Here’s my chat with Mike O’Connor, founder of Ardith Publishing, about his new book Pages to Profit.

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On this special episode in the series entitled Made In Canada – Creator Resources, I chat with specialists in particular areas to discuss whether Canadian comic book and graphic novel creators have all the resources they need in Canada to produce and promote their content

Based in London, Ontario, Mike O’Connor is a publishing strategist, book coach, and founder of Ardith Publishing. He’s helped hundreds of authors transform their expertise into client-generating books that build authority, drive revenue, and open doors. With a background in both writing and marketing, Mike brings a practical, results-driven approach to publishing—one that bridges storytelling with strategy. When he’s not coaching authors or building book-based business systems, he’s likely reading, road-tripping, or championing bold ideas and untold stories.

MIke’s latest book, Pages to Profit: How to Turn Your Book into Clients, Cash, and Credibility, is a practical playbook for using authorship as a business growth engine. Whether you’re a coach trying to stand out in a crowded field or a founder wanting to build authority fast, this book shows exactly how to turn a book into a scalable marketing and client-generation machine. Inside readers will discover: How authors like Brené Brown and Tim Ferriss turned books into global brands; Step-by-step strategies to build your network, media presence, and client pipeline; and, Real-world tactics for lead generation, content marketing, and premium offer upsells.

Discover more about Ardith Publishing at https://ardith.ca/

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True North Country Comics Podcast is Copyright True North Country Comics. Copyright 2025

The post Mike O’Connor talks about ‘Pages to Profit’ appeared first on True North Country Comics.

Here’s my chat with Michael Hirsh about his auto-bio book Animation Nation from Sutherland House Publishing.

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Michael Hirsh is a Belgian-born Canadian animation producer, TV executive, entrepreneur, and author. He has been attributed to building from the ground up the Canadian animation industry and, more specifically, award-winning children’s programming since the 1980s.  He co-founded Nelvana, a Canadian based animation and entertainment studio in 1971 with partners Patrick Loubert and previous podcast guest Clive A. Smith producing numerous cartoons that established Nelvana as a leader in the industry including Little Bear, Franklin, Babar, Max & Ruby, The Magic School Bus, Care Bears, The Adventures of Tintin, Inspector Gadget, Droids and Ewoks, among many, many others. After Corus Entertainment’s acquisition of Nelvana, Michael continued work in the animation industry as CEO of Cookie Jar Group, eventually acquired by DHX Media (now WildBrain), and then went on to be CEO and chairman of WOW! Unlimited Media until December 2023.

Animation Nation: How We Built A Cartoon Empire outlines how Michael and his various teams became the driving force behind Canada’s animation dominance. Animation Nation is his behind-the-scenes account of working with such famous cartoon franchises as Babar, The Adventures of Tintin, The Berenstain Bears, Franklin, The Magic School Bus, and Beetlejuice, and larger-than-life personalities including Roseanne Barr, Mr. T., Deborah Harry, and Tim Burton. Packed with humour and hard-won wisdom, Animation Nation is a frame-by-frame account of how creative talent and entrepreneurial zeal built a global cartoon empire.

You can discover more about Michael Hirsh on Instagram at @michaelhirshanimation

You can discover more about Animation Nation from Sutherland House here

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Here’s my chat with Daryl Hatton CEO of Crowdfundr.

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On this special episode in the series entitled Made In Canada – Creator Resources, I chat with specialists in particular areas to discuss whether Canadian comic book and graphic novel creators have all the resources they need in Canada to produce and promote their content

Based in Vancouver, British Columbia, Daryl Hatton is the CEO of ConnectionPoint, and of the award winning crowdfunding companies FundRazr, Sponsifi, CoCoPay, and Crowdfundr. He’s founded multiple start-ups and helped bring one (Optio Software) to a successful NASDAQ IPO in 1999. Daryl actively serves as a Director of the National Crowdfunding Association of Canada plus he’s also a board member or advisor to a handful of other hot startup companies in Canada. As a social media guy, his tagline includes words like “#KingOfGastown, entrepreneur, cardiac survivor, foodie, whisky nut, philosopher, mentor, father and friend”.

Powered by ConnectionPoint and based in Vancouver, Crowdfundr offers comic crowdfunding tools that bridge the relationship between creators and supporters. Offering three different pricing models, creators can get projects funded for free, or with minimal costs. Creators can keep more of what is raised on Crowdfundr and put the extra money into marketing, hire additional illustrators, and attend more conventions. Other benefits include getting funded ASAP, a branded and free storefront, the ability to run multiple campaigns, achieve real goal numbers, social sharing support and more.

Discover more about Crowdfundr at https://crowdfundr.com/ and on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/crowdfundr_/

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True North Country Comics Podcast is Copyright True North Country Comics. Copyright 2025

The post Made in Canada – Creator Resources with Daryl Hatton from Crowdfundr appeared first on True North Country Comics.

Here’s my chat with Angela Odusanya about publishing children’s pictures books including her Amelia’s Loose Part Art series.

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Angela is a passionate Ontario certified teacher and registered early childhood educator with over 22 years of experience. She is dedicated to encouraging children’s natural curiosity, fostering their creativity, and nurturing their love of play. Angela holds a diploma in Early Childhood Education from both Sheridan College and Humber College, an Honours Bachelor of Applied Science in Early Childhood Studies degree from the University of Guelph, and a Master of Teaching degree from the Ontario Institute for Studies in Education at the University of Toronto. As a result, her sound understanding of all things child development shine through in everything she does. It was her years of experience in the classroom that inspired her to publish her first book, Amelia’s Loose Part Art, a story that encourages children to be curious about the world around them and embrace their unique creativity and interests. The illustrator for the series is Dileema Medonza.

Amelia’s Loose Part Art – A Day At The Beach tells the story of “Amelia who is a resourceful young artist who creates art with everything around her. When her parents take her to the beach, loose part art is all she plans to do. However, she finds herself solving problems with loose parts instead. Will she make any art before the day is done? Join Amelia as she discovers new loose parts and new ways to use them.”

Discover more about Angela online at https://www.angelaodusanya.com/ and on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/angelaodusanya

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The post Angela Odusanya chats about publishing children’s picture books appeared first on True North Country Comics.

Here’s my chat with Chris Ware from Micro-Vision Computers.

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On this special episode in the series entitled Made In Canada – Creator Resources, I chat with specialists in particular areas to discuss whether Canadian comic book and graphic novel creators have all the resources they need in Canada to produce and promote their content.

Chris Ware is the owner of Micro-Vision Computers built a strong legacy over 40 years in Nanaimo, BC. The PC builder offers products and services that deliver value to customers, paired with the exciting opportunities for growth on the horizon. When Chris is not immersed in the 100% Canadian-owned and operated company, he can be found making the most of life—whether it’s spending time on the water, sneaking in naps with his dog, savouring great food and wine with his wife, or embracing the joys of being a new dad.

Micro-Vision Computers all started as a passion business: a simple IT shop in Nanaimo with strong local roots. Fast-forward to now, Micro-Vision Computers has evolved into Canada’s go-to destination for custom-built systems. For over 40 years, the company has streamlined its focus to one thing: tailor-made technology that outperforms off-the-shelf options. The company believes that building computers is like designing a dream home. Every spec and feature is form-fitted to your lifestyle, creating a high-value investment that evolves with you. Just as a custom home can keep being renovated and improved, a built-from-scratch computer is upgradeable, letting parts be replaced over time—protecting that investment for the long run. 

Discover more about Micro-Vision Computers online at https://micro-vision.ca/workstations/ and on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/microvisionpc/

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Please subscribe to and like this podcast on Apple Podcasts and YouTube Podcasts.

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True North Country Comics Podcast is Copyright True North Country Comics. Copyright 2025

The post Made in Canada – Creator Resources with Chris Ware from Micro-Vision Computers appeared first on True North Country Comics.

Here’s my chat with Marilyn Reaume about The Village series of poetry books.

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Based in Hamilton, Ontario, Marilyn Reaume is an educator, children’s author and poet.  She has written four children’s poetry books (“The Village Series”) and conducted presentations on poetry in several elementary schools. The poems focus on themes of connection, acceptance and belonging. Several of the poetry books feature artwork by students at local schools.

Her series of poetry books includes The Village, The Village Wedding, The Village Christmas and The Village Grows. Cover art and design is provided by illustrator Katelan Balah.

You can discover more about Marilyn and her books on Facebook

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The post Marilyn Reaume chats about her unique children’s poetry books appeared first on True North Country Comics.

Here’s my chat with Mark J. Jones about his book The Starving Artist Myth.

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On this special episode in the series entitled Made In Canada – Creator Resources, I chat with specialists in particular areas to discuss whether Canadian comic book and graphic novel creators have all the resources they need in Canada to produce and promote their content

Mark J. Jones is the Dean for the Faculty of Animation, Art and Design at Sheridan College and the previous chair of the School of Creative Art and Animation at Seneca College. He holds an M.A. in Culture and Technology from Toronto Metropolitan University, and a B.A. in Theatre from York University. He lives in Toronto. He’s the author of The Starving Artist Myth.

Readers of The Starving Artist Myth will find that “Careers and business opportunities in creative industries offer flexibility, variety, and security. Why then do people hesitate to go into them? A belief in the myth of the starving artist, which conjures images of penniless writers and artistic bohemians, is to blame. The myth leads many away from choosing a path they would love in favour of more traditional fields. Years later, they may come to regret that choice. In The Starving Artist Myth, Mark erases any remaining doubt about the opportunities in the creative economy by getting at the origin of the starving artist stereotype, demonstrating the economic resiliency of the sector, and delving into the strategies for achieving career success.”

You can can discover more about Mark online at https://www.starvingartistmyth.com/

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Please subscribe to and like this podcast on Apple Podcasts and YouTube Podcasts.

Please check out the TrueNorthCountryComics.com website. 

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True North Country Comics Podcast is Copyright True North Country Comics. Copyright 2025

The post Made in Canada – Creator Resources with Mark J. Jones about ‘The Starving Artist Myth’ appeared first on True North Country Comics.

Here’s my chat with Monty Nero about the hard cover edition of Death Sentence from Titan Comics, working in Vancouver and more.

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Based in Scotland, Monty Nero is a writer and artist published by Marvel (X-men and Hulk) Titan Publishing, Delcourt, DC and 2000ad. He has also self published three popular books in his Death Sentence series, and eighteen top selling comics, since 2010. His artwork, words or character concepts have enlivened games from Sony, Lego, Bethesda, and Electronic Arts during his temporary residence in Vancouver, British Columbia. His writing has been described as “easily the equal of Dostoyevsky or Dickens” (Popmatters) and “work that ranks up there with greats such as Alan Moore and Warren Ellis.” (How to Love Comics).  Monty is the creator of the popular 70s 80s Kids UK Facebook group (300,000 strong), has published academic papers on comics and pop culture, and was awarded a masters with distinction from Dundee University where he won an academic prize. His latest project is the hard cover collection of Death Sentence.

Death Sentence is the story of “three people who’ve contracted the G+ Virus, an infectious agent that gives you incredible powers – before killing you! What will struggling graphic designer Verity, failing indie guitarist Weasel and roguish media personality Monty do in the time that remains? Fade away – or go out in a blaze of glory?  And if they choose to kick back… will there be anything left of the world when they’re through? From the streets of London to the North Atlantic, from intimate betrayals to the death of thousands, from muses lost and futures thrown away to the fall of society.”

You can discover more about Monty on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/montynero/

You can check out Chrome Roses on Kickstarter here https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/f02/chrome-roses-cyberpunk-trilogy

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The post Monty Nero reflects on creative experiences in Canada appeared first on True North Country Comics.

Here’s my chat with Alfonso Espinos from Studio Comix Press.

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On this special episode in the series entitled Made In Canada – Creator Resources, I chat with specialists in particular areas to discuss whether Canadian comic book and graphic novel creators have all the resources they need in Canada to produce and promote their content.

Alfonso Espinos is an award-winning Canadian comic book creator and illustrator. He is the founder of Studiocomix Press where he is the project’s chief editor, publishing the ongoing series The Night Spike. His focus has been on publishing his own original material. He also supports and works alongside a very talented team of new emerging graphic artists and comic enthusiasts to start up in the indie comic book business by developing titles for almost all kinds of genres.

Based in Kitchener, Ontario, Studiocomix Press offers a variety of commercial printing solutions including book printing, marketing materials, promotional materials plus a wide variety of unique printed products. With a combination of knowledge and experience, Studio Comix Press strives to offer the highest quality service in the current indie comic book business. Studiocomix Press is proud to print and showcase hundreds of Independent titles to the world. 

You can discover more about Studiocomix Press at https://www.studiocomix.com/ and on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/StudiocomixPress/

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Please subscribe to and like this podcast on Apple Podcasts and YouTube Podcasts.

Please check out the TrueNorthCountryComics.com website. 

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True North Country Comics Podcast is Copyright True North Country Comics. Copyright 2025

The post Made in Canada – Creator Resources with Alfonso Espinos from Studio Comix Press appeared first on True North Country Comics.

Here’s my chat with Ari Gross about new comic book Upkeep #2 on Kickstarter.

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Ari Gross resides in Toronto, Ontario, where he creates comics, plays piano, raises his kids, writes code, and is completely ignored by his cat, Kirby. Ari’s comics include the sci-fi one-shot Awakening, as well as shorts featured in comic anthologies, including “Don’t Go Below” from Fairytales from Mars, “Chosen” from Scott Snyder Presents: Tales from the Cloakroom, “I’m with the Bard” from Might, Magic & Monster-In-Laws and most recently his ongoing series Wardens. His latest project continues the Upkeep series with issue #2 and he’s joined by collaborators with artist Keder LeBeau, colourist Mariam Yasser, letterer Rob Jones and editor Aubrey Lyn Jeppson.

Upkeep #2 continues the thrilling tale set in Toronto, Ontario. The story goes like this: “It’s year two of Adam and Yvonne’s life in Garrison Manor, the magical mansion that grants its owners anything they desire! Join them as they confront a chilling new terror: trying to find affordable childcare! Also, murder.”

You can discover more about Ari online at AriGross.ca and on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/college_st_comics/

You can discover more about Upkeep on Kickstarter online at https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/arigross/upkeep-issues-1-2

Check out Ari’s conversation about Upkeep #1 here.

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The post Ari Gross updates ‘Upkeep’ on Kickstarter appeared first on True North Country Comics.