Tell The Damn Story

By 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.... more

· Arts

4.9

1212 ratings

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FAQs about Tell The Damn Story:

How many episodes does Tell The Damn Story have?

The podcast currently has 444 episodes available.

Tell The Damn Story episodes:

June 25, 2023 Tell The Damn Story, Ep #265 - "Answering The Soul Scream," How To Pursue A Perilous Passion Project
This week, Alex and Chris, discuss following a dream from early influences and inspirations through development until you hit a wall, and then figuring out how to go beyond.
Alex interviews Chris about the secret origins of creating his Soul Scream Antholozine, which is finally available on Amazon.com. We hope hearing the challenges he faced can inspire you to go beyond the challenges you face.

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#career #published #community #writers #splatterpunk #extremehorror #invitationlist #event, #personalconnections #influences #Marvel #DC #StephenKing #self-published #Blackjackcomic #collaboration #organizing #negotiation #intellectualproperty #assistanteditor #StokerCon #SoulScream #femaleprotagonist #horrorstories #author
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44min
June 18, 2023 Tell The Damn Story Ep 264: Following Spider-Man Across The Multiplane Storyverse
This week, Alex and Chris use Spider-Man Across The Spiderverse to teach how to write a great story on multiple levels.
We focus on visual storytelling and character to show just a few examples of how many things go right in this movie. And then we compare it with other movies, from Marvel, where the storytelling does not go as well.
There are many lessons to learn from this episode, and we hope you enjoy it.

Have questions or comments for us?
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#Fantastic Four #MichaelBJordan #ReedRichards #DrDoom #comics #MarvelCinematicUniverse #DoctorStrange #ThorLoveandThunder #animationstyles #SpiderMan #GuardiansoftheGalaxy #PeterQuill #Gamora #multiverse #teenage struggles #family #character #Spider Gwen.
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52min
June 11, 2023 Tell The Damn Story, Ep # 263: How To Get Character Into Characters (and Why).
Excerpts from -Tell The Damn Story, Episode 10_ How To Get Character Into Characters (and Why).
In revisiting this episode of Tell The Damn Story, Chris Ryan, and Alex Simmons discuss the importance of creating multi-dimensional characters in storytelling.
They read an excerpt from two original short stories about Alex's character BlackJack as an example of someone who doesn't have an alter ego. The boys emphasize the power of storytelling in addressing societal issues such as racism, violence, and mental health.

Have questions or comments for us?
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#podcast episodes #book #character #plot #convention #authors #writing #selling, #Blackjack #writers #publicreading #despiteracism #imagination #TelltheDamnStory #editing #socialmedia #challenge #writing #reading #creativity #socialissues #CharlestonShooting #FergusonShooting

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32min
June 04, 2023 Tell The Damn Story, Ep 262: Summer Dreamin', 'Bout Movie Madness

"Duuuuuudes, It's Summer Dreaming Time!"
This week Alex and Chris have a lot of fun talking about their favorite movies that came out in, or that they rewatch during the summer.
It is all part of our Summer Dreaming theme for the next few episodes. The boys also talk about the value of analyzing films and screenplays, including the differences between the "12 Angry Men" script and the final film.
They touch on a variety of other film topics, from the upcoming Spider-Verse movie to the low-budget vampire film from the 1950s.
So come on have some fun listen to observations about films you might love as much as they do or might be inspired to check out after they turn you on to them, dudes!

Have questions or comments for us?
Post them in the comments section below or ...
Write: [email protected]
And follow us on ... @Tell The Damn Story and on
www.Facebook.com/Tell The Damn Story

#podcast episodes #book #character #plot #convention #authors #writing #selling, #booksigning #writers #publicreading #despiteracism #imagination #TelltheDamnStory #editing #socialmedia #challenge #writing #reading #creativity #Jaw, #DazedandConfused, #Deliverance #JoshBrolin #Goonies #SeanAstin #MatthewMcConuaghey #Zorro #WilliamGoldman #theVampire1957

...more
55min
May 28, 2023 TELL THE DAMN STORY, Ep. 261 - How Do Writers Find Their Readers
After creating your world finding your target audience is your next big challenge.

This week Alex Simmons and Christopher Ryan explore one of the more confounding areas of a writer's journey: who the heck are our readers?
Combining multiple sources, we discuss or break down the answer to that question into four steps writers can take. All writers need to learn that not everybody will love what they do, so it's important to focus on the group of people who will enjoy our material and aim our promotions toward them.
So we list a string of suggestions for you to zero in on a pretty solid idea of who your potential readers might be. This is helpful while writing your material, editing your material, and especially marketing your material.

Have questions or comments for us?
Post them in the comments section below or ...
Write: [email protected]
And follow us on ... @Tell The Damn Story and on
www.Facebook.com/Tell The Damn Story

#podcast episodes #book #character #plot #convention #authors #writing #selling, #booksigning #writers #publicreading #despiteracism #imagination #TelltheDamnStory #editing #socialmedia #challenge #writing #reading #creativity #mentalhealthmonth
...more
30min
May 21, 2023 TELL THE DAMN STORY Ep. 260: HOW DO WRITERS KEEP THEIR HEADS ON STRAIGHT?
OR, How Writers Can Keep Mentally Healthy!

This week cohosts Alex Simmons and Christopher Ryan honor mental health awareness month by discussing ways to challenge a sad reality.
We cite research that confirms writers and creatives are eight times more likely to suffer mental health issues than people in non-creative professions.
Then we offer a few researched suggestions on how to stay mentally healthy and improve your overall health.
Because after all being healthier in mind and body helps to fuel creativity.

Have questions or comments for us?
Post them in the comments section below or ...
Write: [email protected]
And follow us on ... @Tell The Damn Story and on
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#podcast episodes #book #character #plot #convention #authors #writing #selling, #booksigning #writers #publicreading #despiteracism #imagination #TelltheDamnStory #editing #socialmedia #challenge #writing #reading #creativity #mentalhealthmonth

...more
31min
May 14, 2023 TELL THE DAMN STORY Ep 259: Why Tell A Mother's Day Story
Every writer has a Mom in their life.
Happy Mother's Day!

What's your story?
This week Alex Simmons and Christopher Ryan shout out moms and their influence, one way or another, on our writing.
While this episode is short, it is fun, with a few laughs, a few heartfelt moments, and some truths about our damn story and how to tell your damn story to your mom today.
Enjoy!

Say Hi to Your Mom For Us!

Have questions or comments for us?
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#podcast episodes #book #character #plot #convention #book launch #authors #writing #selling, #book signing #writers #publicreading #despiteracism #imagination #TelltheDamnStory #editing #Mother'sDay #socialmedia #challenge #writing #Irishheritage #criticism #reading #creativity #southernUnitedStates #historicalresources
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23min
May 07, 2023 Tell The Damn Story, Ep 258: "The Importance of Revisions: A Five-Step Process for Editing Your Scripts"
"Your words don't have to be perfect the first time they hit the page!"

This week, Alex Simmons and Christopher Ryan take writers through how to edit and revise their work.
Many creatives think of editing and revision as drudge work or punishment, the correcting of mistakes. But in fact, it is the opportunity to make good work great and great work excellent.
That's why we explore the impact of using simple sentences and how it can improve storytelling. In addition, we share strategies for writers to stay focused while editing so they can meet deadlines.
The boys of TTDS feel creators should run to revision with open arms. So in this episode, we offer 5 - 7 ways you can.

Have questions or comments for us?
Post them in the comments section below or ...
Write: [email protected]

And follow us on ...
Instagram: @Tell The Damn Story and on
www.Facebook.com/Tell The Damn Story

#writing process #character definition #authenticity in dialogue, personality, deadlines, calendar, focus, editing, revisions, feedback, storytelling, inspiration, personal promise, script-writing, short stories, conscious intention, coherence, rhythm, Jay Bennett, simplicity, drafts, screenwriting, grammar, spelling
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43min
April 30, 2023 Tell The Damn Story Ep 257: How To Do Your Writer's Thing In Public
A little advice on public appearances for writers.

This week Alex and I, give several pointed pieces of advice about what to do to make your public appearances more successful. We talk about book launches, readings, selling at conventions, speaking to potential customers, and talking with people who are more established in the profession than you might be.

We also discuss strategies for creating an elevator pitch and sending thank you emails to potential mentors. All of these elements of the professional experience of fraught with peril, and we're here to guide you safely through that treacherous terrain!

Join the conversation to learn more about the dos and don'ts of book launches and conventions, and how to make a lasting impression on potential readers and mentors.

BONUS: HOW TO BE ALEX SIMMONS! :)

Have questions or comments for us?
Post them in the comments section below or ...
Write: [email protected]

And follow us on ... @Tell The Damn Story and on
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#podcast episodes #book #character #plot #convention #book launch #authors #writing #selling, #book signing #writers #publicreading
...more
35min
April 23, 2023 Tell The Damn Story Ep # 256: How Do You Come Up With Those Great Stories?
Or, what do artists think about and why?
The weekend of April 14-16th, several comic artists, psychologists, students, and fans met in Bloomington, Normal Illinois for a good time called ReggieCon.
Among those present were NY Times award-winning Brazilian artist/author Fabio Moon, along with comic artist/publisher Victor Dandridge, clinical psychologist and “Psych-Geek, Dr. Vanessa Hintz.”
Also present was yours truly, TTDS co-host Alex Simmons.
And I refused to lose a chance to interview these three very different, yet in-sync specialists in story-telling, human behavior, and the reasons creatives do what we do.
So sit back and enjoy.

Have questions or comments for us?
Post them in the comments section below or ...
Write: [email protected]

And follow us on ... @Tell The Damn Story and on
www.Facebook.com/Tell The Damn Story

#FabioMoon #DayTripper #DrVanessaHintz #VictorDandridge #VantageInhouseProductions #Comics #Geeks #WritingSkills #writingsofig #writingtools #writingcenter #writingcorner #writingthefuture #writinghacks #writingblog #writingclass #authors #novelists #blackheroes #Writers #graphicnovels #ReggieCon
...more
38min

FAQs about Tell The Damn Story:

How many episodes does Tell The Damn Story have?

The podcast currently has 444 episodes available.