Hey there, storytellers and creators!
I’m Billy Ryder, and I’m beyond excited to welcome you to the very first post on The Roughneck Roundtable Blog! If you love comic books, graphic novels, sci-fi, fantasy, and world-building, you’re in the right place.
This blog (alongside my podcast and YouTube series) is all about storytelling, not just as a form of entertainment, but as a way we navigate life, process emotions, and connect with others. Whether you’re a writer, an artist, or just someone who loves a great adventure, my goal is to create a space where we can explore creativity together.
Why Do We Tell Stories?
Storytelling is one of the oldest human traditions. Before books, movies, or comics, people sat around fires and shared myths. And while our methods have evolved, the need for stories hasn’t changed.
For some, creating is an escape is a way to build worlds where we’re re in control. For others, it’s about making sense of life and processing emotions. If yo’ve ever read a book, watched a movie, or flipped through a comic that helped you through a tough time, you know exactly what I mean.
For me, art and storytelling became my lifeline as I faced hidden injuries that made it difficult for me to speak the way others could. There were moments when I felt isolated, like my voice wasn’t enough. But even when words failed me, I could draw.
How Storytelling Became My Survival
When I started working on Ranger Ryder and The Roughneck, it wasn’t just about creating an action-packed sci-fi adventure, it was a way to fight through my own pain. My migraines turned into the monsters my characters battled. The struggle of my protagonist, Ryder, became a reflection of my own struggle against an unseen adversary.
Through world-building, I found a way to process pain and turn my struggles into something meaningful. And the best part? I realized I wasn’t alone. So many creators out there are using their stories to heal, to express what words alone can’t capture.
What to Expect from The Roughneck Roundtable
So what’s next? Whether you follow this blog, my podcast, or my YouTube channel, here’s what you can expect:
- Interviews with incredible creators, comic artists, writers, and illustrators
- Behind-the-scenes insights on making comics, graphic novels, and sci-fi worlds
- Discussions on creativity, mental health, and the power of storytelling
- Tips on publishing, world-building, and growing your audience
But most importantly, I want this to be a conversation. If you have questions, ideas, or topics you’d love to see covered, reach out! This space is for all of us who love creating and dreaming up new worlds.
Let’s Keep Building Together!
Thank you for being here. If you enjoyed this post, make sure to subscribe so you don’t miss future updates. You can also follow me on social media where I share artwork, behind-the-scenes content, and updates on Ranger Ryder and The Roughneck.
Let’s keep telling stories, keep creating, and keep fighting those invisible battles together.
See you next time at The Roughneck Roundtable!
Want to learn more?
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