Simmons Here And Now

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

When Is a Meeting Not a Meeting? When it becomes an Episode! This week, Alex and Chris were innocently having a pre-production meeting when an episode of TTDS broke out! That's right, folks, we realized that the stuff we were talking about is probably precisely the same stuff you're talking about – ways to get your work out in front of the people who are most likely to purchase and enjoy it. In this episode, we talk about all sorts of information sources and newsletters that will help you reach those goals. It is an unstructured, on-the-fly episode that really shows you a peek behind the scenes and offers many ways to help you tell your own damn story, and then position it so people will be able to find it. We hope you enjoy and benefit from this very different but exciting episode. Here are some of the names mentioned in this episode: #JoshSpector #AmyPorterfield #PodcastBeyondTheMicrophone #SteveOlsher #PatFlynn #TimFerris #NickStephenson #PublisherRocket #AskThePublic #DerekDoepker #AlexCattoni

Welcome to the mega-celebration that is episode 251 of Tell The Damn Story, featuring Caseen Gaines! That's right, Alex and Chris get to speak with pop culture author Caseen Gaines about his new paperback, "When Broadway Was Black," and about presenting, marketing, and choosing a title. Learn how designing a cover became a committee affair, and how getting out in public, connecting with an audience, and making the sale, can be a deeply personal challenge that many of you must overcome. It's all that and so much more. So, don't miss the triumphant return of our "founder," kind of, if you listen to certain people, Caseen Gaines! 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 www.Facebook.com/Tell The Damn Story  #WritingSkills #writingsofig #writingtools #writingcenter #writingcorner #writingpractice #writingsforever  #writingthefuture #writinghacks #writingWednesday #case

These writers share the inside story, from comics to TV, from season pro to a few years in the biz and counting.  This week Alex and Chris (whose cold does make Chris sound like Barry White) enjoy the return of Tom Sniegoski and Jeanine Acheson. Who's latest writing adventures bring us to exciting new levels of conversation about the creative process. A lot of fun and a lot of great info, which is the perfect way to help you tell your damn story. 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 www.Facebook.com/Tell The Damn Story  #WritingSkills #writingsofig #writingtools #writingcenter #writingcorner #writingpractice #writingsforever  #writingthefuture #writinghacks #writingWednesday #simonandshuster #writingblog #writingclass  #authors #novelists #eddienewell #Imagecomics #dccomics

This week, Alex and Chris continue to pull back the curtain on getting published. Whether you're new to the field or you've been at it for a few years or more, the effort to get your work out into the world is a maze of challenging moves. Independently publishing has its challenges, but traditional path publishing. They have even more. Either way, this is no land for the meek of heart. Come on in and listen to the conversation, and take all the strength you need from us to go on your own journey, whichever path you take, to tell your damn story. 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 www.Facebook.com/Tell The Damn Story #WritingSkills #writingsofig #writingtools #writingcenter #writingcorner #writingpractice #writingsforever  #writingthefuture #writinghacks #writingWednesday #simonandshuster #writingblog #writingclass  #authors #novelists #eddienewell #Imagecomics #dccomics 

AND IS THERE A NEW WAY TO SERVE UP TALES OF HORROR? Find out ... if you dare. Welcome, this week Tell The Damn Story offers a sneak peek behind the scenes as Alex interviews Chris about his latest project, the Soul Scream Antholozine.  What is it, conceptually, thematically, and culturally?  Who appears on those pages?  What decision-making had to be done as editor and publisher?  And is the more than one form of horror? This episode offers a different angle on what it takes to tell the damn story! 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 www.Facebook.com/Tell The Damn Story #WritingSkills #writingsofig #writingtools #writingcente #writingcorner #writingpractice #writingsforever  #writingthefuture #writinghacks #writingWednesday #horrorwritersofamerica #writingblog #writingclass  #authors #novelists #horrorwriters 

This week on Tell The Damn Story, Alex and Chris discuss topics to inspire and assist emerging artists along their creative path. We discuss whether or not one must stay married to one's genre, or can/should we experiment in other arenas. We also discuss the onset of The Doubts, and how to defend against that part of the creative process. We issue you a challenge to help you prepare to defend against The Doubts. Then we talk about what we checked out this week for inspiration. Chris cheers Ant-Man and The Wasp Quantumania, which he says is "way, way better than the critics are saying." He continues, "There's something for everyone in that movie!" Alex is talking about a young filmmaker who discovered an ignored group of heroes from World War I and is about to make a film about it. And, of course, we take a ride in Alex Simmons' Time Machine to visit outstanding female characters from decades past (which Alex does more of in the upcoming debut volume of Soul Scream Antholozine, edited and published by Chris an

Quote: "You knew the job was dangerous when you took it, Fred." -- Super Chicken, 1967 --  Question: Did the leader of the Mission Impossible Force (IMF) ever turn down a mission? And what do either of these have to do with this latest episode of TTDS? Well, this week Alex and Chris continue their efforts to help you tell the damn story ... even if you wish you didn't have to. Alex shares how as a writer he faced the challenge of working on an assignment you don't like or seems incredibly difficult. And Chris talks about maintaining focus and separating macro from micro thinking.  We issue an audience challenge with a chance to win a copy of a Blackjack adventure autographed by Alex and Chris.  Then Alex climbs into his time machine for something that Chris has never heard about in his entire life.  Come, check this out and see what you think about the new streamlined TTDS! Have questions or comments for us? Post them in the comments section below or ... Write: TTDSOnAir@gmail.com And fo

"And why the answer is YES." This week Alex and Chris help you tell your damn story by choosing to challenge certain limiting philosophies.   To start, Alex states his thoughts about the absurdity and responsibilities of writers "staying in your own lane."   And Chris explores, how you can, "to thy own self be true."  We also have some challenges for you and some useful things for you to check out.   Then we all climb into that huge "flashback station wagon" that we call the Alex Simmons Time Machine. This is where our jolly cohost connects the creativity of the past with the present to possibly project a future trend.   So come on in and have some fun, learn a few things, and then go and write your own damn story.  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 www.Facebook.com/Tell The Damn Story #EverythingEverywhereAllAtOnce #WritingSkills #writingsofig #writingtools #wri

Sometimes, a project has you on the ropes, and you feel like throwing in the towel.  So what do you do? This week Alex and Chris have all new ways to help you tell your own damn story.  Alex shares how as a writer he faced the challenge of fighting in the heavyweight class when you feel like a middleweight contender.  It is a tale of how to take on challenges that feel just a little too big for you.  And Chris talks about how to walk the fine line between following your own creative inspiration and tackling canceling culture. He shares a few clear ideas on constructive practices and developing a supportive mindset  The boys also have a challenge for you, and a couple of inspirational things for you to check out.    Then we'll have some fun when we jump into Alex Simmons's Time Machine to hear him connect something from the past that has an influence on the present. So, don't miss this chance to share some of your creative challenges and win a prize for the effort to tell you

Yeah, how much about yourself do you dare reveal in your work? This week, Alex talks about turning personal experience into fiction, and Chris talks about self-care, ensuring that your health supports your creative endeavors.  You can certainly pull from your own life for story ideas.  But there are other sources too.  So we also discussed being inspired by school teachers and a book called "The Anatomy of Genre" by John Truby.  Then Alex's Time Machine talks about the impact of Truman Capote's book, "The Glass House" and we offer you a self-care challenge.  So come on over and check it out. Feel better about yourself and stay creative!  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 www.Facebook.com/Tell The Damn Story Youtube.com/ Tell The Damn Story #trumancapote #WritingSkills #writingsofig #writingtools #writingcente #writingcorner #writingpractice #writingsforever  

It's the further adventures of our NEW FORMAT!!!  This week, Alex and Chris talk about their creative challenges.  One, avoiding creating all types of stereotypes.  And Two, maintaining focus and separating macro from micro thinking.  We issue an audience challenge with a chance to win a copy of a Blackjack adventure autographed by Alex and Chris. We also talk about things that inspired us creatively this week, and then Alex climbs into his time machine for something that Chris has never heard about in his entire life.  Come, check this out and see what you think about the new streamlined TTDS! 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  www.Facebook.com/Tell The Damn Story  Youtube.com/ Tell The Damn Story  #WritingSkills #writingsofig #writingtools #writingcenter #writingcompetition #writingcorner #writingpractice #writingsforever  #writingthe

Or, "These Papas Got A Brand New Bag!"  That's right. In this episode, Alex and Chris start 2023 off by rebooting, renewing, and refueling TTDS with a new format!  Every week (yes, we are back to weekly!) Alex and Chris will discuss creative challenges, suggesting ways to overcome obstacles to telling your story. We'll offer you a challenge and your answers earn you a chance to win a Blackjack adventure paperback signed by Alex and Chris.  We'll make suggestions for things creatives might want to check out, and travel in Alex Simmons' Time Machine, all in the name of improving your storytelling powers. Join the new, dynamic TTDS! *Here are clips or trailers for the films mentioned in this episode:  12 ANGRY MEN (1957 version). and 12 ANGRY MEN, (1997 version) 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 www.Facebook.com/Tell The Damn Story Youtube.com/ Tell The Damn Story #WritingSkills #writingsofig #