Simmons Here And Now

We're two days early!  Yes we are! In light of the quickly escalating coronavirus, Alex and Chris discuss social distancing and the hardships and blessings that presents to creatives. Ideas and opinions abound and we are interested in what you think about these unprecedented times. Give us a listen and then tell us what is on your mind. Reach out to leave your thoughts, tips, questions and comments right here in our Comments Section. Or write us at: TTDSOnAir@gmail.com

This week Alex and Chris sing the coronavirus blues, absolutely diss Agatha Christie, and discuss structuring a mystery, the value of red herrings, and why we need suspects, all accomplished between our usual chuckles.  We know you've got'em.  So leave your thoughts, tips, questions and comments right here in our Comments Section. Or write us at: TTDSOnAir@gmail.com    #agathachristie #amwriting #authortips #writingtips #amwriting #amwritingmysteries #mysterywritersofamerica #redherrings #suspects

Go in deep with Alex and Chris as they embrace the pain.  This week they're talking about the times when writing caused them pain or was painful or was inspired by pain of some kind - emotional spiritual, sleep deprivation, all sorts of stuff. As a matter of fact, Chris even reads from one of his novels. The idea is to encourage aspiring creatives to push past the pain sometimes encountered while creating and also to be aware and judicious about using personal pain in your creativity. We know you've got'em.  So leave your thoughts, tips, questions and comments right here in our Comments Section. Or write us at: TTDSOnAir@gmail.com

Alex and Chris talk about, well, almost everything in an attempt to explain the chicken-or-egg maze run of a creative finding voice and proper genre. From Chris' ongoing transitioning from pure Indie writer to traditionally published, to expectations for editors, to, in our ongoing Get Your Write On section, examining Alex's idea of strongest genre choices and how it helps creates, we exclude nothing in our goal to offer a portrait of the many considerations we must embrace to further our creative dreams.  Agree or disagree?  Did we leave out any genre or sub genres?  Let us know. Leave your thoughts, questions and comments right here in our Comments Section. Or write us at: TTDSOnAir@gmail.com

In this episode, Chris and Alex explore the next segment of their GET YOUR WRITE ON series. Rewriting -- how to seed what you need in your stories so  the climax to pays off.  They talk almost exclusively about the secret pleasures of rewriting. There's finishing your first draft, reading it, finding what your story needs, and then going back and seeding those plot points and character moments and foreshadowing, etc. that will make your story sing. Come for the jokes, stay for the rewrites! As authors, how your book, play or movie ends is the last chance to leave your audience feeling satisfied. They want to look back over the experience and feel you faithfully lead them on the journey, and that the ending made sense.  Rewriting is your opportunity to get the cuts, clues, and characters just right. Agree or disagree?  Have any rewriting tips you want to share? Then leave your thoughts, questions and comments right here in our Comments Section. Or write us at: TTDSOnAir@gmail.com

This week, Alex and Chris pay tribute to Archie Comics legend Victor Gorelick, the oldest editor in comics, who has died this week. He was a sweet guy, a major fount of comic industry knowledge, and a good friend to Alex for over 15 years. Alex interviewed him IN 2015 and we honor his passing by sharing some of that discussion with you to let Victor relate how he told the damn story for 60 years. Peace. Did you know Victor?  Or are you an Archie fan? If so share your thoughts, questions and comments right here in our Comments Section. Or write us at: TTDSOnAir@gmail.com #Archie #Comics #cartoon #highschoolofindustrialarts #veronica #Betty #brooklyn #1950s #jughead #writers #michaeluslan 

 It might be Super Bowl Sunday for everyone else, but for Alex Simmons and Christopher Ryan, it is time to Tell The Damn Story. Today we talk about many topics including Morning Meditations by Alex "guru" Simmons, and, in our Get Your Write On segment, we discuss elaborate description versus minimal description and how it affects pacing. We also offer suggestions on how you can achieve both of those by doing the work to get out of your own way and become more objective about your own writing.  Along the way, we mention #BrianKeene, #sidneylumet, #marisatomei, #philipseymourhoffman, #albertfinney, all in the film #beforethedevilknowsyouredead, #thegodfather, #atomichabits, by James Clear, #Themiraclemorning, by #halelrod and many other pop culture references aimed at helping you Tell The Damn Story.  Share your thoughts, questions and comments right here in our Comments Section. Or write us at: TTDSOnAir@gmail.com #amwriting #writingtips #author #christopherpike 

It's Where, When, and How Much do you need to decide before writing a good story!  This week Alex and Chris discuss Rod Serling, tease an upcoming Twilight Zone TTDS episode,  a black out in the subway, and setting, setting, setting! We go over purpose in using setting, when to worry about the impact of location, as well as how time of day and time of year can accentuate the tale you spin.  So it's about time you listened to Tell The Damn Story!  Have you watched the Twilight Zone series (old or new)? If so, which do you prefer?  And tell us your favorite episode.    Share your thoughts, questions and comments right here in our Comments Section. Or write us at: TTDSOnAir@gmail.com #rodserling #twilightzone #amwriting #amediting #setting #amrewriting #writing

This week Alex and I catch up on our separate creative projects, give a huge shout out to a truly fun podcast (besides this one, of course), and we use our "Get Your Write On" segment to respond to your comments about plot, character, and structure.  It's talks and tips and a whole lot more, so don't miss it!  Share your thoughts, questions and comments right here in our Comments Section. Or write us at: TTDSOnAir@gmail.com Click here for a 20 Question Character Bio guide  #DefendersDialogue #ChristopherGolden #BrianKeene #plot #character #structure #godzilla #marvel 

After weeks of Alex fretting about the quality of the new film version of "Little Women" both he and Chris (and the goddess) went to see #LittleWomen and they discuss the film, earlier versions of it, and Louisa May Alcott's 1868 novel.  All of this is in the service of creativity and telling the damn story. They then discuss Getting Your Write On, part two, in which Chris and Alex explain subtext, avoiding stereotypes, the usefulness of second bananas, and interior versus exterior dialogue, using the film/book and other works as examples to support each topic.  Come for the film, stay for the learning, and then go tell your own damn story!  Share your thoughts, questions and comments right here in our Comments Section. Or write us at: TTDSOnAir@gmail.com #LittleWomen, #saoirseronan #EmmaWatson #FlorencePugh #ElizaScanlen #LauraDern #TimotheeChalamet #TracyLetts #BobOdenkirk #JamesNorton #ChrisCooper #MerylStreep #AmWriting #WritingSubText #AvoidingStereotypes #secondbananas #Dialogue

Alex and Chris launch a new decade with a new feature, "Get Yer Write On" offering practical advice on a wide range of storytelling skills, this week including Motivation (two kinds!), Character, Conflict, and Creating a Character's Arc. And that's after discussing current events and personal news. All this and laughs! Don't miss it! Share your thoughts, questions and comments right here in our Comments Section below. Or write us at: TTDSOnAir@gmail.com Click here for the TTDS's 20 Character Bio Questions Guide. Read BLACKJACK: Trial By Fire, Trial By Ice (written by Alex and Chris) on Amazon. #littlewomen #starwarstheriseofskywalker #themandalorian #getyourwriteon #writersmotivation #Thefugitive #Theequalizer #shotgunhoney #blackjacktrialbyfire #blackjacktrialbyice

It's TELL YOUR OWN DAMN STORY about the teens as Alex and Chris tell theirs.  "We'll leave "Best ofs" and "Top Ten" lists for others to share, and we are grateful for their ideas as we look back to look forward.  This episode the cohosts we'll be talking of books and films and TV and music that fueled us, and ask you, what fueled your creativity over the past decade?" If you have any positive or inspirational tips to share, drop them (along with your questions) in our Comments Section below. Or write us at: TTDSOnAir@gmail.com

This week Alex and Chris say goodbye to a decade --goodbye twenty-teens --and prep for 2020 by talking to Creatives about how they can use the technological and social media revolution of the last decade to curate the best fuel for their creativity in the new decade. Through reflection and action, we can avoid being programmed, block trolls, and contribute positively to where we all go next. If you have any positive or inspirational tips to share, drop them (along with your questions) in our Comments Section below. Or write us at: TTDSOnAir@gmail.com

Alex and Chris talk about fuel for creatives' holiday productivity, going through lots of Christmas music and movies and TV shows discussing the themes of redemption and renewal and reunion and how we can use any or all of this to fuel our own creativity. This episode offers a lot of fun and many suggestions for both your holiday entertainment and for creative nourishment during this busy time of year. Peace. And if there were any songs, TV shows, or movies we left out, add them along with your questions in our Comments Section below. Or write us at: TTDSOnAir@gmail.com

With holiday shopping on our minds, Alex and Chris visit with Jorge Rodriguez, owner of the legendary comics and collectibles shop in The Bronx (known center of the multiverse), to discuss comics, collectibles, independents,  movie boosts to business, being creative in business, and who seems more together these days, DC or Marvel. Come on into The Lair, hang out, and enjoy this fascinating conversation. Should want to know more about The Lair, click here. Let us know your thoughts on this topic by leaving  your questions or comments in our Comments Section below. Or write us at: TTDSOnAir@gmail.com

Alex and Chris talk about giving thanks during a time of division, about being dedicated to gratitude in a time where for some gratitude is difficult, and for others it may be cause for stress, and/or rebellion.  Our co-hosts go deep as they discuss how creatives must overcome these and so many other challenges to get the word out on their creative output.  Especially when that could include being surprise blocked from posting Facebook ads due to alleged racial insensitivity when none exists in their ads! So Alex and Chris discuss all sorts of algorithm shenanigans that creatives have to deal with to tell their damn story! And please let us know your thoughts on this hot topic by leaving  your questions or comments in our Comments Section below. Or write us at: TTDSOnAir@gmail.com * During the episode we mentioned a free Blackjack novel.  Click here for your free copy of  "Blackjack: Rise of the Red Star."    Or copy and past this link: http://bit.ly/JoinArronAdventures 

This week Alex and Chris prepare you for your Thanksgiving, be it heaven or a horror! Whether you are dreading the holiday or just certain relatives or trying to get your mind right for celebration, we've got what you need. With humor and tongue in cheek and memories both hilariously dark and warmly bittersweet, Alex and Chris prepare you for your Thanksgiving feast by discussing how to use your experiences to fuel the damn stories you tell. Enjoy and have a great holiday, no matter what! And PLEASE let us know your thoughts on this hot topic by leaving  your questions or comments in our Comments Section below. Or write us at: TTDSOnAir@gmail.com

Alex and Chris discuss the plight of one of Alex's students who discovered a story he was working on was very similar to a story already out there. What is a creative to do when influences show, or an original idea has been thunk by others, too. The answers, including examples from film, television, and music, and some very crucial advise, is offered this week, all as part of what it takes to TELL THE DAMN STORY. * Episodes referenced in this episode:  #84, #86, #90, #105, #108 And PLEASE let us know your thoughts on this hot topic by leaving  your questions or comments in our Comments Section below. Or write us at: TTDSOnAir@gmail.com

Juan Espinosa took his family to Alex's Kids Comic Con at his workplace, Bronx Community College, wanting them to see Spidey and Bats. What he got was a book to read, pros to question, a podcast to listen to, and then, with the help of a loving and supportive family, he launched a comic that celebrates the every man as hero, portrays diversity as the fact of American life that it is, and shows us all that the dream is possible. Episode #112 is a fun interview, a treasure trove of practical experience and advice for creatives, and an inspiration for Alex and Chris because one of ours is Telling The Damn Story for himself! *Juan Espinosa's comic book web site click here; Gordidon. *His comic book series is, "Adventures of A System Admin." PLEASE let us know your thoughts on this hot topic by leaving  your questions or comments in our Comments Section below. Or write us at: TTDSOnAir@gmail.com * For "Art of Making Comics" by Alex Simmons click here and enjoy.

It's a A HOW-TO-APALOOZA this week, when Alex and Chris get down to basics.  They're talking about how to find writing jobs, how to create a submission plan, the reality of getting gigs, how to keep going, how to deal with rejection, the idea of creativity being 1% inspiration and 99% getting your butt in the chair and doing the work, and how to make all of this happen in an extremely busy daily routine. This episode, number 111, is all about hope, folks, and all about telling the damn story. And PLEASE let us know your thoughts on this hot topic by leaving  your questions or comments in our Comments Section below. Or write us at: TTDSOnAir@gmail.com * PS.  Alex's has 3 FREE mini video tips on writing mysteries. So click here and enjoy.