Tell The Damn Story Alex Simmons & Chris Ryan

How do you come up with a series concept?  How do you write it?  How do you pitch it to publishers? 

In this episode, Chris and Alex dive deep into the intricate world of getting a book series mainstream published. Alex Simmons and Chris Ryan are joined by acclaimed writers Tom Sniegoski and Jeannine Acheson, whose diverse projects, including Vampirella, Dark Reflections, and Soultaker, have captured the imaginations of many. 

We'll delve into the practical aspects of managing multiple scripts, juggling new ideas with ongoing projects, and the inside scoop on their latest novella, Nira, from Bad Handbooks. The episode also illuminates the essentials of pitching, negotiating, and contracting, interspersed with personal anecdotes and professional insights. 

Whether you're a seasoned writer or just a lover of good stories, this conversation is brimming with practical takeaways about storytelling, the business side of writing, and the creative process. So, tune in as we navigate the journey from the initial concept to the published series and every twist and turn in between.

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Welcome to another exciting episode of "Tell The Damn Story," where Alex Simmons and Chris Ryan dive deep into the art of character creation and hero introductions.

In this episode, they're peeling back the layers of iconic characters, revealing three distinct ways to bring a hero into the spotlight.

Have you ever wondered what makes a dangerous character become a beloved hero? Chris breaks down the complexities of character development, from Dorothy's innocent beginnings in The Wizard of Oz to Luke Skywalker's galactic destiny.

Alex gives us a sneak peek into a thought-provoking film, "Fresh," where a kid trapped in the drug game fights for a better future.

Our heroes aren't one-dimensional, as we discuss with references to Joseph Campbell's "The Hero with a Thousand Faces" and explore the malleability of hero archetypes. From the deeply personal journey of loss and pain in a critical film scene to the shining example of moral responsibility seen in "Captain America: The First Avenger," we dissect what lives at the core of a protagonist's inner life.



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Or, "The Case of the Anxious Author!"

This week, Alex Simmons and Christopher Ryan discuss the abyss of imposter syndrome and its often paralyzing effect.  

In this episode, we explore how imposter syndrome can hinder making live appearances and attending conventions.

Chris divulges his personal battles with self-doubt, especially resonant during a foray among horror genre titans. At the crux of the convention chaos—AuthorCon—Chris experiences an all-too-familiar apprehension and 

So, our hosts discuss strategies for calmly assessing imposter syndrome, taking steps to overcome it, and, most importantly, walking into the fear. 

This is an episode that can inspire you to conquer your doubts!



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"And What’s New In the Vampirella Universe?"

Welcome to another exciting episode of "Tell The Damn Story." We have a fascinating lineup for today. Joining hosts Alex Simmons and Chris Ryan are two exceptional guests—renowned writers Tom Sniegoski and the insightful Jeannine Acheson.

Join us as we dive headfirst into a recent and surprising development that could change the very foundations of comic book history. It involves what determines proper creator credit and its subsequent effect on residual payments and recognition splits. 

Then we'll get into the meat of some juicy creative projects that are taking fandoms by storm, including an intriguing spinoff in the world of Vampirella titled Vampiverse. Discover how characters like Lilith and the Vamp shape an alternate reality you won't want to miss. 

Prepare for a behind-the-scenes look at Sniegoski and Acherson’s dark fantasy woven into the Vampiverse, crafting stories under pressure and the secrets to balancing freelancing challenges. 

We'll also touch on some eagerly anticipated projects and the powerhouse that is the character of Constance Evermore in the novella "Nira," launching after a whirlwind creation process.

So, sit back, relax, or if you're on the move, turn up the volume—this is "Tell The Damn Story," where the writer’s world's best conversations unfold. Let's get telling.



Get Vampirella: THE VAMP on here on Amazon.



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How do you create a video game from scratch?

Welcome back to "Tell The Damn Story," where today's episode is a fascinating journey with Rob Stenzinger, an indie game designer who demonstrates that the union of passion and profession is the ultimate game-changer.

In our dialogue, Rob recounts his quest, from starting a fledging game creation studio with friends years ago to pivoting careers while keeping creativity at the forefront.

We explore his current project, Word Turtle Island, an innovative video game that blends action and words to shape a powerful narrative that mirrors our societal challenges.



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"Did you choose your interest in crime, or did crime choose you?"

Welcome to another episode of Tell The Damn Story, where your hosts, Chris Ryan and Alex Simmons, unravel the art of spinning a tale based on insight, experience and heart.

At least, that's part of our goal.

On today's show, we sit down with the illustrious Tom Coffey—a former journalist turned crime novelist with a knack for weaving the rich tapestry of human experience into his work.

From New York to California, to Miami, and back to NYC, Tom's journalistic encounters led him to the underbelly of 3 major cities.

So listen as we dive into Tom's transition from journalism to fiction, exploring how reporting's demand for crisp, precise narratives shaped his novelistic flair.



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