Tell The Damn Story

Alex Simmons & Chris Ryan
  • 4.9 (12)
  • ARTS
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

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

    Tell The Damn Story, ep 397: Crafting Your Creative Path_How to Create, Collaborate and Stay Committed

    In this episode of Tell the Damn Story, Alex and Chris explore what it really means to commit to a creative path—not just in ambition, but in action. They dig into the often-overlooked realities of collaboration: working with partners, editors, and creative peers; learning how to listen to critique without taking it personally; and understanding the difference between feedback that strengthens your work and noise that distracts from it. Through personal stories, hard-earned lessons, and nearly 400 episodes’ worth of perspective, Alex and Chris break down why professionalism, patience, and openness are essential tools for any serious creative. This episode is about showing up, doing the work, and learning how to grow—whether you’re working solo or building something with others. 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!⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

    40 min

  2. JAN 4

    Tell The Damn Story, ep 396: Why Small Goals Beat Big Resolutions for Writers in the New Year.

    Welcome To Another Creative Year! Alex Simmons and Chris Ryan kick off 2026 by diving into what it really takes to be a prolific and resilient writer in the new year. With flying cars and jet packs noticeably absent from our futures, the co-hosts remind us that storytelling—simple, honest, and consistent—is the true adventure. Together, they reflect on the pitfalls of New Year's resolutions and why grand, unattainable goals can sabotage creative momentum. Instead, this dynamic wordsmithing duo advocates for practical, achievable steps—celebrating every victory, no matter how small, and forgiving ourselves for unfinished drafts and missed writing days. This episode is packed with relatable stories and actionable advice, from reassessing your past progress with kindness to embracing curiosity and sustaining creative habits. If you're ready to take on 2026 as a storyteller, tune in for honest conversation, hard-earned wisdom, and the inspiration you need to keep writing—and keep going. “If this episode resonated, download our cheat sheet—Six Ways to Win the Writing Year Without Burning Out—and keep the momentum going.” 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 YouTube.com/ Tell The Damn Story⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Stories change lives. They always have. If you're enjoying these episodes, please take a moment to help wet our whistle by clicking on the link to ... ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Buy Me A Coffee⁠⁠⁠⁠!⁠⁠⁠⁠

    36 min

  3. 12/28/2025

    Tell The Damn Story, ep 395 Pt #2: “Master the Magic of Holiday Horror: How To Create Festive Yet Frightening Tales”

    Here we go with Part 2 of “Master the Magic of Holiday Horror: How To Create Festive Yet Frightening Tales”—an all-star lineup joins your favorite co-hosts Alex and Chris: Steven Van Patten, Teel James Glenn, Marc Abbott, John Collins, and James Chambers. This episode dives headfirst into the art and courage required to mix chills with cheer, sharing honest insights on pushing creative boundaries, balancing authenticity with audience sensitivities, and making sure every fright serves the story—not just the shock value. You’ll hear the panel reflect on the importance of reading widely, embracing curiosity at any age, and drawing inspiration from everyday life to craft compelling stories that linger long after the holidays. From hard-won writing wisdom, techniques for fearless storytelling, and anecdotes about books that shaped their writing journeys, to quick-fire recommendations that might just change your creative life, this episode is brimming with advice and encouragement for both emerging writers and seasoned creators. So grab your notebook, cozy up, and discover how to put some fear in your fa-la-la with the “Tell The Damn Story” crew—where inspiration, community, and storytelling magic are always in season. 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!⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

    33 min

  4. 12/21/2025

    Tell The Damn Story, ep 395: ep 395 (Pt 1): Master the Magic of Holiday Horror, How To Create Festive Yet Frightening Tales

    Welcome to a holiday edition of "Tell The Damn Story," where we explore the twists, turns, and often terrifying magic of crafting festive horror tales! In this very special episode, Chris Ryan and Alex Simmonss are joined by a powerhouse panel of storytellers—including Teel James Glenn, Marc Abbott, James Chambers, John Collins, and Steven Van Pattin. Together, they dive headfirst into the mysterious and eerie side of the holidays, discussing their experiences contributing to Soul Scream and Thylazine: Come All Ye Faithless, a collection brimming with holiday horror stories. 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 7m

  5. 12/14/2025

    Tell The Damn Story, ep 394: From Page to Partnership, Navigating Marriage and Writing

    On this episode of Tell The Damn Story, hosts Lara Frater and John Frater join Chris Ryan and Alex Simmonss for a lively, revealing conversation that’s as much about relationships as it is about writing. With decades of combined experience across horror, sci-fi, nonfiction, and the world of gaming, Lara Frater and John Frater pull back the curtain on what it’s really like to build a marriage—and creative partnership—under one (occasionally noisy, cat-filled) roof. 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!⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

    58 min

  6. 12/07/2025

    Tell The Damn Story, ep 393: From Comics to Chronicles - The Joys of Writing for a Young Audience

    "Writing for young readers isn’t about dumbing it down — it’s about tuning in..." In this episode of Tell the Damn Story, Chris and Alex dive into essential writing insights for anyone crafting stories for young readers. From understanding age-appropriate content to shaping characters and plots that truly resonate, they break down practical strategies emerging writers can put to work immediately. Along the way, Alex shares examples drawn from the origins and evolution of Kids Comic Con—showing how storytelling, community, and imagination come together to inspire the next generation. Whether you're developing a children's book, creating all-ages comics, or helping young writers find their voice, this episode delivers clear, actionable tips to strengthen your craft—plus a behind-the-scenes look at how events like Kids Comic Con help nurture young minds through story. Grab our 10 Tips Guide to: The Joys of Writing for a Young Audience 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!⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

    59 min

  7. 11/30/2025

    Tell The Damn Story, ep 392: Beyond the Page: Live Events and Their Hidden Opportunities For Writers, Part 2

    In PART TWO of this episode, hosts Alex and Chris continue their deep dive into the exciting—and sometimes nerve-wracking—world of live events (book fairs, signings, or conventions) for writers. Chris shares more of his firsthand experience at the New York City Indy Horror Book Fair, breaking down everything from finding affordable opportunities to the nitty-gritty logistics of setting up your table, choosing which books to bring, and connecting with readers in memorable ways. Alongside practical tips and laugh-out-loud anecdotes, Alex and Chris tackle common barriers writers face—like nerves, budgeting, and getting back out there post-pandemic. Plus, click here to get our can't-miss downloadable guides to book fair do's and don’ts. Book Fair Guide Do's Book Fair Guide Don'ts Whether you’re prepping for your first event or looking to up your game, this episode is your roadmap to making the most of every live opportunity. Hit play and get ready to take your writing beyond the page! 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!⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

    38 min

  8. 11/30/2025

    Tell The Damn Story, ep 392: "Beyond the Page - Live Events and Their Hidden Opportunities For Writers, Part 1"

    In this episode, hosts Alex and Chris dive deep into the exciting—and sometimes nerve-wracking—world of live events for writers. Whether you're an emerging author or a seasoned pro, stepping out from behind your desk to attend book fairs, signings, or conventions can be a game-changer for your writing career. Chris shares his firsthand experience at the New York City Indy Horror Book Fair, breaking down everything from finding affordable opportunities to the nitty-gritty logistics of setting up your table, choosing which books to bring, and connecting with readers in memorable ways. Alongside practical tips and laugh-out-loud anecdotes, Alex and Chris tackle common barriers writers face—like nerves, budgeting, and getting back out there post-pandemic. Part One of this episode is packed with actionable advice, including clever icebreakers, pricing strategies, and the importance of presentation. Plus, they tease what’s to come in Part 2 and a can't-miss downloadable guide to book fair do's and don’ts. Whether you’re prepping for your first event or looking to up your game, this episode is your roadmap to making the most of every live opportunity. Hit play and get ready to take your writing beyond the page! 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!⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

    41 min
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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.

Information

  • Creator
    Alex Simmons & Chris Ryan
  • Years Active
    2018 - 2026
  • Episodes
    403
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Alex Simmons & Chris Ryan
  • Show Website
    Tell The Damn Story