Simmons Here And Now

This episode Alex and Chris discuss how music can help inform and develop and evolve your characters in interesting ways. From pre-writing character playlists to novel theme playlists to scene playlists, the music you choose for your characters and situations help you think about those characters and situations more deeply and help bring your novel to life. Alex and Chris also discuss what they write to; is it music or silence or a combination of both that helps keep them going, propelling the work to the much desired finish line. And then we ask all those questions of you! c  Challenge:  Take a minute to let us know what music does for your creativity.  Do you use any of the methods we mentioned?  Do you have any favorite music you use when you write?   And please leave a question, suggestion, or other thoughts in the Comments Section below. Or write to us at: TTDSOnAir@gmail.com

It's time to talk about the BUSINESS OF WRITING.   So follow our intrepid co-hosts, Alex and Chris, as they discuss practical --sometimes hard won -- lessons from the business side of publishing.  Most experiences are fair, some are funny, and others are tough but necessary to learn.  One such lesson is how to act professionally in the face of challenging or disappointing circumstances.  We hope all enjoy and benefit from our takes from the wild!  Take a minute to leave a question, suggestion, or other thoughts in the Comments Section below. Or write to us at: TTDSOnAir@gmail.com 

Hey Folks: There's a saying that goes, "Life does happen."  Another suggests, "God laughs while man is making plans." They both speak to, "You can't control everything."  So things came up preventing Chris & me from getting together to record Ep. 157.  So we grabbed another strong episode (ep. #69) to stand in for us this week.  Episode 69 was recorded in January of 2019, and covers a wide range of the creative arena, starting with the latest changes in comics, film and TV.   Then they wrestle with some of the methods, pros and emotionally charges cons of writing about hot topics -- even in fiction.    Post your comments or questions in the comments section below ...  Or write to us at: TTDSOnAir@gmail.com

Chris and me (spunky Alex Simmons) discuss the how old tropes and lazy gimmicks are not the best source for bring a new angle to an old character.  So many series, reboots, and new projects struggle to make plots more appealing.  Today's audiences are different, and many long time fans wants something new.  Lame and formulaic approaches are a popular go to resource, but even they're turning customers off.  Which is why going back to the staple big two sources is the best answer.  What are the Big Two?   Listen and learn.  Or, for some of you, have your belief/practice confirmed. PS.  We enjoyed the questions you sent in before.  So, keep'em coming.  In fact, make'em a little tougher this time. We really want to help. Leave any writer's questions, challenges, or solutions you have in the comments area. Or write to us at:  TTDSOnAir@gmail.com

TELL THE DAMN STORY podcast inspired by #chadwickboseman and is devoted to telling stories that touch us deeply.  Stories in books, films and TV shows can simply entertain.  But quite often one story can get to us, and stay with us forever. This episode co-host Alex Simmons, guest Omar Holman and I discuss stories that have stayed with us.  We also share a slew of written comments by #WaltSimonson, #MichaelWright, and others, as they add to a celebration of tales.  You are sure to find a favorite and some new things to track down in episode #155.   By the way, Is there a story that for some reason, you've never forgotten? Please write down the name here in the comment section.  You can even add 1 or 2 sentences telling us a little about it. Or leave any writing questions, challenges, or solutions you may have?   Or write to us at:  TTDSOnAir@gmail.com #lovercraftcountry #mattruff #hbo #theoutsiders #sehinton#durangostreet #frankbonham #stephenking #thestand #richardbach

In this episode Alex and Chris talk about loss and gain, and carrying on.  First they they take a moment to eulogize the loss of acting artistry with the passing of Chadwick Boseman (portrayed Black Panther, Jackie Robinson, and more).   Then they answer more questions about about all things dealing with the challenges of creative writing.  It's the power of words, whether performed or written.  It's sadness lifted by the arts once again.  "...Not all human beings are made up of the worst of our traits, habits, and instincts. We are a product of what we believe, what we practice, and what we do..." Got a few questions of your own?  Send them in, or drop them in the comments. Or write to us at:  TTDSOnAir@gmail.com

Hey, hey, Hey!  This episode Alex and Chris dip into our new email Q-Bag (Q = Questions) and answer a few of the the questions you listeners sent in. They range from tackling writer's block to getting trapped in the "mushy middle" of a daunting storyline.  So grab something to write with and write on, then sit, click, and listen. By the way, in the spirit of a writer's community, how do you tackle some of these writing challenges?  What works for you that might work for others? Got a few questions of your own?  Send them in, or drop them in the comments.   Or write to us at:  TTDSOnAir@gmail.com 

This week on TTDS, Alex and Chris explore the creatures called Contracts, including how to tell confident agreements from the ones that eat your brain and your rights.   They share how to handle contract elements that make you uncomfortable; why anger, frustration, sarcasm, attitude, and ultimatums don't work, and calm professionalism is always better, even if you lose the gig. So take notes.  Because whether your goals are aimed at the independents or main stream publishers, you'll face them. It will be a time when you'll need to know how much of your rights they'll want, and what you're willing to give up, or lose. Send in your questions and suggestions regarding this topics.  We'll discuss them on our next show. Or respond in our social media. Want to see samples of simple basic Agreements?  Email us at:  TTDSOnAir@gmail.com and we'll send along a sample or two.

Or, BUILDING A BETTER TTDS and ME So many of people would rather hunker down, block off and shut out change, when growth and communication are at the very core of Life’s adventures. This episode Alex and Chris discuss teaching and learning and being the student even while being the teacher or writer or creative.  It’s a dialog about inspiration and mentors and how that path runs both ways. And how we should always be growing and learning from each other to get to our best selves, as people, but especially as creatives. Have any questions, or suggestions for episode topics? Leave your thoughts in our comments section.  Or write to us at:  TTDSOnAir@gmail.com

It's a TTDS WRITER-PALOOZA!   We're celebrating a 150 Episodes!   Alex And Chris host a tribute to Corona-cancelled (and we don't mean beer) genre conferences #MurderInk and #PulpFest with four great interviews featuring @writerjimbeard, @lindarawlins, @janekellytrinity, @arttaylorwriter, and @joerlansdale.  Listen as writers of mystery and adventure fiction share their experiences tell tales for book, television and more.  Enjoy!    Have any questions, or suggestions for episode topics? Leave your thoughts in our comments section.  Or write to us at:  TTDSOnAir@gmail.com 

It's episode four, so we added TIPS galore! That's right week 4 is here and so are Alex and Chris with the final component of their month-long creative writing workshop, “HOW TO TELL THE DAMN STORY SUMMER SERIES.”    Once again, Pop culture king Caseen Gaines and spoken word poet and children’s book creator Toney Jackson have returned. So did slam poet winning, co-founder of BlackNerdProblems, and author, OMAR HOLMON. They're all here to discuss the Perils of Promotions - getting yourself and product out there.   So sit back and enjoy this SUPER super-sized episode and take notes. Because it's leading up to episode #150, TTDS StoryFest, a collection of clips and tips from some of our best interviews. Want to be more a part of this?  Share your promotion methods or stories, good or bad! Want to know more about our guests?  Just click on their names above. Have any questions, or suggestions for episode topics? Leave your thoughts in our comments section.  Or write to us a

The Boys Are Back -- With Back Up! It's the THIRD WEEK, And Alex and Chris are back with Part 3 of their month-long supersize workshop, the “HOW TO TELL THE DAMN STORY SUMMER SERIES.”   Pop culture king Caseen Gaines and spoken word poet and children’s book creator Toney Jackson have returned. This time we added on some slam poet winning, co-founder of BlackNerdProblems, and author of the new book, "WE WERE ALL SOMEONE ELSE YESTERDAY," OMAR HOLMON. Now it's time to discuss The editing process!  How to get down and get the work done.  Remember this series takes up episodes 146 - 149, leading up to episode 150 StoryFest (the three-sectioned, weekend long interview clips package) to celebrate this milestone. Want to be more a part of this?  Share your editing methods or stories.   Want to know more about our guests?  Just click on their names above. Have any questions, or suggestions for episode topics? Leave your thoughts in our comments section.  Or write to us at:

The Boys Are Back in Town! This week, Alex and Chris are back with Part 2 of their month-long workshop, the “HOW TO TELL THE DAMN STORY SUMMER SERIES.”    Pop culture king Caseen Gaines and spoken word poet and children’s book creator Toney Jackson have returned.  This time they'll discuss getting the BUTTS in the SEATS!  How to get down and get the work done. Remember this series takes up episodes 146, 147, 148, and 149, creating an opportunity for us to use episode 150 as StoryFest (the three-sectioned, weekend long interview clips package). That would be a cool way to celebrate this milestone.  Want to be more a part of this?  Send in your methods for nurturing inspiration.  Where do you find it?  What do you do with it? Have any questions, or suggestions for episode topics? Leave your thoughts in our comments section.  Or write to us at:  TTDSOnAir@gmail.com

This week, Alex and Chris launch a month-long workshop, the “HOW TO TELL THE DAMN STORY SUMMER SERIES.”  Each week in July, we will join with special guests to focus on a different aspect of the creative process.  This episode features non-fiction pop culture king Caseen Gaines and spoken word poet and children’s book creator Toney Jackson to explore inspiration.  We'll discus where it comes from, how to work with it, respect it, and keep it flowing so you can Tell Your Damn Story!  By the way, this series takes up episodes 146, 147, 148, and 149, creating an opportunity for us to use episode 150 as StoryFest (the three-sectioned, weekend long interview clips package). That would be a cool way to celebrate this milestone. What do you think?  Leave your thoughts in our comments section.  Or write to us at:  TTDSOnAir@gmail.com * Want to be more a part of this?  Send in your methods for nurturing inspiration.  Where do you find it?  What do you do with it?  

This week, Alex and Chris present a Blackjack story created by Tim Fielder in the furious wake of Charlottesville, back in 2017.  Fate worked against us publishing it at the time, and during each subsequent horrific racist tragedy.   But George Floyd changed that. We can no longer let Tim's tale remain just among us.  So we came up with a way to share this emotional, daring story. We tell its backstory, and then we present Blackjack: Only Seconds Left to Live as an unrehearsed audio experience. The tie-in to today will be obvious, and our discussion afterwards connects many elements that convinced us that now is the time to share this tale. And we have much more coming. So give a listen, then leave your thoughts in our comments section.   Or write to us at:  TTDSOnAir@gmail.com

And no, we're not PC cursing in the title.   Alex and Chris enjoy a fun and intriguing episode of Tell The Damn Story with special guest pop culture author, Caseen Gaines ( @caseengaines ), speculating about the upcoming season 2 of #twilghtzone. We show and use our respect for @jordanpeele as a springboard to play “what if” about themes, issues and storylines using episode titles as prompts.  Come share some big fun, a wide range of topics, some good laughs, and an occasional deep thought, all aimed at psyching fans up for Season Two of THE TWILIGHT ZONE. (Cue the eerie music.) Have a thought about this episode? Sure you do.  So leave a message in our Comments section. Or send an email to:  TTDSOnAir@gmail.com #jordanpeele #rodserling #twilightzone #writers # social issue #humandrama #oldtvshows #newtvshows #getout #caseengaines #whatifwecould #whatifthis

For filmmakers and novelist what's old is new again, and again, and again!  It always has been! First, Alex and Chris remember DC author/editor legend Denny O'Neill, who passed on June 11.  Then they jump back-and-forth through time to explore classic tropes (story themes) that are being updated and renewed in clever and creative ways.  From Kevin Smith to Greta Gerwig to Jordan Peele, creatives are encouraged to look at classic form and ask "What If" as a means to tell the damn story reflecting modern sensibilities.  Listen as Alex and Chris discuss the creative and thought-provoking process behind it. Do you agree or disagree with our POV?  Leave a message in our Comments section.   Or send an email to:  TTDSOnAir@gmail.com #TheInvisibleMan1933, #TheInvisibleMan2020, #TheThinMan, #AnimalHouse, #RealityTV, #LittleWoman1933, #LittleWomen2019, #LittleWomen, #IntruderInTheDust,  #JustMercy, #BrooklynTheMovie2015, #TheQuietMan, #SusanSleptHere, #SummerOf42, #BillAndTedFace

Whatever genre we choose the stories we tell past, present or future, benefit from what we see, experience, and learn.  For all artists time is the canvas and living the brush.   This week Alex and Chris record a sequel of sorts; checking in on humanity's progress both national and global and human.  The world is generating material that will influence articles, books, films, music and more for years to come.  So our hosts explore their thoughts, as well as some  uncomfortable questions, all in pursuit of finding avenues for creativity, progress, dignity, and humanity.  Always staying true to how they tell the story. What has inspired your creativity recently? Share it in our comments section.  Or send an email to: TTTDSOnAir@gmail.com Thank you.

This episode Alex and Chris "tell the story" of creatives dealing with racial conflict in America in their lives, past and present.  What does that have to do with writing and creative art?   Everything. How it has influenced, as well as been reflected and revealed by whites and artists of color is key to present and future mindsets.  What do our hosts have to say about it?  Check it out.  Then ... What do you have to say about it? Please leave your comments and questions here.  Or write:  TTDSOnAir@gmail.com #Minneapolis #37Cities #Protests #RacistAmerica #FatManBeyond #KevinSmith #Marcberbardin #LangstonHughes #MLK #MalcolmX # #DenzelWashington #TonyShalhoub #BruceWillis #GilleScottHeron #JordanPeele #TwilightZone #Covid #Prince #Baltimore #Seattle #Portland #Sacramento #Oakland #SanJose #LasVegas #Phoenix #Bakersfield #Minneapolis #SaintPaul #NewYorkCity #Boston #WashingtonDC #Richmond #Hampton #FortWayne #Chicago #Detroit #Indianapolis #Omaha #Denville #Dallas #Albuquerq

 This week Alex and Chris explore a multitude of answers to the question, Is All Art Political? And, Are All Artist Obligated to Create Political Art?  Using examples from the #MCU #MarkTwain, #DCComics, #AynRand, #GeorgeOrwell and many other works (including their own) Alex and Chris discuss in detail the Creatives ultimate obligation to her or his or their art.  What motivates art?  Is all art subjective or political?  Or do artist have the right to be humans who create art, whatever the form?  Is there a universal answer, or only more questions? All this and a bit more on this episode. On this topic we'd truly like to hear your opinions pro of con.  That's what discussion is all about.  So please leave your questions or comments right here in our Comments Section. Or write us at: TTDSOnAir@gmail.com