Simmons Here And Now

Hey folks, this episode features a flashback to a 2021 discussion in which hosts Alex Simmons and Chris Ryan explore the challenges and learning processes that writers face. They recount Chris's visit to a writer's conference where he heard Neil Gaiman and Amy Tan, among others, discuss their creative processes. Key topics include dealing with imposter syndrome, sources of inspiration, the importance of persistence, and learning through doing, seeing, and reading. The conversation also touches on the impact of personal experiences on storytelling and the necessity of continuous learning and rewriting in the writing process. Have any questions or comments? Then please leave them in the Comments Section. Write: TTDSOnAir@gmail.com And follow us on ... ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@Tell The Damn Story⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ www.Facebook.com/Tell The Damn Story⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Youtube.com/ Tell The Damn Story⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ www.TellTheDamnStory.com If you're enjoying these episodes, take a moment to help wet our whistle and

Hosts Alex Simmons and Chris Ryan welcome the award-winning author and editor, James Aquilone. Prepare to dive deep into the world of graphic novels, zombie detectives, and the art of successful Kickstarter campaigns. James Aquilone takes us on a journey from the unexpected success of his nearly 200-page color hardcover graphic novel, which garnered accolades such as the Stoker Awards and the Imagining Awards, to his passion for reviving classic horror and pulp fiction. We'll uncover the origins of his iconic Dead Detective Society, explore the challenges and triumphs of fundraising, and learn about the birth of Monstrous Books and the retro-inspired magazine Monstress. Have any questions or comments? Then please leave them in the Comments Section. Write: TTDSOnAir@gmail.com And follow us on ... ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@Tell The Damn Story⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ www.Facebook.com/Tell The Damn Story⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Youtube.com/ Tell The Damn Story⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ If you're enjoying these episodes, take a moment to help wet

"Or Is It Stealing Work From Other People?"  In today's episode, hosts Chris Ryan and Alex Simmons tackle the pressing question: "Can Writers Ethically Use AI For Marketing?"  Alex shares his experience using AI as a virtual assistant to set prices and analyze course materials.  In contrast, both hosts voice their concerns about using AI to create books without genuine effort. They dive into AI's moral and professional implications in marketing and creative endeavors and seek your feedback on this hot topic.  Join us for a thoughtful conversation on innovation, integrity, and where to draw the line in the digital age. Your thoughts and subscriptions are highly valued as we continue this dialogue next week. Let's dive in! Click below for free tips on Plots, Bios, Genres, and Themes⁠ TTDS Writer's Guide For Fans⁠ Have any questions or comments? Then please leave them in the Comments Section. Write: TTDSOnAir@gmail.com And follow us on ... ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@Tell The Damn Story⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠

Today's episode will focus on monsters, mysteries, and money. And how the stories that influenced us dropped us into the middle of all three. This time, your hosts, Alex Simmons, and Chris Ryan, delve deep into what inspires them to become writers, touching on the creative journeys that many aspiring writers have taken. They explore books such as "The Outsiders" by S. E. Hinton and James Thurber's "My Life and Hard Times," iconic pulps like "Conan the Barbarian" and "The Shadow," not to mention the series that inspired us to write, such as the Hardy Boys and Nancy Drew, and the heroes from film and TV that sparked our imaginations. Chris will also give you a sneak peek into the upcoming release of the 6th volume of our "Soul Scream Anthalazine," titled "Annihilation," while celebrating the series with special, limited-time pricing on the first five volumes. He and Alex Simmons will offer insights into some fascinating authors and their works,

How do you write fascinating mystery tales without dry plots, disappointing characters, and dull backdrops? Here’s where you’ll find out. Welcome to another exciting episode of "Tell The Damn Story"! In today's episode, cohosts Chris and Alex sit down with the incredibly talented Felicity Green, a master of paranormal cozy mysteries. Felicity's journey from a translator for indie authors to a celebrated author in her own right is nothing short of inspiring. From her beginnings in urban fantasy, Felicity found her true calling in cozy mysteries, where she delights in weaving intricate puzzles and supernatural elements in lush surroundings. Alex and Chris delve into her writing process, her love for character development, and the cozy mystery genre's unique charm and structure.  Felicity reveals how she crafts her atmospheric settings, quirky characters, and engaging plots, all set against the enchanting backdrop of a small UK community steeped in regional folklore. She also shares inva

Today, cohost Alex Simmons and Chris Ryan talk with renowned visual Afrofuturist and graphic novelist Tim Fielder and the distinguished author, historian, and economist Walter Greason. Together, they explore the fascinating process behind creating their 92-page graphic novel, The Graphic History of Hip Hop.   Celebrating its 50th anniversary, this ambitious project captures the essence and evolution of the genre from its roots in the Civil Rights Movement to its global impact today.  Learn about Tim and Walter's unique collaboration and the challenges they faced in attempting to include the vast number of artists involved in the music and the movement. Graphic History of Hip Hop web site Have any questions or comments? Then please leave them in the Comments Section. Write: TTDSOnAir@gmail.com And follow us on ... ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@Tell The Damn Story⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ www.Facebook.com/Tell The Damn Story⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Youtube.com/ Tell The Damn Story⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ If you're enjoying these episodes, take a

Welcome to another episode of "Tell The Damn Story" with your hosts, Alex Simmons and Chris Ryan. Today, we’re dedicating time and thought to tackling your top questions about crafting compelling characters and authentic dialogue. We’ll discuss the importance of understanding the "why" behind your story, the influence of your personal creativity on storytelling, and the art of avoiding stereotypes. Join us as we highlight the evolving nature of language, the importance of character intentions and obstacles, and the impact of rewriting or refining your narrative. We'll share insights from our own experiences and explore how some novelists and songwriters brought depth to their stories. Packed with practical advice for writers, this episode will help you enrich your characters and dialogue. Grab your notebook, get comfortable, and let's tell the damn story! Have any questions or comments? Then please leave them in the Comments Section. Write: TTDSOnAir@gmail.com And follow us on

Here we go with another exciting episode of "Tell The Damn Story"!  Today, Alex and Chris return to the fascinating world of comic book creation with special guests Juan Espinosa and his daughter, Grace.  Juan is the writer/creator of the comic book series "Adventures of A System Admin." Juan shares how he utilized Alex's book, "The Art of Making Comics," to develop his own comics. We also get a sneak peek into Grace's upcoming first-edition comic, perfectly timed for late August's comic book convention season.  The episode also highlights Grace's first comic book story. Scheduled to debut this fall. We also discuss her voiceover debut in a new environmental project, "Coki Wiki," inspired by the coqui frog of Puerto Rico.  Grace had the opportunity to take part in the intricate process of working with a talented team of artists worldwide. This included voice actors like Leslie Carrera-Rudolph, known for her character Lolly Lardpott.  Dad (Juan) shares i

Co-hosts Alex Simmons and Chris Ryan are joined by a remarkable guest, writer Brandon Easton. Brandon's path from New York City's classrooms to Hollywood's creative hubs is a powerful testament to perseverance and passion. Raised in Baltimore, Brandon shares his experiences—from the harsh realities of teaching in the Bronx to his insights on the significant underrepresentation of people of color in the entertainment industry. His work includes writing for comics, TV, animation, and his documentary "Brave New Soul."  This conversation delves deep into the importance of resilience, authenticity, and the unyielding pursuit of one's dreams, no matter the obstacles. Where to find more on Brandon Easton: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brandon_M._Easton https://brandonverse.com/ https://x.com/brandoneaston Have any questions or comments? Then please leave them in the Comments Section. Write: TTDSOnAir@gmail.com And follow us on ... ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@Tell The Damn Story⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.Facebook.com/T

"Lessons Learned Being a Writing Hero" ("Those are Chris' words, not mine." - Alex -) Today, Alex Simmons and Chris Ryan celebrate Alex's birthday by exploring his life as a creative so that we can discuss the ups and downs, the challenges and solutions that we experience as creative writers in hopes of inspiring and energizing creativity for you. We discuss Alex's artistic roots from childhood imagination to his early training, his experiences with Marvel, DC, and Archie comics, as well as the Hardy Boys and the Bobbsey Twins, all leading up to his creation and experiences with "Arron Blackjack Day." Enjoy lots of laughs and lots of learning in today's episode. Have any questions or comments? Then please leave them in the Comments Section. Write: TTDSOnAir@gmail.com And follow us on ... ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@Tell The Damn Story⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.Facebook.com/Tell The Damn Story⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Youtube.com/ Tell The Damn Story⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ If you're enjoying these

Join writers Alex Simmons and Chris Ryan as they dive into the world of short story fiction. In this episode, they explore the history and resurgence of shorter works, discussing their experiences, pitfalls to avoid, and the key elements for crafting compelling narratives. From character bibles to pacing, from writing muscle variations to marketing strategies, Alex and Chris provide valuable insights and practical advice for writers looking to make their mark in the ever-evolving literary landscape. Join us as we dissect the art of storytelling in its concise and impactful form. Remember to stay until the end for more writing tips and engaging discussions. Have any questions or comments? Then please leave them in the Comments Section. Write: TTDSOnAir@gmail.com And follow us on ... ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@Tell The Damn Story⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.Facebook.com/Tell The Damn Story⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Youtube.com/ Tell The Damn Story⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ If you're enjoying these episodes, take a moment to help wet our whistle and

Welcome to another episode of "Tell The Damn Story," where hosts Alex Simmons and Chris Ryan explore the intricacies of storytelling.  In today's episode, they dive into writing across genres, the importance of character naming, and the unpredictable nature of reader reception. Both hosts emphasize the necessity of submitting work broadly and share insights on balancing originality with commercial demands. They also offer valuable advice for aspiring writers, stressing the importance of creative flexibility and experimentation. Join Alex and Chris as they share a wealth of knowledge, personal anecdotes, and practical tips for enhancing your storytelling craft. Don't forget to like and subscribe, and enjoy this episode filled with inspiration and expertise. Have any questions or comments? Then please leave them in the Comments Section. Write: TTDSOnAir@gmail.com And follow us on ... ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@Tell The Damn Story⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.Facebook.com/Tell The Damn Story⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠You

In this exciting and in-depth installment, Chris Ryan and Alex Simmons dive deep into the storytelling waters of the iconic film "Jaws." From the comedic yet ominous build-up to the multi-layered character dynamics, we'll analyze how each scene masterfully serves the story through suspense, conflict, and character development. Join us as we explore the introduction of memorable characters like the fearlessly pragmatic Quint and the knowledge-driven Hooper, whose interactions with Brody highlight the classic trio dynamic that drives the narrative forward. We’ll discuss key scenes like Brody’s beachside realization, the town's tension-filled meeting, and that gripping night in the cabin where scars are compared—a pivotal moment that underscores Brody’s outsider status. Have any questions or comments? Then please leave them in the Comments Section. Write: TTDSOnAir@gmail.com And follow us on ... ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@Tell The Damn Story⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.Facebook.com/Tell The Damn Story⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

In this exciting episode, Alex and Chris dive deep into the art of storytelling through multiple mediums. The boys explore the subtle complexities of storytelling in classic films, novels, and comics. The stimulating discussion starts with the iconic 1957 film 12 Angry Men. It examines the intense jury deliberations and how the characters' actions convey deeper themes, such as racial prejudices affecting judgments. The boys contrast these observations with the written script to illustrate the power of visual storytelling in films. Next, they shift gears to the fantastical world of Ray Bradbury's "Something Wicked This Way Comes." Alex and Chris discuss how this novel sets an atmospheric tone that pulls readers into its unsettling carnival setting. Alex shares a personal reflection on how Bradbury’s work inspired me to pursue writing. Last, they delve into Superman's moral landscape in Action Comics' number 775 tale, "What's Funny About Truth Justice and the American Way.&qu

How do you come up with a series concept?  How do you write it?  How do you pitch it to publishers?  In this episode, Chris and Alex dive deep into the intricate world of getting a book series mainstream published. Alex Simmons and Chris Ryan are joined by acclaimed writers Tom Sniegoski and Jeannine Acheson, whose diverse projects, including Vampirella, Dark Reflections, and Soultaker, have captured the imaginations of many.  We'll delve into the practical aspects of managing multiple scripts, juggling new ideas with ongoing projects, and the inside scoop on their latest novella, Nira, from Bad Handbooks. The episode also illuminates the essentials of pitching, negotiating, and contracting, interspersed with personal anecdotes and professional insights.  Whether you're a seasoned writer or just a lover of good stories, this conversation is brimming with practical takeaways about storytelling, the business side of writing, and the creative process. So, tune in as we navigate the journey from the initi

Welcome to another exciting episode of "Tell The Damn Story," where Alex Simmons and Chris Ryan dive deep into the art of character creation and hero introductions. In this episode, they're peeling back the layers of iconic characters, revealing three distinct ways to bring a hero into the spotlight. Have you ever wondered what makes a dangerous character become a beloved hero? Chris breaks down the complexities of character development, from Dorothy's innocent beginnings in The Wizard of Oz to Luke Skywalker's galactic destiny. Alex gives us a sneak peek into a thought-provoking film, "Fresh," where a kid trapped in the drug game fights for a better future. Our heroes aren't one-dimensional, as we discuss with references to Joseph Campbell's "The Hero with a Thousand Faces" and explore the malleability of hero archetypes. From the deeply personal journey of loss and pain in a critical film scene to the shining example of moral responsibility seen in "C

Or, "The Case of the Anxious Author!" This week, Alex Simmons and Christopher Ryan discuss the abyss of imposter syndrome and its often paralyzing effect.   In this episode, we explore how imposter syndrome can hinder making live appearances and attending conventions. Chris divulges his personal battles with self-doubt, especially resonant during a foray among horror genre titans. At the crux of the convention chaos—AuthorCon—Chris experiences an all-too-familiar apprehension and  So, our hosts discuss strategies for calmly assessing imposter syndrome, taking steps to overcome it, and, most importantly, walking into the fear.  This is an episode that can inspire you to conquer your doubts! Have any questions or comments? Then please leave them in the Comments Section. Write: TTDSOnAir@gmail.com And follow us on ... ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@Tell The Damn Story⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.Facebook.com/Tell The Damn Story⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Youtube.com/ Tell The Damn Story⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Want to support us so we can help you?

"And What’s New In the Vampirella Universe?" Welcome to another exciting episode of "Tell The Damn Story." We have a fascinating lineup for today. Joining hosts Alex Simmons and Chris Ryan are two exceptional guests—renowned writers Tom Sniegoski and the insightful Jeannine Acheson. Join us as we dive headfirst into a recent and surprising development that could change the very foundations of comic book history. It involves what determines proper creator credit and its subsequent effect on residual payments and recognition splits.  Then we'll get into the meat of some juicy creative projects that are taking fandoms by storm, including an intriguing spinoff in the world of Vampirella titled Vampiverse. Discover how characters like Lilith and the Vamp shape an alternate reality you won't want to miss.  Prepare for a behind-the-scenes look at Sniegoski and Acherson’s dark fantasy woven into the Vampiverse, crafting stories under pressure and the secrets to balancing freelancing challe

How do you create a video game from scratch? Welcome back to "Tell The Damn Story," where today's episode is a fascinating journey with Rob Stenzinger, an indie game designer who demonstrates that the union of passion and profession is the ultimate game-changer. In our dialogue, Rob recounts his quest, from years ago starting a fledging game creation studio with friends to pivoting careers while keeping creativity at the forefront. We explore his current project, Word Turtle Island, an innovative video game that blends action and words to shape a powerful narrative that mirrors our societal challenges. Have any questions or comments? Then please leave them in the Comments Section. Write: TTDSOnAir@gmail.com And follow us on ... ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@Tell The Damn Story⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.Facebook.com/Tell The Damn Story⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Youtube.com/ Tell The Damn Story⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Want to support us so we can help you? Then just... ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Buy Me A Coffee⁠⁠⁠⁠!⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

"Did you choose your interest in crime, or did crime choose you?" Welcome to another episode of Tell The Damn Story, where your hosts, Chris Ryan and Alex Simmons, unravel the art of spinning a tale based on insight, experience and heart. At least, that's part of our goal. On today's show, we sit down with the illustrious Tom Coffey—a former journalist turned crime novelist with a knack for weaving the rich tapestry of human experience into his work. From New York to California, to Miami, and back to NYC, Tom's journalistic encounters led him to the underbelly of 3 major cities. So listen as we dive into Tom's transition from journalism to fiction, exploring how reporting's demand for crisp, precise narratives shaped his novelistic flair. Have any questions or comments? Then please leave them in the Comments Section. Write: TTDSOnAir@gmail.com And follow us on ... ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@Tell The Damn Story⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.Facebook.com/Tell The Damn Story⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Youtube.c