Simmons Here And Now

Welcome To Another Creative Year!Alex Simmons and Chris Ryan kick off 2026 by diving into what it really takes to be a prolific and resilient writer in the new year. With flying cars and jet packs noticeably absent from our futures, the co-hosts remind us that storytelling—simple, honest, and consistent—is the true adventure.Together, they reflect on the pitfalls of New Year's resolutions and why grand, unattainable goals can sabotage creative momentum. Instead, this dynamic wordsmithing duo advocates for practical, achievable steps—celebrating every victory, no matter how small, and forgiving ourselves for unfinished drafts and missed writing days. This episode is packed with relatable stories and actionable advice, from reassessing your past progress with kindness to embracing curiosity and sustaining creative habits.If you're ready to take on 2026 as a storyteller, tune in for honest conversation, hard-earned wisdom, and the inspiration you need to keep writing—and keep going.“If this episode reson

Here we go with Part 2 of “Master the Magic of Holiday Horror: How To Create Festive Yet Frightening Tales”—an all-star lineup joins your favorite co-hosts Alex and Chris: Steven Van Patten, Teel James Glenn, Marc Abbott, John Collins, and James Chambers.This episode dives headfirst into the art and courage required to mix chills with cheer, sharing honest insights on pushing creative boundaries, balancing authenticity with audience sensitivities, and making sure every fright serves the story—not just the shock value. You’ll hear the panel reflect on the importance of reading widely, embracing curiosity at any age, and drawing inspiration from everyday life to craft compelling stories that linger long after the holidays.From hard-won writing wisdom, techniques for fearless storytelling, and anecdotes about books that shaped their writing journeys, to quick-fire recommendations that might just change your creative life, this episode is brimming with advice and encouragement for both emerging writers and season

Welcome to a holiday edition of "Tell The Damn Story," where we explore the twists, turns, and often terrifying magic of crafting festive horror tales! In this very special episode, Chris Ryan and Alex Simmonss are joined by a powerhouse panel of storytellers—including Teel James Glenn, Marc Abbott, James Chambers, John Collins, and Steven Van Pattin. Together, they dive headfirst into the mysterious and eerie side of the holidays, discussing their experiences contributing to Soul Scream and Thylazine: Come All Ye Faithless, a collection brimming with holiday horror stories.Have any questions, comments, or suggestions?Then, please leave them in the Comments Section.Write: TTDSOnAir@gmail.comAnd follow us on ...⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@Tell The Damn Story⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.TellTheDamnStory.comwww.Facebook.com/Tell The Damn Story⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube.com/ Tell The Damn Story⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Stories change lives. They always have. At *Tell The Damn Story*, we believe in lifting voices and passing stories on. Your sup

On this episode of Tell The Damn Story, hosts Lara Frater and John Frater join Chris Ryan and Alex Simmonss for a lively, revealing conversation that’s as much about relationships as it is about writing. With decades of combined experience across horror, sci-fi, nonfiction, and the world of gaming, Lara Frater and John Frater pull back the curtain on what it’s really like to build a marriage—and creative partnership—under one (occasionally noisy, cat-filled) roof. Have any questions, comments, or suggestions?Then, please leave them in the Comments Section.Write: TTDSOnAir@gmail.comAnd follow us on ...⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@Tell The Damn Story⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.TellTheDamnStory.comwww.Facebook.com/Tell The Damn Story⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube.com/ Tell The Damn Story⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Stories change lives. They always have. At *Tell The Damn Story*, we believe in lifting voices and passing stories on. Your support keeps them alive for future generations. Help us by supporting TTDS → ⁠Buy Me A Coffee⁠⁠⁠⁠!⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

"Writing for young readers isn’t about dumbing it down — it’s about tuning in..."In this episode of Tell the Damn Story, Chris and Alex dive into essential writing insights for anyone crafting stories for young readers. From understanding age-appropriate content to shaping characters and plots that truly resonate, they break down practical strategies emerging writers can put to work immediately. Along the way, Alex shares examples drawn from the origins and evolution of Kids Comic Con—showing how storytelling, community, and imagination come together to inspire the next generation.Whether you're developing a children's book, creating all-ages comics, or helping young writers find their voice, this episode delivers clear, actionable tips to strengthen your craft—plus a behind-the-scenes look at how events like Kids Comic Con help nurture young minds through story.Grab our 10 Tips Guide to: The Joys of Writing for a Young Audience Have any questions, comments, or suggestions?Then, please leave

In PART TWO of this episode, hosts Alex and Chris continue their deep dive into the exciting—and sometimes nerve-wracking—world of live events (book fairs, signings, or conventions) for writers.Chris shares more of his firsthand experience at the New York City Indy Horror Book Fair, breaking down everything from finding affordable opportunities to the nitty-gritty logistics of setting up your table, choosing which books to bring, and connecting with readers in memorable ways.Alongside practical tips and laugh-out-loud anecdotes, Alex and Chris tackle common barriers writers face—like nerves, budgeting, and getting back out there post-pandemic. Plus, click here to get our can't-miss downloadable guides to book fair do's and don’ts.Book Fair Guide Do's Book Fair Guide Don'tsWhether you’re prepping for your first event or looking to up your game, this episode is your roadmap to making the most of every live opportunity. Hit play and get ready to take your writing beyond the page!Have any question

In this episode, hosts Alex and Chris dive deep into the exciting—and sometimes nerve-wracking—world of live events for writers.Whether you're an emerging author or a seasoned pro, stepping out from behind your desk to attend book fairs, signings, or conventions can be a game-changer for your writing career. Chris shares his firsthand experience at the New York City Indy Horror Book Fair, breaking down everything from finding affordable opportunities to the nitty-gritty logistics of setting up your table, choosing which books to bring, and connecting with readers in memorable ways.Alongside practical tips and laugh-out-loud anecdotes, Alex and Chris tackle common barriers writers face—like nerves, budgeting, and getting back out there post-pandemic. Part One of this episode is packed with actionable advice, including clever icebreakers, pricing strategies, and the importance of presentation. Plus, they tease what’s to come in Part 2 and a can't-miss downloadable guide to book fair do's and don’ts.

Struggling to turn that vague spark into a full story? Unsure how to build a hook, fix pacing, craft cinematic scenes, or write from a POV you haven’t lived?You’re not alone — and in this solo episode, Alex (with Chris away on a creative quest) dives into the questions that every emerging and aspiring writer wrestles with.In this bite-sized craft session, Alex breaks down:How to turn a vague idea into a full storyWhat makes a hook irresistibleHow to create scenes that feel cinematicWays to improve pacing in any genreWhen your story is actually ready to shareHow to write outside your own lived experienceThe most common beginner mistakesWhat “powerful storytelling” really meansThis is an honest, practical, compassionate conversation grounded in real writer struggles and decades of experience. If you’ve ever felt stuck, confused, or creatively overwhelmed, this one’s for you.Want a Writer's Block Breaking Guide from this episode?CLICK HERE!

“A short story is about one thing — one moment, one emotion, one change. Nail that and you’ve got a winner.”Are you a writer looking for answers on how to level up your craft? In this power-packed episode of Tell The Damn Story, we dive into another top 10 questions every emerging writer asks—from building suspense and finding your unique voice, to balancing action with emotion, and even marketing yourself without feeling fake. Hear real talk from seasoned authors Alex Simmons and Chris Ryan as they share actionable tips, personal stories, and experience earned through hard times. Their insight will help you break through creative blocks, develop better writing habits, and bring your stories—and your writing career—to life. So tune it in, listen up, and write it down.Do you have any questions, comments, or suggestions?Then, please leave them in the Comments Section.Write: TTDSOnAir@gmail.comAnd follow us on ...⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@Tell The Damn Story⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.TellTheDamnStory.comwww.Facebook.com/Tell The Damn Story⁠

How do you turn a half-formed idea into a story readers feel? Author Charles Barouch joins Alex Simmons and Chris Ryan to reveal the alchemy behind authentic characters and immersive worlds.

What’s your method: map it, muse it, or mix it till it works?This time, hosts Alex Simmons and Chris Ryan dive deep into the age-old debate between Plotter and Pantser writing styles. They explore the strengths and challenges of each approach, offering practical advice for aspiring and struggling writers. From managing plot inconsistencies and wandering plot lines to overcoming the dreaded 'murky middle,' they cover it all. Plus, the boys share insights on the crucial role of rewriting and character consistency. Join them for a lively discussion that aims to help you navigate your own writing journey with greater ease and confidence.Have any questions, comments, or suggestions?Then, please leave them in the Comments Section.Write: TTDSOnAir@gmail.comAnd follow us on ...⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@Tell The Damn Story⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.TellTheDamnStory.comwww.Facebook.com/Tell The Damn Story⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube.com/ Tell The Damn Story⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Stories change lives. They always have. At *Tell The Damn Story*, we

In this energizing episode of Tell The Damn Story, hosts Alex Simmons and Chris Ryan team up to reveal the essential secrets of successful collaborative storytelling. Drawing from decades of experience—Alex with his storied background in comic books, fiction, and the legendary Blackjack series, and Chris with his deep dive into the independent publishing world—these two seasoned writers come together to shed light on the real challenges and incredible possibilities that come with writing as a duo or as part of a creative team.Listeners are in for a treasure trove of writing gold as Alex and Chris crack open the toolbox for writers seeking to master collaboration. They break down everything — from establishing clear expectations and navigating differing visions to balancing unique writing styles and personalities —and ensure workloads are fairly shared. Learn how to set the “playing field rules,” tackle sensitive topics with respect, and discover the importance of serving the story above all else—no matter who

On this episode of Tell The Damn Story, hosts Chris Ryan and Alex Simmons are joined by legendary comic book artist N. Steven Harris and Afro-Indigenous writer and sound/energy healing practitioner Ry-El Nagasta to talk about their ambitious and culturally vibrant comic, Indigo Clan. As they dive deep into the process of blending diverse spiritual traditions, mythology, and high-octane adventure, Steven and Ry-El share how their personal journeys, artistic backgrounds, and real-world experiences have shaped this visually stunning and deeply layered story.After you listen to the episode, check out their ... N Steven Harris Website@nstevenharrisINDIGO CLAN Kickstarter Campaign!Ry-El's Auspicious Aucustics YouTube channel @indigo_clan_comicsHave any questions, comments, or suggestions?Then, please leave them in the Comments Section.Write: TTDSOnAir@gmail.comAnd follow us on ...⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@Tell The Damn Story⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.TellTheDamnStory.comwww.Facebook.com/Tell The Damn Story⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTub

It's October, and a perfect time to return to the scary side of writer's vile.And so, TTDS returns to episode 368 of Tell The Damn Story, "Vampires, Culture and How Coogler."It's a multi-cultural trip into horror with guest writers Caseen Gaines and Steven Van Patten, along with Alex and Chris, discussing Ryan Coogler's "Sinner." Everyone has something they fear, but how we face it and represent it is telling.Enjoy the highlighted version of the larger episode. Grab Your Free "Turn Fear Into Fiction" Cheat SheetHave any questions, comments, or suggestions?Then, please leave them in the Comments Section.Write: TTDSOnAir@gmail.comAnd follow us on ...⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@Tell The Damn Story⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.TellTheDamnStory.comwww.Facebook.com/Tell The Damn Story⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube.com/ Tell The Damn Story⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Stories change lives. They always have. At *Tell The Damn Story*, we believe in lifting voices and passing stories on. Your support keeps them alive for future generations. Help us by supporting TTDS →

“Because every writer deserves permission to tell their story.”This week on Tell The Damn Story, we tackle the fears that keep too many writers silent. From rejection to self-doubt, we’ll show you how to grant yourself the one thing every creative needs: permission to write. Join Alex and Chris as they share stories, strategies, and a few laughs on the road to writing beyond fear.Have any questions, comments, or suggestions?Then, please leave them in the Comments Section.Write: TTDSOnAir@gmail.comAnd follow us on ...⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@Tell The Damn Story⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.TellTheDamnStory.comwww.Facebook.com/Tell The Damn Story⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube.com/ Tell The Damn Story⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Stories change lives. They always have.

"Creative Rights, Risks, and Responsibilities in 2025"The dynamic duo of Chris and Alex dive headfirst into a topic that’s more relevant—and contentious—than ever: Is free speech ever really free? In a landscape where creative expression feels increasingly scrutinized and satire itself comes under scrutiny, our co-hosts examine the pressures and pitfalls artists and writers face when tackling polarizing issues.Drawing on decades of personal and professional experience, Chris and Alex examine how the right to speak one’s truth is shaped, restricted, and defended—sometimes all at once. The boys look back at pivotal moments in history, share stories from the worlds of late-night comedy, film, and literature, and unpack what’s at stake for storytellers today.Have any questions, comments, or suggestions?Then, please leave them in the Comments Section.Write: TTDSOnAir@gmail.comAnd follow us on ...⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@Tell The Damn Story⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.TellTheDamnStory.comwww.Facebook.com/Tell The Damn Story⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠

Chris Ryan and Alex Simmons are at it again. This time, they sit down with the immensely talented Rebecca Cuthbert. In this engaging episode, they discuss the triumphs and trials of aspiring writers, delve into the nuances of creativity, and explore the vibrant world of poetry. Rebecca shares insights into her latest projects, including her upcoming book, 'The Hauntings Back Home,' and reveals how small press publishing allows unparalleled creative freedom. Whether you're an emerging writer or a seasoned author, this episode offers invaluable tips to navigate your writing journey. Check out Undertaker BooksHave any questions, comments, or suggestions?Then, please leave them in the Comments Section.Write: TTDSOnAir@gmail.comAnd follow us on ...⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@Tell The Damn Story⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.TellTheDamnStory.comwww.Facebook.com/Tell The Damn Story⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube.com/ Tell The Damn Story⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠If you're enjoying these episodes, please take a moment to help wet our whistle by click

Writing Fiction, Monsters, and Industry Icons Can Be A Challenge!In this episode, co-hosts Chris Ryan and Alex Simmons welcome Jim Beard, a prolific writer known for his work in various genres, including horror, pop culture, and pulp fiction. Jim discusses his latest projects, including his soon-to-be-released novel 'Shutter Stories: Corpus Vile,' which explores pulp horror. They also delve into the influence and legacy of comic book legend Jack Kirby, celebrating his work through Jim's book 'Jack of All Comics.' Additionally, Jim shares insights on his creative process, collaboration experiences, and the importance of versatility in writing. Don't miss this jam-packed episode filled with valuable lessons and a deep dive into the world of writing and comics!Have any questions, comments, or suggestions?Then, please leave them in the Comments Section.Write: TTDSOnAir@gmail.comAnd follow us on ...⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@Tell The Damn Story⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.TellTheDamnStory.comwww.Facebook.com/Tell The Damn

It's How To Mash Horror, Noir Detectives, and Social Commentary from the Past About the Present. In this monstrous episode, co-hosts Alex Simmons and Chris Ryan welcome prolific storyteller Teal James Glenn for a wide-ranging conversation that explores his award-nominated book, Not Born of Woman. It's Teel's unique take on reimagining the classic Frankenstein’s monster as a private eye navigating the moral and social complexities of 1930s New York.Teal shares tales from his journey through mystery and horror conventions, the trials and triumphs of recovering from serious health challenges, his relentless pursuit of the next great story, and so much more. Have any questions, comments, or suggestions?Then, please leave them in the Comments Section.Write: TTDSOnAir@gmail.comAnd follow us on ...⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@Tell The Damn Story⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.TellTheDamnStory.comwww.Facebook.com/Tell The Damn Story⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube.com/ Tell The Damn Story⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠If you're enjoying these episodes, plea

How A Graphic Novel Can Tell A Tale of Wonder, Giant Guinea Pigs, And Immigration Flying solo this week, cohost Alex Simmons is joined by Angela Hsieh, a talented artist and writer whose lifelong love of drawing animals led to her debut graphic novel, Lu and Ren's Guide to Geozoology.Angela opens up about her winding path from a science-focused student to editorial illustration at NPR, all the way to landing a two-book deal with HarperCollins. She shares the real stories behind the scenes—creative breakthroughs, setbacks, the realities of working with agents, and the power of infusing your own heritage and experiences into your work.Whether you’re an aspiring writer or just curious about the making of a graphic novel, Angela’s insights and honest advice are sure to inspire. Tune in for a heartfelt conversation about creativity, persistence, and telling the damn story that only you can tell.Have any questions, comments, or suggestions?Then, please leave them in the Comments Section.Write: TTDSOnAir@gmail.c