Here it is! Another fun-fact-tips-filled episode of Tell The Damn Story!

Today, hosts Chris and Alex are joined by two of their favorite returning guests and accomplished writers, Tom Sniegoski and Jeannine Acheson.

Together, they dive into the wild world of writing—spanning comics, graphic novels, and original fiction—and share candid insights on navigating creative collaborations, writing for established IPs like Vampirella and Hellboy, and the whirlwind that is San Diego Comic Con.

Tom and Jeannine walk us through the ups and downs of tackling well-loved characters, overcoming the infamous imposter syndrome, and finding their voices in new spaces. They discuss the challenges and rewards of pitching, the realities of professional rejection, and the thrill (and intimidation) of adding their mark to iconic franchises.

Plus, we get a first look at their original novella, Neera: A Constance Evermore Story, arriving this September, and hear some behind-the-scenes tales from their latest Comic Con adventure—networking, pitching, and navigating the overwhelming world of fandom.

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In this Summer Short episode of Tell The Damn Story, co-hosts Chris Ryan and Alex Simmons dive into the triumphs and challenges that writers face—whether you’re just starting or struggling to cross the finish line.

In this special Q&A installment, a summer tradition for the show, Chris and Alex tackle a lineup of real questions from aspiring and emerging writers, covering everything from transforming vague ideas into complete stories to finding your unique voice, balancing action with emotion, pacing your narrative, and knowing when your story is truly ready to share.

Through personal anecdotes, sharp insights, and a healthy dose of encouragement (plus a few laughs along the way), Chris and Alex break down the writing process into actionable advice you can use right away.

So whether you’re blocked, stuck in endless rewrites, or unsure what makes your work stand out, this episode’s got practical strategies and inspiration to help you, well… tell your own damn story.

TTDS ep 298: Doug Manx Interview

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Here we are with another episode of Tell The Damn Story, the podcast that dives deep into the ups and downs every writer faces—whether you’re a newbie putting pen to paper for the first time, or a seasoned pro grappling with self-doubt.

This week, cohosts Alex and Chris take on one of the trickiest obstacles in any creative journey: self-rejection.

Drawing from personal stories, sharp insights, and advice from fellow writers, they break down what self-rejection really means, why it happens to all creatives (not just writers!), and—most importantly—how to shut down those inner critics that tell you your ideas aren’t worth exploring.

You’ll hear practical tips for letting your writing “suck” in those messy early drafts, how to separate self-editing from self-rejection, and actionable steps to push past the nagging urge to toss your story before it’s even begun.

So grab your notebook, listen in, and, as Chris and Alex say, don’t self-reject—go tell your damn story!

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Welcome to this episode of Tell The Damn Story!

Today, hosts Chris and Alex dive into a fundamental yet often overlooked writing technique: using the five senses to bring your stories to life.

Drawing from their personal experiences—everything from train rides to memorable meals and travel adventures—they explore how incorporating sight, sound, smell, taste, and touch can immerse readers in your world and create deeper connections with your characters.

Whether you’re crafting a short story, novel, screenplay, or play, Chris and Alex share practical tips and vivid examples to help you make your scenes feel real, your characters relatable, and your narrative unforgettable.

Tune in as they remind all writers: don’t just tell your story—make your audience feel it!

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Co-hosts Alex and Chris blend their signature wit, real-world writing experience, and a few sun-soaked vacation antics to tackle some of the most frequently asked questions from writers like you.

Broadcasting poolside—Mai Tais not included—they dive into six of the biggest hurdles writers face: from crafting non-linear narratives and writing powerful scenes without dialogue, to building mysteries from a first-person perspective and portraying complex emotional states, even when you haven’t lived them yourself.

This episode is a treasure trove of practical advice, classic and modern examples (think "Inception," "Memento," "Jojo Rabbit," "The Apartment," and more), and actionable tips you can use right away.

Whether you’re struggling with making your romantic comedy both quirky and authentic, or you’re wrestling with telling tough stories from a child’s viewpoint, Alex and Chris have your back.

Plus, stick around for some bonus downloadable resources!

Tune in, get inspired, and—as always—tell the damn story.

Bonus Study material:

Q1: Jonathan Nolan - Memento Mori | PDF | Nature

"PULP FICTION" -- by Quentin Tarantino & Roger Avary

Inception.pdf

Q2: Raiders of the Lost Ark.pdf

Iron Man Script: Quotes, Characters, Ending and Screenplay PDF

Q3:7 Great Crime Novels with First Person Narrators ‹ CrimeReads

Q4: Dennis LeHane's Shutter Island, Robert Bloch's Psycho, and It's Been a Privilege by Chris Ryan.

Q5:Steven Wright novel HaroldJoJo Rabbit

Q6: When Harry Met Sally, Notting Hill, Silver Linings Playbook, The Big Sick, About Time, Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind, Crazy, Stupid, Love, 500 Days of Summer

Addendum:

A copy of the script for THE APARTMENT

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In this lively installment, co-hosts Alex Simmons and Chris Ryan invite you to a sun-soaked, tropical "vacation" where the drinks are (supposedly) flowing and the conversation is all about the magic of comedy. But don’t let the tiki vibes fool you—today’s theme is comedy alchemy: turning tragedy into hilarity.

Alex and Chris dive deep into the art of weaving humor into even the heaviest of stories, sharing their backgrounds in comedy and breaking down classic examples from screenwriting, television, and stand-up.

They tackle common misconceptions about writing humor, reveal the importance of character-driven comedy, and discuss how some of the most serious subjects—such as grief, trauma, and social injustice—can be made more accessible through laughter.

From the slapstick genius of Laurel and Hardy to the masterful storytelling of Richard Pryor, plus lessons from sitcoms like Brooklyn Nine-Nine, Family Ties, and Scrubs, this episode is packed with real-world advice for writers looking to bring light into the darkness.

Whether you’re trying to find the funny in your own writing or want to understand the power of comedy better, get ready for a mix of practical tips, memorable examples, and a healthy dose of classic Chris-and-Alex banter.

So put on your sunglasses, settle in, and discover how to turn pain into punchlines—because every great story could use a little laugh.

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"The only way to get through hell is to go through it."

Co-hosts Alex Simmons and Chris Ryan have assembled a powerhouse panel of writers to dive deep into the fiery crucible where personal anguish meets creative expression.

In this episode, the spotlight shines on the just-released "Soul Scream Anthology: Fear and Loathing." Every guest on today’s episode is a contributor to this potent collection of horror stories for a changed world.

Join Chris, Alex, and an impressive lineup—including E.F. Deal, Teel James Glenn, Karen Renner, Daemon Manx, Charles Barouch (aka Oliver Bear), and Stephen Van Patten—as they wrestle with the big questions: How do turbulent times, personal pain, and societal fears become the raw material for compelling stories? How can writers transform rage, anxiety, and grief into powerful fiction that challenges, heals, and provokes reflection?

From stories inspired by political turmoil and censorship, to tales born from lived experience with violence, abuse, and recovery, the panel reveals how today’s dark realities inform their most haunting—and hopeful—work.

The conversation tackles the creative process, the emotional toll of writing through crisis, and the power of words to resist, connect, and transform.

Whether you’re a seasoned author, an aspiring writer, or a reader looking for stories that speak to these challenging times, this episode offers hard-won wisdom, candid confessions, and an unflinching look at the intersection of art and resilience.

So grab your notebook, settle in, and get ready for a raw, honest, and inspiring discussion about how to tell your own damn story—no matter what the world throws your way.

"Fear and Loathing" on Amazon

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"Join us for a special episode of Tell The Damn Story! 🎙️ Dive into the world of children's literature with Williamsport, PA author Judi Jessick!  

And then take a look at storytelling and the female experience in our second insightful dialogue with TTDS fan and archivist, Glorious. It's a must-listen for writers and readers alike. 💡👩‍💼 #FemaleVoices #AuthorInsights #TellTheDamnStory"

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In this episode, cohosts Alex Simmons and Chris Ryan highlight the importance of community through attending events like Stoker Con, sharing personal experiences overcoming imposter syndrome, and emphasizing the value of putting your work out there.

Alex introduces his plan to release six new Blackjack stories starting in July.

Our cohosts also discuss creating and publishing works like Chris's It's Been a Privilege and Alex's Sherlock Holmes and the Hands of Othello, stressing the importance of revisions and letting stories passionately evolve.

They wrap it up with insight on creating and publishing new short fiction, like Alex's upcoming Blackjack serialized action adventure series.

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CoHosts Alex Simmons and Chris Ryan have a bloody good episode for you this time!

The boys dive into Ryan Coogler’s ‘Sinners’—a film blending horror, history, and heart.

To help them on the hunt, they've invited pop-culture-spoken-word-guru and writer-commentator Omar Holmon, horror writer, and TV production pro, Steven Van Patton.

Together, the panel explores the film's depiction of Jim Crow-era America, vampiric appropriation, music as resistance, and Michael B. Jordan's layers of performance.

They celebrate the film’s refusal to be boxed in by genre and its commitment to authenticity, cultural nuance, and emotional storytelling.

It's a complex, yet poetic look at America's mosaic roots, through a wide and bloody lens.

Where To Find Them:

Omar Holman: 

  - @OmarHolman (https://www.instagram.com/omarholman) on all platforms, including TikTok

Steven Van Patten:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/stephen.vanpatten (the only Black one, as he jokes)

  - Instagram: @svp_thinks  

  - Website: http://www.laughingblackvampire.com

Chris Ryan:

  - Social: @ChrisRyanWrites  

  - Website: https://chrisryanwrites.wordpress.com 

Alex Simmons:  

  - Instagram: @AlexSimmonsSays  

  - Newsletter: “Simmons Says”

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