Simmons Here And Now

Grab your flashlight, clues kit and, in this case, your reins and saddle.  This week Alex and Chris discuss the mane parts of murder and mystery when they interview equestrian mystery author, Janet Winters.  Ms Winters is the writer/creator of the Ivory Snow series, "Murder At Morgan House," and "Death At Heart's Desire," available on Amazon.   The conversation explores her inspiration and background with horses and mystery, and one more important element.  For over 20 years Janet was a professional in marketing.  Her experiences offer some insight into how authors can promote their books and appearances. Janet Winters web site:  The Barn Goddess Chronicles Have any comments or questions for this episode topics? Then please leave them in our comments section.  Or write to us at:  TTDSOnAir@gmail.com. #mysterywriters #writers #horsebackriders #horsemysteries #equestirannovels  

This week, Alex and Chris play "What If..." (No.  Not the Marvel comic book or TV show) with a bunch of the new projects coming from Disney/Marvel/Star Wars.  Then our improv-writing duo discuss how they'd reboot several well-known holiday live action and animated specials.  Why? Besides being fun, it's a great lesson in why creatives need to keep their imagination and braincells flexible when creating new ideas, or revamping old ones. It's all big seasonal fun!  Have any comments or questions for this episode topics? Then please leave them in our comments section.  Or write to us at:  TTDSOnAir@gmail.com. #Disney #Marvel #StarWars #Chistmas #Hanukkah #Kwanzaa #swissfamiltrobinson #lando #indianajones #iamgroot #shehulk #roguesquadron #pattyjenkins #taikawaititi #itsawonderfullife #wakanda #santaclaus #heyarnold #TheBlackCandle #Achristmascarol #achristmasstory #Miracleon34thstreet #giftofthemagi #thesantaclause #homealone #nightmarebeforechristmas #charliebrownchristmas #eightcr

This TTDS episode is all about "THE RAZZLES, SORT OF," as Chris put it.  This week he and Alex deliver the verbal equivalent of Razzles ("First it's a candy, then it's a gum!") as they begin talking about modern classics redone or spun off in intriguing ways, and end up offering a "must read/see" or "must reread/rewatch" list that'll keep you busy the rest of 2020.  Have any comments or questions for this episode topics? Then please leave them in our comments section.  Or write to us at:  TTDSOnAir@gmail.com. #TheMandalorian #StarWars #Disney+ #LovecraftCountry #TheWatchmen #AlanMoore #HBO #TheInvisibleMan #UniversalMonsters #Plots #Writers #amwriting #writingexercises #writing 

Where do story Ideas come from and do you grow them? That's a question both Chris I have heard countless times over many years. Because writing is very much a personal experience, there are many ways to answer that it.  So in this episode, we decided not only to tell how, but also to show how.  We us a few writing exercises to spur positive creativity.  And we're hoping it will do the same for our listeners, for whom we are very grateful.  But just before we do, we take a moment to pay tribute to actor David Prowse (Darth Vader). We even share a couple of stories about meeting him some years ago. So sit back, grab a pen and paper and flex your imagination. Suggestion: After listening to this episode, try the exercise we demonstrate.  Then send us your *results in the comments section, or via our email address.  (*No more than a paragraph or two.) BONUS: EMAIL your exercise results and we'll send you a FREE PDF copy of one of our short story anthologies, "BLACKJACK: SHOOTERS."&

This week, Alex and Chris discuss changes. Business changes for DC comics, potential changes in the comic book industry, and changes creatively in who we write, draw, and read about, and who we enjoy…  Yes, we are talking about diversity. What the industry is doing with diversity, where we can see business diversity opportunities and where we can see creative diversity opportunities.  As the year 2020 draws to a close, finally, we're starting to see hope and a chance for a wider basis for storytelling and creativity. Now that's something to be thankful for!  Have any comments or questions for this episode topics? Then please leave them in our comments section.  Or write to us at:  TTDSOnAir@gmail.com. #DC #kidquick #msmarvel #endofprintcomics #independentcomics #marvel #milestonecomics #creatorsofcolor #CW #WonderWoman #YaraFlor #WonderGirl

 This week, Alex and Chris discuss the opportunity that creatives have to end 2020 on a positive note in whatever we are working on. We cover a lot of ground this episode, dropping names and titles of books and films and TV shows (and Alex leaves mysteries for us to solve), and all of it is in the service of trying to inspire you to put those positive moments in your work, to create the world we want to live in together.  Have any comments or questions for this episode topics? Then please leave them in our comments section.  Or write to us at:  TTDSOnAir@gmail.com.  #outoftheirminds #startrek #picard #sacosby #blacktopwasteland #andhersmilewilluntehertheuniverse #gwendolynkiste #herbodyandotherpaeties #carmenmariamachado #gabinoiglesias #richienarvaez #pa'quetulosepas! #angelluiscolon #shatteringglass #nastywomanpress #underherblackwings #graveyardsmash #2020womenofhorroranthology #kandishapress

Today on Tell The Damn Story, Chris and Alex discuss the dramatic changes defining 2020 and how they can inspire creative to do the kind of work we need to be putting out there these days. A bit of friction ensues as the two old friends discuss the election, ongoing deeply-rooted problems in America, and how all of that actually provides great opportunities for creatives tell the kind of tales we need to create if we are going to contribute to moving our country and our world forward. Have any comments or questions for this episode topics? Then please leave them in our comments section.  Or write to us at:  TTDSOnAir@gmail.com

In this energized episode Alex and Chris discuss a full range of how creators are working through the limitations and obstacles Covid presents and urge creators to find a way to tell their own damn story.  Have any recommendations, questions, or suggestions for this episode topics? Then please leave them in our comments section.  Or write to us at:  TTDSOnAir@gmail.com #TheMandalorian #CGI #jonfavreau #davefiloni #davechappelle #jamesmcmurtry #djrogue #thesocialdilemma #netflix #disney #microfiction #flashfiction #NewYorkFilmAcademy #write #amwriting #podcast #robertmckee #studentcreativity #Avengers #starwars #microfiction #instagramReels #InstagramStories #cellphonesfilms 

This week, Alex and Chris prepare for Halloween by celebrating fiction and film moments that scared them and then discussing the techniques and/or elements that made those moments work. With excerpts read and film moments recounted from: Salems Lot, The Shinning, Stephen King, Richard Matheson, I Am Legend, "Under Her Black Wings: Women of Horror Anthology," Burnt Offering, Grave of the Vampire, "The Aztec," Carmen Baca, "Sarah Smiles," Christy Aldridge.  Have any recommendations, questions, or suggestions for this episode topics? Then please leave them in our comments section.  Or write to us at:  TTDSOnAir@gmail.com #salemslot #theshining #stephenking #iamlegend #richardmatheson #underherblackwings #2020womenofhorroranthology #kandishapress #thevampiresgrave #burntofferings, #theaztec #carmenbaca #sarahsmiles #christyaldridge 

 In this episode, Alex and Chris confront Chris' out of control addiction ... Covid books.   We get to see how his delicious affliction has resulted in a formidable list of suggestions for spooky Halloween fun. The list goes from classic horror to supernatural tales of multi cultural genders and ages.   If we can't go out physically to parties, we might as well send our minds out for some fun.  Have any recommendations, questions, or suggestions for this episode topics?  Then please leave them in our comments section.  Or write to us at:  TTDSOnAir@gmail.com Here are the hashtags (book titles and or authors) for many of those mentioned in our episode. #book #books #movies #Halloweenreading #sacosby #blacktopwasteland #victorlavalle #theballadofblacktom #kandishapress #underherblackwings #graveyardsmash #gwendolynkiste #andhersmilewilluntethertheuniverse #carmenmariamachado #herbodyandotherparties #johnhornerjacobs #southerngods #marysangiovanni #cosmicshenanigans #briankeen

Despite upset stomach and looming deadlines, once again co-hosts Chris Ryan and Alex Simmons take time to answer some of the questions writers are wrestling with most.  Listen in to see if they answer one of yours.  And if they don't leave it in the comments and they'll get to it next time. Have any questions, or suggestions for episode topics? Leave your thoughts in our comments section.  Or write to us at:  TTDSOnAir@gmail.com

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