Simmons Here And Now

This week we're Answering audience questions" And our co-hosts, Alex Simmons and Christopher Ryan, talk about two top challenges. The first is the ups and downs Chris is facing by publishing a series of new horror anthologies. In the second part, our dynamic duo answers audience questions, including: How do I write a story that takes place in a location I don't know?  How do I write a story a time period I don't know? How do I write a story about a lifestyle 
I've never experienced? Should I only write about fictional events, people, and places? We offer detailed answers for each of these questions, giving different views on how you can approach answering these questions in your own writing. Come on in and grab some useful knowledge! Have questions or comments for us? Post in the comments section below or ... Write: TTDSOnAir@gmail.com And follow us on ... @Tell The Damn Story www.Facebook.com/Tell The Damn Story

"Underworld," to "Blue Marvel," to "King of Killers," A Writer's Gauntlet. Break out pen, paper, and an open mind yearning to gain insight! We have Kevin Grievioux for a long, in-depth interview about his comic book series, DARKSTORM, and DJINNATRA: RISE OF THE DJINN, as well as his co-creation of the supernatural film, hit UNDERWORLD. Then we dive into his acting prowess and the inside scoop on his various creative behind-the-scenes experiences with John Singleton, Michael Jackson, and Marvel Comics. You need to be here. You need to check it out. The deep voice is speaking! CLICK HERE to be alerted when the RISE OF THE DJINN Kickstarter campaign begins! Meanwhile, get on Kevin's DARKSTORM Mailing List. Have questions or comments for us? Post in the comments section below or ... Write: TTDSOnAir@gmail.com And follow us on ... @Tell The Damn Story www.Facebook.com/Tell The Damn Story

Last week, Alex Simmons and Chris Ryan engaged with challenge prompts from our listeners (with a little help from the mischievous Alex Simmons). This week our cohosts deliver answers to those challenges. Both wrote stories based on your challenges and this week, they read them and discuss the process of creating them. They show how opening yourself up to this kind of challenge or the world around us can really enhance writing. Plus, Alex Simmons sings! Have questions or comments for us? Post in the comments section below or ... Write: TTDSOnAir@gmail.com And follow us on ... @Tell The Damn Story www.Facebook.com/Tell The Damn Story

This week, co-host Alex Simmons and Christopher Ryan discuss a writing challenge set up by Alex but driven by the people who listen to and watch this podcast/YouTube Show. Participants gave us three words or phrases, and Alex and Chris agreed to choose from this impressively long list, get inspired by what was offered to us, and then write a short story from this inspiration. We discuss this challenge and further agree to do a reading of the results during the next exciting episode. Have questions or comments for us? Post in the comments section below or ... Write: TTDSOnAir@gmail.com And follow us on ... @Tell The Damn Story www.Facebook.com/Tell The Damn Story

A Tell The Damn Story fan calls in a fun response to her shout-out during episode 267.

Alex and Chris's summer celebration continues as we take a look at summer blockbuster hits and misses. We discuss The Flash, Indiana Jones and The Dial of Destiny, Guardians of the Galaxy III, Spider-Man: Across the Spider-verse, Top Gun: Maverick, and Mission Impossible: Dead Reckoning Part One! Then Alex Simmons invites us into his time machine to take a look at what a real box-office flop truly is. It's a lot of fun, and we even talk about the common denominator that spells the difference between flops and hits. Hint, it's something we've discussed quite often. Come on over and check it out. Have some fun. Bring popcorn! Don't forget to pick up your copy of SOUL SCREAM antholozine, on Amazon.com Have questions or comments for us? Post in the comments section below or ... Write: TTDSOnAir@gmail.com And follow us on ... @Tell The Damn Story www.Facebook.com/Tell The Damn Story

PART TWO. It's all about learning how to navigate the ride from idea to independent publishing with Soul Scream. This week Alex and Chris offer up Part Two of Chris's journey through 'Mordor' to produce and publish volume one of Soul Scream Antholozine. We hope that fellow creatives will gain support by us discussing all the walls hit and all the learning that had to be pursued. Chris hopes that seeing how this particular dream comes to fruition might ease your way in pursuing your independent publishing ambitions. Real advice from the trenches. Serious suggestions. And a few laughs along the way. All this and Atticus.io, too! Have questions, suggestions, or comments for us? Post them in the comments section below or ...  Write: TTDSOnAir@gmail.com  And follow us on ... @Tell The Damn Story and on www.Facebook.com/Tell The Damn Story  #career #published #community #writers #splatterpunk #extremehorror #invitationlist #event, #personalconnections #influences #Marvel #DC #StephenKing #se

This week, Alex and Chris, discuss following a dream from early influences and inspirations through development until you hit a wall, and then figuring out how to go beyond. Alex interviews Chris about the secret origins of creating his Soul Scream Antholozine, which is finally available on Amazon.com. We hope hearing the challenges he faced can inspire you to go beyond the challenges you face. Have questions or comments for us? Post them in the comments section below or ...  Write: TTDSOnAir@gmail.com  And follow us on ... @Tell The Damn Story and on www.Facebook.com/Tell The Damn Story  #career #published #community #writers #splatterpunk #extremehorror #invitationlist #event, #personalconnections #influences #Marvel #DC #StephenKing #self-published #Blackjackcomic #collaboration #organizing #negotiation #intellectualproperty #assistanteditor #StokerCon #SoulScream #femaleprotagonist #horrorstories #author

This week, Alex and Chris use Spider-Man Across The Spiderverse to teach how to write a great story on multiple levels. We focus on visual storytelling and character to show just a few examples of how many things go right in this movie. And then we compare it with other movies, from Marvel, where the storytelling does not go as well. There are many lessons to learn from this episode, and we hope you enjoy it. Have questions or comments for us? Post them in the comments section below or ...  Write: TTDSOnAir@gmail.com  And follow us on ... @Tell The Damn Story and on www.Facebook.com/Tell The Damn Story  #Fantastic Four #MichaelBJordan #ReedRichards #DrDoom #comics #MarvelCinematicUniverse #DoctorStrange #ThorLoveandThunder #animationstyles #SpiderMan #GuardiansoftheGalaxy #PeterQuill #Gamora #multiverse #teenage struggles #family #character #Spider Gwen.

Excerpts from -Tell The Damn Story, Episode 10_ How To Get Character Into Characters (and Why). In revisiting this episode of Tell The Damn Story, Chris Ryan, and Alex Simmons discuss the importance of creating multi-dimensional characters in storytelling. They read an excerpt from two original short stories about Alex's character BlackJack as an example of someone who doesn't have an alter ego. The boys emphasize the power of storytelling in addressing societal issues such as racism, violence, and mental health. Have questions or comments for us? Post them in the comments section below or ...  Write: TTDSOnAir@gmail.com  And follow us on ... @Tell The Damn Story and on www.Facebook.com/Tell The Damn Story  #podcast episodes #book #character #plot #convention #authors #writing #selling, #Blackjack #writers #publicreading #despiteracism #imagination #TelltheDamnStory #editing #socialmedia #challenge #writing #reading #creativity #socialissues #CharlestonShooting #FergusonShooting

"Duuuuuudes, It's Summer Dreaming Time!" This week Alex and Chris have a lot of fun talking about their favorite movies that came out in, or that they rewatch during the summer. It is all part of our Summer Dreaming theme for the next few episodes. The boys also talk about the value of analyzing films and screenplays, including the differences between the "12 Angry Men" script and the final film. They touch on a variety of other film topics, from the upcoming Spider-Verse movie to the low-budget vampire film from the 1950s. So come on have some fun listen to observations about films you might love as much as they do or might be inspired to check out after they turn you on to them, dudes! Have questions or comments for us? Post them in the comments section below or ...  Write: TTDSOnAir@gmail.com  And follow us on ... @Tell The Damn Story and on www.Facebook.com/Tell The Damn Story  #podcast episodes #book #character #plot #convention #authors #writing #selling, #booksigning #w

After creating your world finding your target audience is your next big challenge. This week Alex Simmons and Christopher Ryan explore one of the more confounding areas of a writer's journey: who the heck are our readers? Combining multiple sources, we discuss or break down the answer to that question into four steps writers can take. All writers need to learn that not everybody will love what they do, so it's important to focus on the group of people who will enjoy our material and aim our promotions toward them.  So we list a string of suggestions for you to zero in on a pretty solid idea of who your potential readers might be. This is helpful while writing your material, editing your material, and especially marketing your material. Have questions or comments for us? Post them in the comments section below or ...  Write: TTDSOnAir@gmail.com  And follow us on ... @Tell The Damn Story and on www.Facebook.com/Tell The Damn Story  #podcast episodes #book #character #plot #convention #authors #wr

OR, How Writers Can Keep Mentally Healthy! This week cohosts Alex Simmons and Christopher Ryan honor mental health awareness month by discussing ways to challenge a sad reality. We cite research that confirms writers and creatives are eight times more likely to suffer mental health issues than people in non-creative professions. Then we offer a few researched suggestions on how to stay mentally healthy and improve your overall health. Because after all being healthier in mind and body helps to fuel creativity. Have questions or comments for us? Post them in the comments section below or ...  Write: TTDSOnAir@gmail.com  And follow us on ... @Tell The Damn Story and on www.Facebook.com/Tell The Damn Story  #podcast episodes #book #character #plot #convention #authors #writing #selling, #booksigning #writers #publicreading #despiteracism #imagination #TelltheDamnStory #editing #socialmedia #challenge #writing #reading #creativity #mentalhealthmonth

Every writer has a Mom in their life. Happy Mother's Day! What's your story? This week Alex Simmons and Christopher Ryan shout out moms and their influence, one way or another, on our writing. While this episode is short, it is fun, with a few laughs, a few heartfelt moments, and some truths about our damn story and how to tell your damn story to your mom today. Enjoy! Say Hi to Your Mom For Us! Have questions or comments for us? Post them in the comments section below or ...  Write: TTDSOnAir@gmail.com  And follow us on ... @Tell The Damn Story and on www.Facebook.com/Tell The Damn Story  #podcast episodes #book #character #plot #convention #book launch #authors #writing #selling, #book signing #writers #publicreading #despiteracism #imagination #TelltheDamnStory #editing #Mother'sDay #socialmedia #challenge #writing #Irishheritage #criticism #reading #creativity #southernUnitedStates #historicalresources

"Your words don't have to be perfect the first time they hit the page!" This week, Alex Simmons and Christopher Ryan take writers through how to edit and revise their work. Many creatives think of editing and revision as drudge work or punishment, the correcting of mistakes. But in fact, it is the opportunity to make good work great and great work excellent. That's why we explore the impact of using simple sentences and how it can improve storytelling. In addition, we share strategies for writers to stay focused while editing so they can meet deadlines. The boys of TTDS feel creators should run to revision with open arms. So in this episode, we offer 5 - 7 ways you can. Have questions or comments for us? Post them in the comments section below or ...  Write: TTDSOnAir@gmail.com  And follow us on ... Instagram: @Tell The Damn Story and on www.Facebook.com/Tell The Damn Story  #writing process #character definition #authenticity in dialogue, personality, deadlines, calendar, focus, ed

A little advice on public appearances for writers. This week Alex and I, give several pointed pieces of advice about what to do to make your public appearances more successful. We talk about book launches, readings, selling at conventions, speaking to potential customers, and talking with people who are more established in the profession than you might be. We also discuss strategies for creating an elevator pitch and sending thank you emails to potential mentors. All of these elements of the professional experience of fraught with peril, and we're here to guide you safely through that treacherous terrain! Join the conversation to learn more about the dos and don'ts of book launches and conventions, and how to make a lasting impression on potential readers and mentors. BONUS: HOW TO BE ALEX SIMMONS! :) Have questions or comments for us? Post them in the comments section below or ...  Write: TTDSOnAir@gmail.com  And follow us on ... @Tell The Damn Story and on www.Facebook.com/Tell The Damn

Or, what do artists think about and why? The weekend of April 14-16th, several comic artists, psychologists, students, and fans met in Bloomington, Normal Illinois for a good time called ReggieCon.   Among those present were NY Times award-winning Brazilian artist/author Fabio Moon, along with comic artist/publisher Victor Dandridge, clinical psychologist and “Psych-Geek, Dr. Vanessa Hintz.”  Also present was yours truly, TTDS co-host Alex Simmons. And I refused to lose a chance to interview these three very different, yet in-sync specialists in story-telling, human behavior, and the reasons creatives do what we do. So sit back and enjoy. Have questions or comments for us? Post them in the comments section below or ...  Write: TTDSOnAir@gmail.com  And follow us on ... @Tell The Damn Story and on www.Facebook.com/Tell The Damn Story  #FabioMoon #DayTripper #DrVanessaHintz #VictorDandridge #VantageInhouseProductions #Comics #Geeks #WritingSkills #writingsofig #writingtools #writingcenter #writingcorner #w

A question that can only be answered in West Philadelphia Story. This week Alex and Chris speak with award-winning Philadelphia-based artist Jamar Nicholas. Jamar is the triple threat creator/writer/illustrator of LEON THE EXTRAORDINARY, (published by Scholastic Press). He's also an educator who dedicated his career to helping young people realize the power of the visual narrative. In an often gripping interview, we all dive deep into hard, urban truths, and the stubbornness of the creative spirit, in hopes of inspiring others to keep going, even when it gets rough, and when everyone else is telling you no you can't. Have questions or comments for us? Post them in the comments section below or ...  Write: TTDSOnAir@gmail.com  And follow us on ... @Tell The Damn Story and on www.Facebook.com/Tell The Damn Story  #WritingSkills #writingsofig #writingtools #writingcenter #writingcorner #writingsforever  #writingthefuture #writinghacks #writingblog #writingclass  #authors #novelists #animators #go

Or ... The One Where A Listener Booked The Guest This week, Alex and Chris go international once again, speaking with artist Christian Nelson of Toronto, Canada, an animator, comic book creator, and all-around creative. And what makes this even more fun is that he was recommended to the show by his neighbor, Jenny, who listens to TTDS on the regular. Come check out how they get it done up in the great white north! Christian talks about catching the creative bug while still in single digits, and how and where he learned his skills. We ask him questions about his work for several animation studios, including as a scriptwriter. And he gives us the inside scoop on his first comic book series, GOBLIN KNIGHT. We also talk about the techniques it takes to create all-ages stories that still discuss important, cultural topics, and Christian does that really well. Have questions or comments for us? Post them in the comments section below or ...  Write: TTDSOnAir@gmail.com  And follow us on ... @Tell The Damn Sto

"Sometimes your worse audience can be one of your own." Chris is on the road in Williamsburg Virginia, to face ... 5 days at a writer's conference. But this isn't to meet the fans. It's days of learning, writing, and public readings of each other's works for ... critiquing. How do you face a room full of other writers all looking to see who does what and how well? And remember -- you're not an actor. You're one of those people who spend a lot of time alone telling your story to aa mechanical device. So how do you step up in front of a crowd and let it all hang out? Alex and Chris discuss this and more in this long-distance show-down, uh ... episode. Here are some of the names mentioned in this episode: #TeelJamesGlenn #CarolGyzander #TomSniegoski #TravisLangley #JamesAMoore #NickStephenson #DRVanessaHintz #JamesChambers #LindaDAddison #CaseenGaines Have questions or comments for us? Post them in the comments section below or ...  Write: TTDSOnAir@gmail.com  And foll