Portable Hole Podcast

What if history class felt less like memorizing dates and more like stepping into an adventure? In this episode, Ryan speaks with Paul Hebert, founder and creator of Time Enforcers, an educational entertainment project that combines comics, video games, puzzles, tabletop role-playing, and historical research. Paul shares how the idea began during the shift to virtual learning, when he saw students and educators struggling with tools that were not designed to make learning engaging. Drawing on his background in art, graphic design, marketing, gaming, and a lifelong love of comics, he began building a new way for students to interact with history. The conversation explores Paul’s journey from comic-book fan to independent creator, including how he taught himself programming, built the original Time Enforcers game, developed a graphic novel, and expanded the project into tabletop gaming. Ryan and Paul also discuss Universal Design for Learning, student choice, creative persistence, historical accuracy, marketing an independent project, and the challenge of building something ambitious while working full time and raising a family. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Comic creator and writer Trevor Fernandes-Lenkiewicz joins the show to talk about breaking into comics, building an indie publishing career, and turning personal emotions into powerful storytelling. Trevor shares the story of almost landing a role at Marvel right before the COVID shutdowns changed everything — and how that experience pushed him to create his own comics instead of waiting for permission. The conversation dives deep into comic writing, collaborating with artists, scripting visually, Kickstarter strategy, creator ownership, masculinity in storytelling, and the evolution of his books Rise and Heavy. We also get into: Why comics are “the jazz of literature” The balance between emotion and analysis in storytelling Writing scripts as blueprints for artists Building a sustainable indie comics career Kickstarter as both funding and audience-building The importance of owning your intellectual property How Trevor approaches visual storytelling and collaboration If you’re into comics, writing, indie publishing, or creative process conversations, this episode is packed with insight. Rise 1-5 Kickstarter Pocketwatch Press Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this in-depth interview, Tom Hutchison shares his journey from art lover to successful comic creator, discussing the challenges of breaking into the industry, the importance of storytelling and visual design, and strategies for building an audience through traditional and modern platforms like Kickstarter. Follow the Legend of Oz Kickstarter: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/tomhutchison/bd16-ozthology-annual-event-featuring-the-legend-of-oz Big Dog Inc. Patreon Legend of Oz Series Follow Portable Hole Publishing Instagram TikTok Email: [email protected] Newsletter Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Most indie creators underestimate the power of small conventions and they often kill their success at the start. In this episode, I reveal the overlooked strategies I used to turn my first comic tables into real wins, even in a crowded market. If you're new to self-publishing or just stepping into the convention world, these practical tips could be the game-changer you need. 00:00 Introduction to Tabling at Comic Conventions 01:05 Starting Small: The Importance of Local Conventions 02:52 Presentation Matters: Making Your Table Stand Out 05:14 Engaging with Conversation Starters 07:38 Defining Success: Knowing Your Goals 08:35 Crafting Your Pitch: Staying On Message 11:00 Building Connections: The Art of Soft Selling 14:15 Practical Tips: Cash and Survival Kits 16:20 Networking: Building Relationships with Neighbors 17:48 Learning from Experience: Taking Notes for Improvement Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this conversation, Braxton Cosby shares his journey as a creator, from his unexpected calling to write in 2011 to establishing his own publishing company, Cosmeteor Productions. He discusses the transition from traditional publishing to indie publishing, emphasizing the importance of self-marketing and creative control. Braxton delves into the intricacies of storytelling, character development, and the unique challenges of adapting prose into comic format. He also highlights his latest work, 'Broken,' a dystopian narrative, and offers valuable advice for new creators navigating the convention circuit. Join the Portable Perspectives Newsletter Here Follow Portable Hole Publishing on Social Media Youtube @PortableHolePublishing Tiktok @Portable_Hole Instagram @Portable_Hole Emaul us at [email protected] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices