Tell The Damn Story

Many, many students ask the same question, sometimes with subtle variations.  How can I come up with a new idea?  Why bother, mine won't be as good? Will anybody even read my story? How can I make mine better? And so it …

Writers often talk about character motivations. Basically why do they do what they do? Though that is a major question, another equally important one is, Why Do We, the Writers Do What We Do?  Alex explores that …

There are so many things that influence our storytelling. If we only scratch the surface we wind up repeating what's gone before, in almost the same "voice." But diving deeper into our own thoughts, feelings, and …

In this episode Alex identifies and underlines the 7 important sources writers explore for stories. From an item on your desk to a tragic moment in life, artist must look to the inner and outer world, in order to …

Alex and Chris celebrate Father's Day talking about the influence of fathers (and mothers!) present or not, being fathers, and the impact of fictional fathers on us, as well as infamous fictional sons and daughters, …

Alex and Chris discuss what Chris calls the "come down" from being heavily engaged in the creative process; the time when we're not quite out of our …

Based on a few things that happened this past week,  on Alex's Facebook Live webinar, and on Chris attending a major writers' conference, as well as  questions from their respective students, Chris and Alex explore, …

For the Memorial Day weekend, Alex & Chris take a look at creative demons and angels in an unusual way.  First Chris shares some honest and …

Returning tired and inspired from a weekend comic con in Philadelphia, co-host Alex Simmons goes solo for this episode.  His time at the East Coast …

In this week's episode, Alex and Chris discuss why care who you write for, yourself or an audience.  Does it make a difference as long as you tell the story in your head?

Does knowing who you're trying to reach affect …

Part 2:
Alex and Chris continue their analysis of Avengers: Endgame from the perspective of older fans and writers/creators. The result is a two-part …

Alex and Chris offer a spoiler-rich analysis of Avengers: Endgame from the perspective of older fans and writers/creators. The result is a two-part …

They came to the U.S. to see how we tell stories about social justice through comics. 

In this episode Alex and Chris interview several artists (Anastasia, Alexey, and Mitia) from Russia.  For a little over a week they …

Movies based on comics are a billion dollar business.

Comics are a million dollar business, especially with racy adult material.

And many comic …

Alex Simmons and Chris Ryan discuss how to keep going when there are roadblocks thrown in front of your creativity. They speak of pop culture …

Chris and Alex are comparing a multi-billion dollar property (with a multi-million dollar promotion budget), with a grassroots kids comic convention …

Alex and Chris discuss numerous aspects of creative depression from "The Mean Editor" interior voice to worrying about aging, to time, to dealing …

Being a freelance artists (writer, illustrator, dancer, etc.) can be a hard road to travel.  It's not just about the quality of your craft. It's also about the level of your business skills, and the ethics of the …

In this episode Alex and Chris verbally cruise the choppy waters of the right to write debate.  Should writers tell stories about life experiences …

A little while back, Chris attended the Deadly Ink Writer's Conference in central New Jersey. 

There he met and interviewed several other talented authors to get a glimpse of their process for telling the damn story. …

In this episode, Alex has to roll solo as he sits down with one of the comic industries best talents, writer/creator Tony Isabella. Tony worked for …

Co Hosts Alex and Chris thought they were prepared to interview storyteller extraordinaire DON McGREGOR.  Alex had known him since the 70s.  Chris had read this books almost as long, and researched like crazy for the …

This week Alex and Chris discuss what Black History Month means, what it should mean, whether Michael B Jordan should play Superman, and explore …

In Part 2 of our double your fun Brown Coat podcastic experience, Chris and Alex take a walk on the Whedon side. JOSS WHEDON, that is. They discuss the works, creative phIlosophy, industry influence of the man who …

In this two-parter, Chris interviews two members of the Pennsylvania Brown Coats, a fan group inspired by the TV series, FIREFLY.  Created by Joss Whedon (Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Serenity, The Avengers, etc.), the …

Alex Simmons and Chris Ryan talk about finding your Twitter Tribe, upcoming DC projects, and whether Hollywood is really ready to honor Marvel's …

In this episode, Alex and Chris cover a wide range of the creative arena, starting with the latest changes in comics, film and TV. Then they wrestle with some of the methods, as well as the pros and emotionally charges …

In this episode Alex and Chris talk about pop culture Aqua-billions, Spidey-good-sense, some tips for those seeking creative independence, and the …

A few months back Chris went on another solo mission to Phil Con, and while there he interviewed 3 talented authors. So sit back and listen to the …

Hey Folks:

It's the end of the year and a time to reflect on what we've learned and what's inspired us to keep going. Those bright lights, or …

Hey Folks:

It the end of the year and a time to reflect on what went right, wrong and somewhere in between. And this is the time that most of us …

Sometimes writing stories about the past challenges our present day sensibilities, and more. Alex and Chris reveal how the pressures of writing two short stories in two weeks, required research, reflection, and …

Back in October, Chris went on a solo mission to Deadly Ink Writer's Conference in central New Jersey. While honing his own crime fiction writing …

Alex is early morning solo as he ponders the artistic side of the popular online mantra, "Done Is Better Than Perfect."

Have questions or comments for …

Back in October, Chris went on a solo mission to Deadly Ink Writer's Conference in central New Jersey. While honing his own crime fiction writing …

In this episode host Alex Simmons interviews graphic novelist, creator/writer, and children's book illustrator, JERRY CRAFT. Jerry shares some of the funny but also twisted turns he had to take as an black artist, …

The Real "True Believer" is gone.
Alex and Chris share thoughts and personal memories about the legend that was Stan Lee. As Alex put it, "he was the P.T. Barnum of the comics industry ... the face of Marvel..." His …

Welcome to the second part of Alex and Chris' discussion about the facts and fancies surrounding the quest for a Hollywood film or TV deal? Is all …

Alex and Chris discuss the facts and fancies surrounding the quest for a Hollywood film or TV deal? Is it just like winning the lottery, or more like …

As independent writers and publishers, Alex and Chris have had a week stuffed with author activity. They've been traveling the full range of a …

Release of the new Blackjack (Rapid Read book), TRIAL BY FIRE, TRIAL BY ICE, delayed the posting of the 3rd episode of the series WHY BLACKJACK, where Alex continues to explore the appeal of his action adventure …

In this second episode of the series WHY BLACKJACK, Alex continues to explore the appeal of his action adventure creation, ARRON DAY aka BLACKJACK.

Part two of the interview with ECBACC media tech, and Blackjack fan, …

In this second episode of the series WHY BLACKJACK, Alex continues to explore the appeal of his action adventure creation, ARRON DAY aka BLACKJACK.

This time it's with ECBACC media tech, and Blackjack fan, Dionne …

How do you write and remain true to the story when personal and political storms are brewing?

Your hosts, Alex and Chris, celebrate as well as reveal …

Alex sets out to explore the appeal of his action adventure creation, ARRON DAY aka BLACKJACK. This is the first of several interviews with the …

As a new book prepares to launch, Alex sets out to explore the appeal of his action adventure creation, ARRON DAY aka BLACKJACK.

He starts here with the first of several interviews, with Blackjack artists and fans, to …

As a new book prepares to launch, Alex sets out to explore the appeal of his action adventure creation, ARRON DAY aka BLACKJACK.

He starts here with the first of several interviews, with Blackjack artists and fans, to …

Alex and Chris are back together again talking out whether superhero pop culture is about to experience it's own INFINITY WAR. And if so, who is …

Chris went on a solo mission to Deadly Ink Writer's Conference in central New Jersey. While lurking and ferreting out creative intel, he also …

Chris went on a solo mission to Deadly Ink Writer's Conference in central New Jersey. While lurking and ferreting out creative intel, he also …

Chris Ryan's is still on the road. He's in Pittsburg, Pennsylvania at an event called PULPFEST, not only as a writer/creator, but also to interview …

Here's the next great interview Chris Ryan achieved while on the road in Pittsburg, Pennsylvania at PULPFEST. Chris managed to interview writer, …

In this episode Simmons "Fesses Up." Alex goes solo to shares some of the emotional hardships and confusion he faced trying to write a story that …

With "snipers," "spammers," and "trolls" waiting in the digital bushes and hills of the internet, how do promote on social media. Alex and Chris …

Here's the conclusion of this Alex and Chris' discussion on the pros and cons of being your real self on social media. How can artists promote their projects and still face the internet "snipers," "spammers," and …

Alex and Chris discuss the disciplines and dangers of trying to meet the  DREADED DEADLINES. They also shares insights and tips as they share some of their own deadline fails and how they coped.

Have questions or …

Here's the last great interview Chris Ryan achieved while on the road in Pittsburg, Pennsylvania at PULPFEST. Chris managed to interview …

Here's the next great interview Chris Ryan achieved while on the road in Pittsburg, Pennsylvania at PULPFEST. Chris managed to interview …

Here's the next great interview Chris Ryan achieved while on the road in Pittsburg, Pennsylvania at PULPFEST. Chris managed to interview writer, …

Alex continues with Part 2 of the interview with Mr. Adedotun Salu and his associates at the Africa Cartoon Centre (ACC) in Lagos, Nigeria. They'll offer more information on their GLOBAL comic art poster contest, as …

Alex and Chris begin a two-part interview with Mr. Adedotun Salu and his associates at the Africa Cartoon Centre (ACC) in Lagos, Nigeria. They'll discuss a new comic art poster contest, as well as other comic and …

Chris Ryan's is still on the road. He's in Pittsburg, Pennsylvania at an event called PULPFEST, not only as a writer/creator, but also to interview …

Chris Ryan's is still on the road. He's in Pittsburg, Pennsylvania at an event called PULPFEST, not only as a writer/creator, but also to interview …

Chris Ryan's is still on the road. He's in Pittsburg, Pennsylvania at an event called PULPFEST, not only as a writer/creator, but also to interview …

It's Chris Ryan's turn to hit the road. He's in Pittsburg, Pennsylvania at an event called PULPFEST, not only as a writer/creator, but also to …

(This is part 2 of 2)
While traveling through a few cities in Europe, co-host Alex Simmons has a meeting with two artists/members (Ainur and Remi) of the Comics Center of Helsinki in Helsinki, Finland. They are The …

While traveling through a few cities in Europe, co-host Alex Simmons has a meeting with two artists/members of the Comics Center of Helsinki in Helsinki, Finland. The interview gave all three a chance to discuss the …

Co-host Alex Simmons checks in (solo) from Hamburg, Germany, to share thoughts and tips on the power of observation for creatives.

*Want to leave a comment or ask a question? Do so in the Comments section or...

Please do so by contacting us at:
TTDSOnAir@gmail.com

Alex and Chris discuss the thoughts, ethics, and personal processes behind repurposes artists repurposing their creations to fit new social or …

Chris asks the questions as Alex gives a short on the spot report from Leskovac, a small small town in Serbia. Alex was invited to teach a writer's workshop at the Balkan young Comics creators Festival.

*Want to leave a …

Your hosts Alex and Chris explore whether or not family friendly comis, TV shows and films are scares due to the industry, or is there really little market for them now.

Alex and Chris wrestle with a professional and emotional challenge. Within this intense and sensitive time can creatives promote, blog and share their thoughts in the wild wild west of social media?

Have questions or …

Chris interviews Alex on his invite to speak to young artists at the international Balkans Festival of Young Comics Creators, in Serbia. It's purpose is to bring together a war torn area of Balkans. and give support to …

No matter how hard you try, sometimes the writing just doesn't go the way you want. In this episode Chris and Alex discuss some of their most …

Alex and Chris explore the storytelling power of the the superhero movies current and coming soon. And how the Disney empire (Marvel and Star Wars …

Over the years Chris and Alex have written many different characters, from plays to comics, and from men to monsters. In this episode they discuss somechallenges and methods for writing engagging and genuine dialog.

…

Chris and Alex explore how they, and other artists, feed theirinner creative energy source. Where do we find inspiration and determination?

*Have questions for them? Post on ...
Anchor, or find us on ...
…

Chris and Alex discuss what type (and archtype) of characters in life and fiction intrigue them the most, and how that influences their work.

*Have questions for them? Post on ...
Anchor, or find us on ...
…

Chris and Alex talk about a few methods for dealing with writing distractions and excuses.

*Have questions for them? Post on ...
Anchor, or find us on ...
Facebook.com/TellTheDamnStory, or
Email: Alex@SimmonsHereAndNow.com

Chris talks to Alex Simmons, who is in San Diego, as a judge for the comic book industry's prestigious EISNER AWARDS.

*Have questions for them? Post on ...
Anchor, or find us on ...
Facebook.com/TellTheDamnStory, or
Email:

With the popularity of the movies and TV series from Marvel and DC Comics, including the extremely successful Black Panther film, the word "hero" has …

Writers Chris and Alex discuss how they determine when to use violence in or out of the comic book page. And what are the thought processes behind …

Most writers are curious about life. We live, observe, research, and think about it. Then we sit down somewhere and chronicles about the aspects that intrigue or excite us.
What's on My Mind is where I'll explore share …

Alex and Chris gives some tips of how to get your creations out into the public eye, without sticking them in the eye.

*Have questions for them? Post on ...
Anchor, or find us on ...
Facebook.com/TellTheDamnStory, or
…

Latest TTDS Unplugged episode of ...
Simmons Here And Now.
The original TTDS 3 musketeers are back together again for a special episode! The MIA member, Tim Fielder, is back to talk about his graphic novel creation, …

So here are my final thoughts on the emotional EMP wave affect of the Black Panther film.

Alex and Chris discuss the work and humanity of the unsung artist, Billy Graham. In particular his contribution as the first artist for Marvel's Luke …

Your hosts, Chris Ryan and Alex Simmons discuss what you're left with when projects and promotions don't go even close to the way you planned.

*Have questions for them? Post on ...
Anchor, or find us on ...
…

Your hosts, writers Chris Ryan and Alex Simmons discuss what classic films influenced their own creations.

Your hosts, writers Chris Ryan and Alex Simmons discuss the question what characters from their past influenced their own creations.

Latest TTDS Unplugged episode of ...
Simmons Here And Now.
The original TTDS 3 musketeers are back together again for a special episode! The MIA member, Tim Fielder, is back to talk about his graphic novel creation, …

Should writers write about safe material that will entertain and not offend, or should we write about things that we believe, feel, or rebel against, …

Alex and Chris discuss whether or not the gateways and opportunities in Independent publishing are slowly being blocked, locked and bolted.

Alex Simmons, that's me, offers up some solo thoughts on the emotional EMP affect of the Black Panther film.

[*First time using Anchor software. …