Tell The Damn Story Alex Simmons & Chris Ryan

"Lessons Learned Being a Writing Hero"

("Those are Chris' words, not mine." - Alex -)

Today, Alex Simmons and Chris Ryan celebrate Alex's birthday by exploring his life as a creative so that we can discuss the ups and downs, the challenges and solutions that we experience as creative writers in hopes of inspiring and energizing creativity for you.

We discuss Alex's artistic roots from childhood imagination to his early training, his experiences with Marvel, DC, and Archie comics, as well as the Hardy Boys and the Bobbsey Twins, all leading up to his creation and experiences with "Arron Blackjack Day."

Enjoy lots of laughs and lots of learning in today's episode.



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Join writers Alex Simmons and Chris Ryan as they dive into the world of short story fiction.

In this episode, they explore the history and resurgence of shorter works, discussing their experiences, pitfalls to avoid, and the key elements for crafting compelling narratives.

From character bibles to pacing, from writing muscle variations to marketing strategies, Alex and Chris provide valuable insights and practical advice for writers looking to make their mark in the ever-evolving literary landscape.

Join us as we dissect the art of storytelling in its concise and impactful form. Remember to stay until the end for more writing tips and engaging discussions.



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Welcome to another episode of "Tell The Damn Story," where hosts Alex Simmons and Chris Ryan explore the intricacies of storytelling. 

In today's episode, they dive into writing across genres, the importance of character naming, and the unpredictable nature of reader reception.

Both hosts emphasize the necessity of submitting work broadly and share insights on balancing originality with commercial demands.

They also offer valuable advice for aspiring writers, stressing the importance of creative flexibility and experimentation.

Join Alex and Chris as they share a wealth of knowledge, personal anecdotes, and practical tips for enhancing your storytelling craft.

Don't forget to like and subscribe, and enjoy this episode filled with inspiration and expertise.



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In this exciting and in-depth installment, Chris Ryan and Alex Simmons dive deep into the storytelling waters of the iconic film "Jaws." From the comedic yet ominous build-up to the multi-layered character dynamics, we'll analyze how each scene masterfully serves the story through suspense, conflict, and character development.

Join us as we explore the introduction of memorable characters like the fearlessly pragmatic Quint and the knowledge-driven Hooper, whose interactions with Brody highlight the classic trio dynamic that drives the narrative forward.

We’ll discuss key scenes like Brody’s beachside realization, the town's tension-filled meeting, and that gripping night in the cabin where scars are compared—a pivotal moment that underscores Brody’s outsider status.





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In this exciting episode, Alex and Chris dive deep into the art of storytelling through multiple mediums.

The boys explore the subtle complexities of storytelling in classic films, novels, and comics.

The stimulating discussion starts with the iconic 1957 film 12 Angry Men. It examines the intense jury deliberations and how the characters' actions convey deeper themes, such as racial prejudices affecting judgments. The boys contrast these observations with the written script to illustrate the power of visual storytelling in films.

Next, they shift gears to the fantastical world of Ray Bradbury's "Something Wicked This Way Comes." Alex and Chris discuss how this novel sets an atmospheric tone that pulls readers into its unsettling carnival setting. Alex shares a personal reflection on how Bradbury’s work inspired me to pursue writing.

Last, they delve into Superman's moral landscape in Action Comics' number 775 tale, "What's Funny About Truth Justice and the American Way."

It's a lively debate about the ethical choices posed to Superman as Alex and Chris explore his resistance to tyranny and the abuse of power.



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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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