End of Summer Updates

I've just been out here recharging my creative batteries! 🔋

Tried my hand at some vehicle maintenance. Results were mixed.

Hello again, my friends! My apologies for the lack of communication over the past few months, but my brain needed the reprieve. It’s been an unusual and eventful year so far, and I’ve relished my family’s easy schedule this summer. The days have been filled with video games, books, movies, and plenty of family time, and I’ve even been cooking up a new graphic novel series for my agent to start pitching! For those who’d appreciate some more detail, here’s a quick look at what I’ve been up to this summer:

• We had a family day at Slick City in Columbus followed by dinner at BJ’s Brewhouse. My kids fell in love with the pizookie dessert.

Kari and me on July 4th. Hanging out in the mall parking lot waiting for the fireworks to start.

• Kari and I saw Hamilton at the Ohio Theater. It was awesome!

• We celebrated my first birthday without my mom. To say it was bittersweet would be a massive understatement.

• Connor and I went to our second Crew game of the season (thanks to Mitch and Andrew for the tickets!). We watched our beloved team collapse in the second half to lose 3-1 to Orlando City. Still had a great time, though!

Despite the loss, we had pretty cool seats at Lower.com Field!

• Kari and I took the boys to Kings Island where we rode rides until we were literally sick. Well, until I was literally sick. Getting old sucks.

When you meet a fellow Columbus Crew fan at Kings Island, you become instant best friends.

• I played guitar at church for the first time in over a year.

• I saw the following movies in the theater: Lilo & Stitch, Elio, Superman, Bad Guys 2, and Fantastic Four: First Steps.

• I read the following books: Armada by Ernest Cline, Storm Front and Fool Moon by Jim Butcher, Absolution by Jeff VanderMeer, Demon Copperhead by Barbara Kingsolver, Lonesome Dove by Larry McMurtry, The Thursday Murder Club and The Man Who Died Twice by Richard Osman, Rhythm of War by Brandon Sanderson (I’ve been reading this off-and-on for a few years and finally finished it), Diary of a Wimpy Kid: The Getaway and Wrecking Ball by Jeff Kinney, Less by Andrew Sean Greer, The War of Art by Steven Pressfield, The Housemaid by Freida McFadden, Funny Story by Emily Henry, Mr. Mercedes by Stephen King, and Glengarry Glen Ross by David Mamet.

In Travis Daventhorpe news:

• We’re wrapping up the final edits on Travis Daventhorpe Gets a Life!, and the cover is done! In my opinion, it’s the best cover in the series and I’ll share it with you soon!

• Publication date for Book Three is set for July 21, 2026! I originally thought it was going to be March (I don’t know if I was told that or if I just assumed it), but the summer release has me excited. For starters, the book will come out a few days after my 46th birthday. Also, the summer window will give us more room to cook up something awesome for the launch event! Stay tuned!

---

2025 EVENTS

I’ve got a couple events coming up this Fall that I’m pretty psyched about!

• Cartoon Crossroads Columbus, Sept. 20 & 21 - I will be exhibiting at the CXC Expo with my pals, Steve Hamaker and Scott Kurtz! Pretty psyched about this one! If you’re planning to visit the festival, make sure to stop by my table and give me a high-five!

• Artist Event w/ Wes Molebash, Oct. 4 - I’m teaming up with the Chillicothe Comics Center to provide an interactive presentation for all-ages who are interested in making comics! More details to come!

---

In closing, here’s a little peek at the brainstorming process for this new graphic novel series I’m prepping:

Thanks for reading! Talk soon!