Tell The Damn Story

Alex Simmons & Chris Ryan

This is where we interview and discuss the challenges and successes of writing books, comics, films, and other creative arts and pop culture topics.

  1. 3d ago

    Telll The Damn Story ep 417: Beyond Frankenstein: How Teel James Glenn Brought a Monster to Life

    What happens when Frankenstein's monster survives the torch-wielding mob... and becomes a private detective? In this episode of Tell The Damn Story, Alex Simmons and Chris Ryan welcome back prolific author, stuntman, and master storyteller Teel James Glenn to explore the creative process behind his acclaimed Adam Paradise novels—a noir-inspired reimagining of Mary Shelley's legendary creature as a hard-boiled investigator navigating the shadows of 1930s America. Together, they venture into the dark alleys of storytelling, discussing how ideas haunt writers for years, why some characters refuse to stay on the page, the eternal battle between plotting and pantsing, and how research can transform a story from cardboard scenery into a living, breathing world. Along the way, they uncover what makes characters feel human—even when they're stitched together from parts. Whether you're wrestling with writer's block, searching for a stronger process, or trying to breathe life into your own literary creations, this episode offers practical wisdom, honest insights, and a few monster-sized revelations. And stick around—there's a special giveaway, a Frankenstein-inspired challenge, and a chance to walk away with a signed copy of The Undiscovered Country. BOOK GIVEAWAY We have a signed copy of Teel James Glenn's latest Adam Paradise novel, The Undiscovered Country, waiting for one lucky listener! To enter, leave a comment below telling us the most valuable lesson, insight, or piece of writing advice you took away from Teal's appearance on this episode. Teal himself will help choose the winning entry. The winner will receive a signed copy of the book and a chance to continue the adventure with Adam Paradise. Chris and Teel will both be attending StokerCon in Pittsburgh. If you spot either of them during the convention, stop by and say hello! Better yet, tell them which classic literary, historical, or fictional character you would reinvent and what you'd do to make that character more human, compelling, or surprising. You just might earn yourself a special bonus surprise. SEE US AT STOKERCON. And if you attend Teal's Frankenstein panel, be sure to mention that Tell The Damn Story sent you. After all, every monster has a story—and every writer should tell the damn story. Have any questions, comments, or suggestions? Then, please leave them in the Comments Section. Write: TTDSOnAir@gmail.com And follow us on ... ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@Tell The Damn Story⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ www.TellTheDamnStory.com www.Facebook.com/Tell The Damn Story⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ YouTube.com/ Tell The Damn Story⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Stories 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!⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

    1h 6m
  2. May 9

    Tell The Damn Story, ep 414: How To Do It All. Pitching, Promotion, and the Reality of Being a Writer.

    Wouldn't it be great if all you had to do was write your book, put it up for sale, and then watch the customer lineup? Well, that's not how it works. In this episode, cohosts Alex Simmons and Chris Ryan dive into the critical but often overlooked realities of pitching your ideas, planning promotional campaigns, and building your platform—regardless of whether you’re seeking a traditional publishing deal or going the indie route.  They discuss why even award-winning authors and successful filmmakers can’t escape the demands of self-promotion, and share practical advice for perfecting your pitch, engaging your audience, and authentically connecting with your community.  Packed with real-world examples, useful strategies, and a dash of humor, this episode is your essential guide to navigating the business side of your creative journey. Have any questions, comments, or suggestions? Then, please leave them in the Comments Section. Write: TTDSOnAir@gmail.com And follow us on ... ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@Tell The Damn Story⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ www.TellTheDamnStory.com www.Facebook.com/Tell The Damn Story⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ YouTube.com/ Tell The Damn Story⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Stories 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!⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

    34 min
  3. May 3

    Tell The Damn Story, #413: "The Monster in the Mirror: Stealing From the Classics to Build Characters Who Last"

    What do you do with a monster who's been alive for 160 years? And what if that monster speaks a dozen languages, and sees the moral essence of every human being in colors and shapes — but just wants to understand what it means to be human? You make him a private detective in 1939 New York. And then you let him loose on the Nazis. This week Alex and Chris sit down with author and storyteller Teel James Glenn, whose Paradise Investigation Series takes one of literature's most iconic monsters — Mary Shelley's creature — and reimagines him as the ultimate outsider: a philosopher, a protector, and a man who chose decency despite everything he suffered. But this episode isn't just about Adam Paradise. It's about what every writer can learn from Teel's process — how he took a public domain character, asked the questions the original story left unanswered, and built a rich, historically grounded world that tackles Roma persecution, Tong conspiracies, the KKK, and Japanese fifth columnists — one book at a time. We dig into the craft behind the creation — how a short story became a trilogy, how a pantsing writer built a six-book arc, how to write outside your own culture with respect and courage, and why making your hero genuinely interesting is harder — and more satisfying — than making your villain compelling. In this episode: How to take a classic character and make them entirely your ownWriting the ultimate outsider as a vehicle for social storytellingResearch, historical grounding, and why getting it right mattersThe difference between the white savior trope and genuine empathyWhy villains aren't more interesting than heroes — you're just a lazy writerThe Paradise Investigation Series by Teel James Glenn is available now on Amazon. Books one and two are out now. Book three — The Undiscovered Country — is available for pre-order. Have any questions, comments, or suggestions? Then, please leave them in the Comments Section. Write: TTDSOnAir@gmail.com And follow us on ... ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@Tell The Damn Story⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ TTDSOnAir@gmail.com www.TellTheDamnStory.com www.Facebook.com/Tell The Damn Story⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ YouTube.com/ Tell The Damn Story⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Stories 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!⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

    1h 3m
  4. Apr 26

    Tell The Damn Story, ep 412: From Draft to Mastery: How To Build Confidence Through the Writer’s Process

    Hey, storytellers! This week, Alex Simmonss and Chris Ryan are getting real about something every creative struggles with at some point—confidence. They’re sharing stories about their own writing journeys (the wins and the wipeouts), dropping wisdom from Caroline Bick’s new book about digging into Stephen King’s archives, and giving honest answers to the most common confidence-killers that hold writers back. Expect tips on handling lame plots, cringey dialogue, imposter syndrome, and the pressure to finish what you start—with plenty of laughs and no sugarcoating. Whether you’re working on your first story or your fiftieth, this episode is all about helping you build yourself up and keep going. So grab your favorite drink, settle in, and let’s get inspired together! Have any questions, comments, or suggestions? Then, please leave them in the Comments Section. Write: TTDSOnAir@gmail.com And follow us on ... ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@Tell The Damn Story⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ TTDSOnAir@gmail.com www.TellTheDamnStory.com www.Facebook.com/Tell The Damn Story⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ YouTube.com/ Tell The Damn Story⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Stories 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!⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

    53 min
  5. Apr 19

    Tell The Damn Story, ep 411: How to Write With Hope: Creating Light in Dark Times

    Does writing hopeful stories mean you're clueless? In this episode, with Chris away, Alex dives solo into the power and purpose of writing with hope—even when the world feels heavy with negativity. Too often, we're surrounded by doom and gloom, but as Alex reminds us, uplifting stories matter just as much as the darker ones. This episode explores why optimism is not naivete, the unique responsibilities of writers, and the essential role of creating "safe spaces" for creative expression. Through personal anecdotes, reflections on history, and insights from years spent teaching and storytelling, Alex shows how stories of hope help us thrive, push us to imagine new possibilities, and connect us across cultures, backgrounds, and generations. Join us for an inspiring look at how—and why—to tell hopeful stories, and why that's something every writer should keep in their creative toolkit. Have any questions, comments, or suggestions? Then, please leave them in the Comments Section. Write: TTDSOnAir@gmail.com And follow us on ... ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@Tell The Damn Story⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ TTDSOnAir@gmail.com www.TellTheDamnStory.com www.Facebook.com/Tell The Damn Story⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ YouTube.com/ Tell The Damn Story⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Stories 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!⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

    23 min
  6. Apr 12

    Tell The Damn Story ep 410: How to Write Believable, Relatable Characters: The Power of Nuance._

    Welcome to "Tell The Damn Story." In today's episode, Alex and Chris explore the art of crafting believable, relatable characters and explain the power of nuance in storytelling. Drawing from the film and book "Project Hail Mary," they break down how small details and subtle moments can forge real empathy and connection between an audience and even the most unlikely protagonists, including aliens without faces! Whether you're writing science fiction, superhero tales, or gritty dramas, this episode arms you with practical exercises and real-world examples. You'll know how to make your characters leap off the page. Join us as we uncover how nuanced details, thoughtful structure, and revision turn good stories into great ones. Have any questions, comments, or suggestions? Then, please leave them in the Comments Section. Write: TTDSOnAir@gmail.com And follow us on ... ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@Tell The Damn Story⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ TTDSOnAir@gmail.com www.TellTheDamnStory.com www.Facebook.com/Tell The Damn Story⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ YouTube.com/ Tell The Damn Story⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Stories 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!⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

    45 min
4.9
out of 5
12 Ratings

About

This is where we interview and discuss the challenges and successes of writing books, comics, films, and other creative arts and pop culture topics.