorrissey.substack.com/p/episode-246-jimmy-palmiottihttps://jalexmorrissey.substack.com/p/episode-246-jimmy-palmiottiTue, 30 Sep 2025 10:24:59 GMT

Jimmy Palmiotti and I weave through his career, and take stock of his work ethic, calculated risks, and the value personal relationships in the business of comics. We talk about his writing process, and how he approached comics like JONAH HEX, HARLEY QUINN, DAREDEVIL, DEADLY TALES of the GUNSLINGER, AND PUNISHER.

DEEP SEA Kickstarter https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/creatorownedheroes/deep-sea-graphic-novel

Want to support TRADECRAFT and be awesome? Please share the show with people who you feel will benefit from these conversations.

If you want to be legendary, consider Buying Me a Coffee!

Learn more about the podcast, and me on my website.

https://www.jalexmorrissey.com

Also, check out my friend Kyle T Webster’s Substack, at THE ACCIDENTAL EXPERT. It’s chockablock full of insightful creative and mindset information.

Thanks for listening!

TRADECRAFT is a community-supported publication and podcast. To receive new posts and podcast episodes, please consider becoming a free subscriber.

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]]><![CDATA[EPISODE 245 MIKE OEMING]]>https://jalexmorrissey.substack.com/p/episode-245-mike-oeminghttps://jalexmorrissey.substack.com/p/episode-245-mike-oemingTue, 23 Sep 2025 10:03:19 GMT

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Mike Oeming stops by to talk about his career, and how reframing what success was for him, led to an artistic breakthrough that not only reignited his passion for comics, but kicked his career into overdrive.

With comics like; POWERS, THE MICE TEMPLAR, BULLET PROOF MONK, THOR, CAVE CARSON, DICK TRACY, AVENGERS, and WILLIAM OF NEWBURY, Mike’s a force of nature.

If you missed the bulletins, Mike and the rest of the team have returned for a new, ongoing series with, POWERS 25. Out now, from Dark Horse.

Want to support TRADECRAFT and be awesome? Please share the show with people who you feel will benefit from these conversations.

If you want to be legendary, consider Buying Me a Coffee!

Learn more about the podcast, and me on my website.

Also, check out my friend Kyle T Webster’s Substack, at THE ACCIDENTAL EXPERT. It’s chockablock full of insightful creative and mindset information.

Thanks for listening!

TRADECRAFT is a community-supported publication and podcast. To receive new posts and podcast episodes, please consider becoming a free subscriber.

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]]><![CDATA[EPISODE 244 NICK FILARDI]]>https://jalexmorrissey.substack.com/p/episode-244-nick-filardihttps://jalexmorrissey.substack.com/p/episode-244-nick-filardiTue, 16 Sep 2025 10:02:39 GMT

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Nick Filardi returns to talk coloring, film, and his recent comic writing project for the ISLANDS IN THE SKY Kickstarter. He’s super busy with comics like POWERS 25, MURDER PODCAST, CAT NINJA, EC COMICS, TASTE OF JUSTICE, and CULT OF THE LAMB. While hard to spot on social media, Nick can be found on your LCS racks, and his Discord Server.

ISLANDS IN THE SKY Kickstarter

https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/appalachiacomics/appalachia-comics-project

Nick’s “Ultimate Portfolio” of curated comics coloring practice pages

https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fo/cexqmcf9j1jn73i7ory5e/AGuqiFrGyObxF_SS5hlkqQ8?rlkey=ko27co0xibyt8ckzszdewveq3&e=1&dl=0

Want to support TRADECRAFT and be awesome? Please share the show with people who you feel will benefit from these conversations.

If you want to be legendary, consider Buying Me a Coffee!

Learn more about the podcast, and me on my website.

Also, check out my friend Kyle T Webster’s Substack, at THE ACCIDENTAL EXPERT. It’s chockablock full of insightful creative and mindset information.

Thanks for listening!

TRADECRAFT is a community-supported publication and podcast. To receive new posts and podcast episodes, please consider becoming a free subscriber.

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]]><![CDATA[I'M BATMAN]]>https://jalexmorrissey.substack.com/p/im-batmanhttps://jalexmorrissey.substack.com/p/im-batmanSun, 14 Sep 2025 21:39:51 GMT

To say life is busy in our neck of the woods arcs over our shoulders and clatters in the understatement bin. Ignoring the demands of regular client work, my unbelievable wife is preparing piece after piece for her first solo museum show with the Spartanburg Art Museum—all knowing that an expanded version of this show will travel to the Reece Museum in January for her second solo exhibit. Aside from moral support and general grunt work, rigging and installing art for photography and display, image retouching, show postcard, and catalog design are my contribution to the undertaking, which all pales compared to the work she has to do for each piece, and oversee every element for these shows. To pile more on, there’s plenty going on with my writing, and the podcast.

Every night, unless kept awake by anxiety, we pass out for a sound night’s sleep—save a few nights ago. Molly woke me up saying, “I hear something.” Though bleary-eyed, I heard something in the pitch. A soft scraping sound that I mistook for paper fluttering on top of the HVAC vent in the floor. She snapped the light on, and nothing, no paper or sound. My mind went to the idea of a mouse in our house, doing mouse things. Out of the bed, we both looked around, me in her closet, Molly next to the bed. When I turned around, I discovered the answer.

Circling the ceiling perimeter, and deftly avoiding the whirling blades of the ceiling fan, was a Mammalia Chiroptera. I cried, “Bat.” Molly said, “Where?” and hunched over to avoid the winged mammal. A moment later she bolted from the bedroom. Rather than try to catch the little guy, I pulled the bedroom door wide open, and a few aerial laps later, it slipped out and into the living room. I closed the curtain between the hallway and living room and followed. Molly closed the door to the front room of our small bungalow house and rushed toward the kitchen yelling, “I’ll get the broom!”

“I’m ready for combat. I have a shield, she shook the towel, and a weapon. She brandished the broom like a lance.”

The last thing I wanted was to hurt the poor thing or whack our stuff. The bat had resumed flying laps, with the only egress that led into a brightly lit kitchen. I stood in the corner, and the bat made no moves toward me, so I played a hunch. Playing brave, I walked across the living room toward the front door, as the bat looped around the room, and kept away from my head. I opened the door and stood there for another lap, then walked onto the porch with the entry wide open. I saw the bat make another lap, but spotted an interesting juke in its turn. Them, on the next pass, it repeated the juke and flew out the door and into the comfort of darkness.

A second later I heard Molly say, “I’m ready for combat.” “I have a shield,” she shook the towel, “and a weapon.” She brandished the broom like a lance. I closed the door, and we hugged in tired laughter.

I searched around the next day and couldn’t find how the little fella had found a way in. Either it bypassed the chimney cap and wriggled down, but there were no soot marks to be found. I found it hard to believe it found a way into the basement, then John McClane’d its way through the ducting and into our bedroom. As with the soot, I didn’t spot the bat wearing a tiny wife-beater. Our best guess. The beastie found its way around the window fan and screen.

All that being said, I had my Bruce Wayne moment, where I faced down my fear of bats. So, the logical response is to undertake a life of nocturnal crime-fighting. Right? Except, I really like to get a solid seven hours of sleep, and my car isn’t up to snuff for high-speed action. Maybe I’ll stick with righting wrongs in my stories, and pointing out moving violations to my patient wife.

More after the break…

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The Podcast

Wait, did you mention the podcast?

Yes, yes, I did. If you missed the podcast or the few social media posts mentioning its return, here’s the official rundown.

I visited HeroesCon25 in search of motivation and/or support to restart the podcast. In short, I found a good supply of both, but left [late] on Saturday night with far fewer guest confirmations than in previous years. I never located the people I wanted to talk to on the map, so I wandered and had lengthy conversations with old friends, past guests and a few potentials.

Midday Friday, longtime buddy, and past guest Todd Dezago and I lamented our podcasting woes. As we chatted, he mentioned how he wanted to write and produce segments for the next season—a set number of episodes. The idea boomed like a gong in my head. Despite my organizing the past episodes into folders marked Season 5, Season 6, Season 7, etc., I couldn’t believe I’d never thought to produce a set number of episodes in advance and release them as a season.

This revelation propelled me to retool the entire show. The first thing I did was to enlist the help of listeners, guests, and friends. The wisest counsel came from Nick Filardi. “…do as much as you’d like to do. Burnout is the enemy.” This became my North Star. The current model is two twelve-episode seasons a year. Two silly seasons of recording and editing, then three months of posting one a week. Along with the revised model, I ran the show brand by J Gonzo and Jeremy Brooks, and the results feel like an identity the podcast deserves.

Old Skool Graphic (L) & New Skool Graphic (R)

As far as the guests go, I remain committed to speaking with as diverse a range of creators as possible. But I’ve tinkered with a couple of episode formats. One is a small two-to three guests roundtable, focused on a specific subject. The second will feature a conversation with an author I dig.

My goal is to make the show a better experience for me, the guests, and the listeners.

So, get ready, because Episode 1 of Season 18 drops September 16th an publishes every Tuesday for twelve weeks.

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Learn more about the podcast, and me on my website.

The Book

Meanwhile, my book was stuck in the same personal quagmire as the podcast.

I won’t minimize the impact Hurricane Helen had on our area, and our household, but a month ago, but in late July I had a personal reckoning. If I could restart the podcast, I could do the same with the book. Besides, my ego couldn’t handle having an author on the podcast with this unfinished draft looming in my psyche.

So, I examined why I wasn't writing and realized it was just a story I crafted to avoid the unknowns waiting at the end of the book. Armed with Molly’s encouragement, I made my mornings sacrosanct. Outside of emails, I committed to finishing the book.

The first week was a struggle. I didn’t get very far on day one, but stuck to the process. Sit down at 9 AM, put on the noise-cancelling headphones with brown sound or jazz playing, start the Pomodoro timer, and begin typing. Full disclosure, I used my ADHD meds on the first two days, then went alone after. By the second week, the first week of real writing, the numbers shot back up to drafting speed—1500-2000 words in a four-hour session.

I finished the book in three weeks, and typed the six letters that mean the world to every would-be author, “the end.”

Now I’m between drafts. I don’t charge directly into the next. I need some creative distance. In these two-to three months, I put some time into other writing projects. Like editing a friend’s comic, and putting together a pitch for a graphic novel, or developing a new novel idea. After a few weeks, I get an itch to get back to the novel. That’s when I read the book with my trusty red pen. I also put together a revision guide to help me collect and focus on the intended changes. These will be notes and edits from the read-through, putting the hundred-plus notes collected over the previous draft in chronological order, and addressing holistic adjustments to the book. Once I have these, I’ll add them to the next draft manuscript, and begin the rewrite.

It’s no exaggeration when I say the revision guide is as hard as a draft. For me.

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What’s Cool

I’ll make this quick. You check out every book and graphic novel I read, or listen to here.

Cormac McCarthy’s ALL THE PRETTY HORSES, Robert Thorogood’s THE MARLOW MURDER CLUB, and THE POWER BROKER by Robert Caro lead the prose list while Paul Pope’s BATMAN; YEAR 100 and Jesse Lonergan’s DROME are two stand outs in the comicbook department.

Regarding film. With the release of Spike Lee’s HIGHEST LOWEST, we rewatched Akira Kurosawa’s HIGH AND LOW. It’s a rare gift to have two amazing directors and leads tackle the same original story, and make them of their time. I’m going to track down a copy of KING’S RANSOM by Evan Hunter, the story both films are based on. I’d love to see the story from the original point of view.

Oh, check the schedules of you local multiplex theaters. Our do single-day screenings of classic films. This week a buddy and I caught John Carpenter’s THE THING on the big screen. It’s an unbelievable value at matanee prices.

Make sure to listen to this week’s episode of the TRADECRAFT PODCAST, with comicbook colorist, Nick Filardi.

Thanks for reading!

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]]><![CDATA[EPISODE 243 SHELLY BOND]]>https://jalexmorrissey.substack.com/p/episode-243-shawn-shelly-bondhttps://jalexmorrissey.substack.com/p/episode-243-shawn-shelly-bondTue, 24 Jun 2025 09:02:11 GMT

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Shelly Bond joins me to talk about editing, Bowie, Vertigo, The Clash, AND the magic of comics. We also talk about her brilliant, and sorely needed book on editing comics, FILTH & GRAMMAR from Off-Register Press. We also threaten to settle the Oasis/Blur debate once and for all, but wisely get back to talkin’ ’bout comics.

https://www.offregister.press/product-page/filth-grammar-softcover-book

Want to support TRADECRAFT and be awesome? Please share the show with people who you feel will benefit from these conversations.

If you want to be legendary, consider Buying Me a Coffee!

Learn more about the podcast, and me on my website.

Also, check out my friend Kyle T Webster’s Substack, at THE ACCIDENTAL EXPERT. It’s chockablock full of insightful creative and mindset information.

Thanks for listening!

TRADECRAFT is a community-supported publication and podcast. To receive new posts and podcast episodes, please consider becoming a free subscriber.

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]]><![CDATA[Finding Momentum]]> going.]]>https://jalexmorrissey.substack.com/p/finding-momentumhttps://jalexmorrissey.substack.com/p/finding-momentumWed, 18 Jun 2025 18:37:27 GMT

Momentum is one of the most powerful tools can posses. With it, we can move mountains without a sense of great effort. When we have it, we may take it for granted. But when we lose it, the thought of what it takes to regain it seems beyond our grasp.

As some of you know, we live in Asheville and our life changed in the wake of Hurricane Helene. It was during that first month without modern utilities, like water and electricity, when I lost momentum with writing and the podcast. Survival, recovery, trauma processing, and holidays left little room to do anything but focus on life and work. During that time, I struggled to publish an episode. It took well over a month of false starts and a final mad scramble to release my talk with Ryan Sook by mid-January. While I felt bad I’d fallen behind on the podcast, it was nothing compared to the growing well of self-loathing connected toward my writing. Or lack thereof.

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This dark undercurrent didn’t go unnoticed, and with the support of my wife, I took most of February off for a writing retreat in the Colorado mountains. No skiing, no guitar, or podcast—just work back into the manuscript. In the end, I got there and discovered a new process tool. While I love doing the podcast, I can’t take this sort of time off to focus on the show. I had to find another way back in.

“You’ve done the thing you love more than you haven’t over the last X weeks/months/years. So acknowledge that effort.”

Two weeks ago, I committed to publish another episode before I went to HeroesCon. Maybe build some momentum too. That guest was Shawn Crystal. For those who didn’t listen to the episode, Shawn is a comicbook creator, illustrator, educator, and nascent tattoo artist. He also heads the long-standing and successful podcast, INKPULP. There, he focuses on the making of comicbooks, and serves as an inspiration for many. Then, as if divine, I saw Shawn launched his first craft-based Kickstarter book. It was time to honor my word, support the guest, and the comicbook community.

Check out Shawn's Kickstarter

During my edit of the podcast, Shawn and I talked about how everyone gives themselves shit for breaking a streak. Miss a day-or-two with any self-improvement, and the personal vultures sharpen their beaks. Shawn’s prescient advice was, “Widen your lens and look at the bigger picture. You’ve done the thing you love more than you haven’t over the last X weeks/months/years. So acknowledge that effort. Don’t beat yourself up, and move forward.”

Self-loathing is a simple survival mechanism to maintain momentum, but it doesn’t take much to slide into a negative place and work against us. Over the post-hurricane months, I felt close to giving up. I grew hypersensitive. Every time I saw another podcast post a past guest, or someone I hoped to talk with, I wondered if I should pack it in. What value is it to others, let alone me?

But a few things worked me back from the edge of abandoning the show. First, I there were two recorded episodes, and I had to honor a social contract with those guests. Second, friends of the podcast checked in. No pressure to keep the show going, but see if I was okay. This reminded me I wasn’t alone. Third, and far more unexpected, a new listener purchased a TRADECRAFT membership on Substack. I reached out to thank them and assuage some guilt because of lack of productivity. They said they were in a state of professional and creative, and found the podcast an inspiration. I wasn’t alone, and the conversations had their intended effect. So I recorded a bonus talk with Shawn and published.

(thank you all)

Listen to Shawn's Episode

More after the break…

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Next up for the podcast, editor extraordinaire Shelly Bond's episode publishes next week, on the heels of a much-needed comicbook recharge—HeroesCon! Aside from being my favorite convention, filled with friends and past guests, I still have a long list of future podcast guests. I won’t declare the momentum is back, but I’m taking the steps to regain it with the podcast. I’ve put out more weekly episodes over the last six years than I haven’t.

The same thinking applies to my writing. I’ve produced a lot of work on the page in the last eight years. I’ve written myself out of more than one dry spell. This comes from three places. 1. Maintaining a rregular schedule, meditating, using my Pomodoro timer, listening to music with noise-cancelling headphones, and prescribed ADHD medication—when needed. 2. Write anywhere I can—no matter how weird the spot. 3. Keep reading for craft inspiration. 4. Write in notebooks and my trusty legal pad to loosen-up my thinking, just like I did as a comic book artist.

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What’s cool?

Among the two areas mentioned above, I’ve done a terrible job posting my reading list. I’m 14 books behind, and sure to add a few more to that list before I post them. Here’s a preview of the authors to come; Cormac McCarthy, Robert Crais, Terry Pratchett, Rav V, John le Carré, Paula Hawkins, Kazuo Ishiguro, Ernest Hemingway, and Robert Caro.

The Devils Joe Abercrombie’s lates novel. Set in an entirely new world, that just so happens to be an alternate history of Mediterranean Europe—with magic. A D&D adventure written as a dark comedy. I’m a third in and I only wish I had more hours in the day to read. One of the best in the genre showing off his gift for voice.

Andor Season 2 This is some of the best television. If you like drama, thrillers, spy stories, prison break outs, heist movies, war stories, and various other genres, this two season series has it all—all at the highest level. You don’t have to be a Star Wars fan to love this. But if you are, it’s the best Star Wars since Star Wars.

Justified One of the side-effects of not having cable since the ‘80s is missing a lot of TV. After subscribing to Disney+ for Andor, it opened the door to a lot of shows from FX and Hulu. I dig Timothy Olyphant, and the show–though rife with production stylings of the time—is filled with solid stories and great characters/actors. In some weird way I feel it’s the country cousin to Tom Sellick’s Magnum PI series.

Feel free to tip me off to something cool to read, listen, or watch.

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]]><![CDATA[EPISODE 242 SHAWN CRYSTAL]]>https://jalexmorrissey.substack.com/p/episode-242-shawn-crystalhttps://jalexmorrissey.substack.com/p/episode-242-shawn-crystalTue, 10 Jun 2025 10:02:47 GMT

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Shawn Crystal joins me to talk about his creative life as a comic book artist and illustrator, long-time podcaster with INKPULP, burgeoning path as tattoo artist. We dive into the mental side of the career, and Shawn generously shares his efforts to develop multiple revenue streams to grow his creativity.

Since there’s been a nine-month gap since the original recording, and Shawn is in the middle of his first INKPULP Kickstarter campaign with his craft book, CYAN, it was the perfect time to reconnect and hear an update on how his plans have gone. Make sure to check out the campaign. https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/inkpulp/inkpulp-cyan

Want to support TRADECRAFT and be awesome? Please share the show with people who you feel will benefit from these conversations.

If you want to be legendary, consider Buying Me a Coffee!

Learn more about the podcast, and me on my website.

Also, check out my friend Kyle T Webster’s Substack, at THE ACCIDENTAL EXPERT. It’s chockablock full of insightful creative and mindset information.

Thanks for listening!

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]]><![CDATA[EPISODE 241 RYAN SOOK]]>https://jalexmorrissey.substack.com/p/episode-241-ryan-sookhttps://jalexmorrissey.substack.com/p/episode-241-ryan-sookTue, 14 Jan 2025 11:03:19 GMT

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The madly talented Ryan Sook returns to the podcast to talk about his new limited series, BLACK CANARY, with Tom King, for DC Comics. We shop nearly the entire episode, and trade some of the highs and lows of our careers.

Past guest, Andrew Robinson (episode 159) and his family lost their home in the Eaton fire that devastated Altadena, CA. While he and his family are safe, Andrew lost his studio and artwork in the blaze. So they started a GoFundMe to help them get back on their feet.

If you can help please do.

https://www.gofundme.com/f/support-andrew-robinsons-art-and-recovery

Want to support TRADECRAFT and be, well, awesome? Please share the show with people who you feel will enjoy these conversations.

Learn more about the podcast, and me on my website.

Also, check out my friend Kyle T Webster’s Substack, at THE ACCIDENTAL EXPERT. It’s chockablock full of insightful creative and mindset information.

Thanks for listening!

TRADECRAFT is a community-supported publication and podcast. To receive new posts and podcast episodes, please consider becoming a free subscriber.

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]]><![CDATA[Bookshelf '24]]>https://jalexmorrissey.substack.com/p/bookshelf-24https://jalexmorrissey.substack.com/p/bookshelf-24Wed, 01 Jan 2025 13:01:20 GMT

Heya and Happy New Year!

Last year’s resolution was to read/listen to more books and graphic novels, and share them on social media. Looking back at 2023, I wasn’t great at sharing what I read. By year end, my total count was—for me—a respectable 36. Of course this became an external accountability tool to encourage more reading in 2024.

The low-hanging fruit was more audiobooks, but hold my head up high, I needed to push my printed book count. This required more time dedicated to reading, and—as crazy as it sounds—reading faster. Reading fiction quickly is tough, as my emotional connection to the story determines the pace. If I’m not feeling it, I read slow. Of course, the reverse holds true. But non-fiction was just a matter of practice to increase the information input rate over the year. As I said, last year, I’m not a fast reader.

The process wasn’t easy, and embarrassing. I use my finger to skim across the lines of text to guide my eye. Yes, the very same technique used to teach children reading is part of the “speed-reading” toolkit. I won’t go into the physiological reasons for this, but it works. Aside from the potential laughs from others, the toughest part is relaxing your mind, but not drifting off. Just like regular reading, you have to track back to where you last remember, but in this case, it can be a half page away. When it works, the pages fly by. Well, fly by for me.

The combination of increased and dedicated reading/listening time, paired with a faster reading pace pushed my read pile from 36 to 56. Let see how it all went down.

January through March led with a mix of three short printed books. A re-read of CALL OF THE WILD kicked the year off, then a writing craft book by Haruki Murakami, and THE WAR OF ART. Two long audio books, that chewed up way more time than I hoped. Also three graphic novels. Two by guests of the podcast, Beth Hetland, Jason Copland, and I’d love to get Paul Grist on someday.

I picked the pace up April through June. That’s a 150% uptick for the math-minded. Six pretty pacy audiobooks. I really enjoyed my first foray into the book worlds of John Le Carré and Michael Connelly. Four graphic novels, by three podcast guests; André Lima Araújo, M.S. Harkness, and J. H.. Williams III.—of course I’d love to have Jeff Smith on too! Only two printed books; THE ROAD and BARBARIAN DAYS. (both I highly recommend)

July through September was another 150% increase. I sustained this pace for the rest of the year. (I don’t know how I can increase that without becoming a full-time reader. If you have a lead on that job, please let me know.) Four printed books. Two are brilliant reference/craft books, one a telling of STAR WARS in iambic pentameter, and the fourth penned by my first comic book editor, Fabian Nicieza. If you like crime novels in unique settings, this might be your next favorite read.

With seven graphic novels, I must have been in full-podcast mode. I do try and read as much of my guest’s work. Daniel Warren Johnson is one of the current superstars in comics and his heart-warming and action packed stories always deliver. Book two in a three book, post apocalyptic genre mash-up series PHENOMENA. (a blast) And, as I was out of the comic book world for a decade and a half, I missed out and all the good stuff between 2000 and 2015. Nestled in that period is a book [now] living on my all-time favorite’s shelf, BATTLING BOY, by Paul Pope. (also welcome on the podcast)

Seven more audio books round out the quarter. Though the FOURTH TURNING, was intriguing, I learned that I struggle listening to non-fiction audiobooks. My ongoing tour through Terry Pratchett’s DISCWORLD continues. THE HOTEL NEW HAMPSHIRE was an uproarious familial tale, and I opted to do my re-read of the LORD OF THE RINGS series in audio this time. If you haven’t heard these new released, narrated by Andy Serkis, please do. They’re glorious.

With Hurricane Helene, our life changed here in Asheville during October through December, but I kept reading. Six printed books filled my days. A re-read of an all-time favorite, THE YIDDISH POLICEMAN’S UNION, by Michael Chabon. A wonderful examination of work in SHOP CLASS AS SOULCRAFT. Plus two motivating craft books (of a sort) by Haruki Murakami, and Rick Rubin.

I found JADE CITY, by Fonda Lee a refreshing look at the fantasy genre, and the standout among the six audio books.

To keep the numbers even I rounded out the year with six more graphic novels. For fans of post-apocolyptic fantasy adventures, it doesn’t get much better than KAYA, but Wes Craig. If you like your action in the form of giant monsters, then James Harren’s ULTRAMEGA is you jam. But if you prefer your graphic novels to be heavy, not just in size, but subject, then Barry Windsor Smith’s MONSTERS tips the scales.

You can check out each post for every book on the Bookshelf ‘24 page on my website. Here.

If you care to keep up to date in 2025, you can follow along on Instagram, Bluesky, and Twitter.

I’m putting together a Bookshop.org page, in order to make it easy for you to pick up thee books, support indie book shops, and what I do here. Check them out, and stay tuned for updates on that.

Want to support TRADECRAFT and be awesome? Please share the show with people who you feel will benefit from these conversations.

Learn more about the podcast, and me on my website.

If you feel we connect, why not Buy Me a Coffee to support the podcast. It’s a BIG help.

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]]><![CDATA[It Published I Promise]]>https://jalexmorrissey.substack.com/p/it-published-i-promisehttps://jalexmorrissey.substack.com/p/it-published-i-promiseTue, 17 Sep 2024 15:28:36 GMTUnclear why this episode failed to send out an email notification. But fear not, it’s there. Just click the link below to go directly to the episode.

Sorry for any confusion.

👆 Link 👆

TRADECRAFT is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.

Enjoy the episode!

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]]><![CDATA[EPISODE 240 PAUL AZACETA]]>https://jalexmorrissey.substack.com/p/episode-240-paul-azacetahttps://jalexmorrissey.substack.com/p/episode-240-paul-azacetaTue, 17 Sep 2024 09:01:59 GMT

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Paul Azaceta joins me and we talk about everything in this one. Paul shares his thinking and loves when it comes to comics. We talk about his work on OUTCAST, and his forthcoming Image title THE SEASONS, with Rick Remender. He also shares a lot about the yet to be titled limited series Paul wrote and drew!

Want to support TRADECRAFT and be awesome? Please share the show with people who you feel will benefit from these conversations.

Learn more about the podcast, and me on my website.

Also, check out my friend Kyle T Webster’s Substack, at THE ACCIDENTAL EXPERT. It’s chockablock full of insightful creative and mindset information.

Thanks for listening!

TRADECRAFT is a community-supported publication and podcast. To receive new posts and podcast episodes, please consider becoming a free subscriber.

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