Simmons Here And Now

"And why the answer is YES." This week Alex and Chris help you tell your damn story by choosing to challenge certain limiting philosophies.   To start, Alex states his thoughts about the absurdity and responsibilities of writers "staying in your own lane."   And Chris explores, how you can, "to thy own self be true."  We also have some challenges for you and some useful things for you to check out.   Then we all climb into that huge "flashback station wagon" that we call the Alex Simmons Time Machine. This is where our jolly cohost connects the creativity of the past with the present to possibly project a future trend.   So come on in and have some fun, learn a few things, and then go and write your own damn story.  Have questions or comments for us? Post them in the comments section below or ... Write: TTDSOnAir@gmail.com And follow us on ... @Tell The Damn Story www.Facebook.com/Tell The Damn Story #EverythingEverywhereAllAtOnce #WritingSkills #writingsofig #writingtools #wri

Sometimes, a project has you on the ropes, and you feel like throwing in the towel.  So what do you do? This week Alex and Chris have all new ways to help you tell your own damn story.  Alex shares how as a writer he faced the challenge of fighting in the heavyweight class when you feel like a middleweight contender.  It is a tale of how to take on challenges that feel just a little too big for you.  And Chris talks about how to walk the fine line between following your own creative inspiration and tackling canceling culture. He shares a few clear ideas on constructive practices and developing a supportive mindset  The boys also have a challenge for you, and a couple of inspirational things for you to check out.    Then we'll have some fun when we jump into Alex Simmons's Time Machine to hear him connect something from the past that has an influence on the present. So, don't miss this chance to share some of your creative challenges and win a prize for the effort to tell you

Yeah, how much about yourself do you dare reveal in your work? This week, Alex talks about turning personal experience into fiction, and Chris talks about self-care, ensuring that your health supports your creative endeavors.  You can certainly pull from your own life for story ideas.  But there are other sources too.  So we also discussed being inspired by school teachers and a book called "The Anatomy of Genre" by John Truby.  Then Alex's Time Machine talks about the impact of Truman Capote's book, "The Glass House" and we offer you a self-care challenge.  So come on over and check it out. Feel better about yourself and stay creative!  Have questions or comments for us? Post them in the comments section below or ... Write: TTDSOnAir@gmail.com And follow us on ... @Tell The Damn Story www.Facebook.com/Tell The Damn Story Youtube.com/ Tell The Damn Story #trumancapote #WritingSkills #writingsofig #writingtools #writingcente #writingcorner #writingpractice #writingsforever  

It's the further adventures of our NEW FORMAT!!!  This week, Alex and Chris talk about their creative challenges.  One, avoiding creating all types of stereotypes.  And Two, maintaining focus and separating macro from micro thinking.  We issue an audience challenge with a chance to win a copy of a Blackjack adventure autographed by Alex and Chris. We also talk about things that inspired us creatively this week, and then Alex climbs into his time machine for something that Chris has never heard about in his entire life.  Come, check this out and see what you think about the new streamlined TTDS! Have questions or comments for us? Post them in the comments section below or ...  Write: TTDSOnAir@gmail.com  And follow us on ... @Tell The Damn Story  www.Facebook.com/Tell The Damn Story  Youtube.com/ Tell The Damn Story  #WritingSkills #writingsofig #writingtools #writingcenter #writingcompetition #writingcorner #writingpractice #writingsforever  #writingthe

Or, "These Papas Got A Brand New Bag!"  That's right. In this episode, Alex and Chris start 2023 off by rebooting, renewing, and refueling TTDS with a new format!  Every week (yes, we are back to weekly!) Alex and Chris will discuss creative challenges, suggesting ways to overcome obstacles to telling your story. We'll offer you a challenge and your answers earn you a chance to win a Blackjack adventure paperback signed by Alex and Chris.  We'll make suggestions for things creatives might want to check out, and travel in Alex Simmons' Time Machine, all in the name of improving your storytelling powers. Join the new, dynamic TTDS! *Here are clips or trailers for the films mentioned in this episode:  12 ANGRY MEN (1957 version). and 12 ANGRY MEN, (1997 version) Have questions or comments for us? Post them in the comments section below or ... Write: TTDSOnAir@gmail.com And follow us on ... @Tell The Damn Story www.Facebook.com/Tell The Damn Story Youtube.com/ Tell The Damn Story #WritingSkills #writingsofig #

Tell The Damn Story takes a look back at 2022.  In this episode, Alex and Chris assess 2022, the successes and failures, the things both learned from their experiences, and what it means for emerging writers to do the same.  It's a lighthearted reflection, done with a few laughs, a couple of pats on the back, and some plans for the future. The perfect topic for December 2022!  Come join us to check out how writers look back to fuel moving forward, then turn the reflection on yourself and let us know how you did in 2022. We are really interested. Happy ChrismaHannaKwanzaa to and the New Year! Alex & Chris Let us know what you accomplished in 2022! Leave it in the comments or email us. Have questions or comments for us? Post them in the comments section below or ... Write: TTDSOnAir@gmail.com And follow us on ... @Tell The Damn Story www.Facebook.com/Tell The Damn Story Youtube.com/ Tell The Damn Story #WritingSkills #writingsofig #writingmood #writingheals #writingmuse #writingtools #writing

A good question for all us creative entrepreneurs. So in this episode, Alex and Chris assess 2022, the successes and failures.  They take a look at the things both learned from their experiences, and what it means for emerging writers to do the same.  It's a lighthearted reflection, done with a few laughs, a couple of pats on the back, and some plans for the future. The perfect topic for December, 2022!  Come join us to check out how writers look back to fuel moving forward, then turn the reflection on yourself and let us know how you did in 2022. We are really interested. Let us know what you accomplished in 2022! Leave it in the comments or email us. Have questions or comments for us? Post them in the comments section below or ... Write: TTDSOnAir@gmail.com And follow us on ... @Tell The Damn Story www.Facebook.com/Tell The Damn Story Youtube.com/ Tell The Damn Story #WritingSkills #writingsofig #writingmood #writingheals #writingmuse #writingtools #writingcenter #writingcompetition #writingc

What Are The Perils of An Indie Filmmaker In The Movie Making World While Chris is on the road performing readings of his works, Alex holds down the fort. Alex interviews KAI KALDRO, an ex screenwriting student of his, now a young indie filmmaker, The topic?  The path Kai has traveled from film fan to film maker.  Dealing with classes, coaching, writing, directing and producing his own films. "Sinner's Lullaby," and "Dissolve Girl." With one making it to an online streaming platform. Have questions or comments for us? Post them in the comments section below or ... Write: TTDSOnAir@gmail.com And follow us on ... @Tell The Damn Story www.Facebook.com/Tell The Damn Story https://anchor.fm/alex-simmons6/episodes/Tell-The-Damn-Story-235-Where-To-Get-On-The-Road-To-Filmmaking-e1ompve #SinnersLullaby #WritingSkills #writingsofig #DissolveGirl #writingheals #writingmuse #writingtools #filmmakers #writingcorner  #indyfilms #screenwriters#writingwild  #indyfilmmakers #writingissanity #writingclass #

In this episode, Alex and Chris focus on something all emerging filmmakers should decide before they produce their films. What do you want to do with them?  What theme, audience, and reaction are you targeting? Chris and Alex discuss why – Why you want to know why did you make that film, and what did you hope to do with it.  That decision will help determine a direction for your production, distribution,  and promotion. Have questions or comments for us? Post them in the comments section below or ... Write: TTDSOnAir@gmail.com And follow us on ... @Tell The Damn Story www.Facebook.com/Tell The Damn Story https://anchor.fm/alex-simmons6/episodes/Tell-The-Damn-Story-235-Where-To-Get-On-The-Road-To-Filmmaking-e1ompve #writingservices #WritingSkills #writingsofig #writingmood #writingheals #writingmuse #writingtools #filmmakers #writingcorner  #indyfilms #screenwriters#writingwild  #indyfilmmakers #writingissanity #writingclass #writingonwalls #writingonstone #writingismeditation

PART TWO of the Interview Are you in it for instant success, or the long run?" That's one of the hard questions creatives should be asking themselves regularly.  Because the answer has a major impact of your efforts, mindset, and outcome. David LaRosa has been an Indy filmmaker for a long time, and has the scars and accolades to prove it. Alex and Chris continue their look into at getting into films as they speak to him about what it took to go from an auditioning actor to an award-winning filmmaker with a feature film on Paramount +. Have questions or comments for us? Post them in the comments section below or ... Write: TTDSOnAir@gmail.com And follow us on ... @Tell The Damn Story www.Facebook.com/Tell The Damn Story https://anchor.fm/alex-simmons6/episodes/Tell-The-Damn-Story-235-Where-To-Get-On-The-Road-To-Filmmaking-e1ompve #writingservices #WritingSkills #writingsofig #writingmood #writingheals #writingmuse #writingtools #writingcenter #writingcompetition #writingcorner #writingpractice #writingsf

"Are you in it for instant success, or the long run?" That's one of the hard questions creatives should be asking themselves regularly.  Because the answer has a major impact of your efforts, mindset, and outcome. David LaRosa has been an Indy filmmaker for a long time, and has the scars and accolades to prove it.  Alex and Chris continue their look into at getting into films as they speak to him about what it took to go from an auditioning actor to an award-winning filmmaker with a *feature film on Paramount +. *the film, "CLANDESTINE," the trailer. Have questions or comments for us? Post them in the comments section below or ... Write: TTDSOnAir@gmail.com And follow us on ... @Tell The Damn Story www.Facebook.com/Tell The Damn Story https://anchor.fm/alex-simmons6/episodes/Tell-The-Damn-Story-235-Where-To-Get-On-The-Road-To-Filmmaking-e1ompve #writingservices #WritingSkills #writingsofig #writingmood #writingheals #writingmuse #writingtools #writingcenter #writingcompetition #writingcorner #writin

Part 2 of our, "How to Get Into The Movies!" episode. Today, Alex and Chris explore ways people can educate themselves right into the film industry. They go through online options, as well as local, community, state, and top of the line/private sources of education that can prepare you to enter the field of your passions. They also advise on what works and what to be aware of. And, of course, they offer anecdotes a plenty! Come on in, learning is fine, friendly and fun!   Have questions or comments for us? Post them in the comments section below or ... Write: TTDSOnAir@gmail.com And follow us on ... @Tell The Damn Story www.Facebook.com/Tell The Damn Story https://anchor.fm/alex-simmons6/episodes/Tell-The-Damn-Story-235-Where-To-Get-On-The-Road-To-Filmmaking-e1ompve #writingservices #WritingSkills #writingsofig #writingmood #writingheals #writingmuse #writingtools #writingcenter #writingcompetition #writingcorner #writingpractice #writingsforever #writingismyfreedom #writingthefuture #writinghacks #writ

No. We're not talking about buying butter popcorn.  What does it cost creatives we realize making movies is where we wanna' be? This week, Alex and Chris go where no Alex and Chris have gone before!  Kind of ...  For the next several episodes it's going to be: Tell The Damn Story Goes to the Movies!  All of us Creatives get hit with a thunderbolt, that moment when we read or hear or see some thing and say, "I need to do that!" Well, what happens when the thunder bolt hits in the movie theater?   How do you get from watching in the audience to making the dream real and putting it up on the screen? These next episodes we're going to do our very best to help you along the way.  Today's episode: What happens after the thunderbolt? Have questions or comments for us? Post them in the comments section below or ... Write: TTDSOnAir@gmail.com And follow us on ... @Tell The Damn Story www.Facebook.com/Tell The Damn Story Youtube.com/ Tell The Damn Story . #writingservices #WritingSkills #w

*"Enter freely and of your own will!” Alex and Chris hang out with punk horror author Carol Gyzander, and catch up with her many exciting projects. From writing to editing multiple short horror fiction, to scaring us with podcast readings and more, for the rest of the summer, Carol really has it going on! (See below.)  It's how-to-and-why-to fascinating conversation with a fascinating person. 1) Forget Me Not is a cryptid novella, published by Systema Paradoxa as part of their series. Each is a stand alone story about a different, somewhat obscure cryptid. Mine is about Bessie, the Lake Erie monster, Basically the story of teenage twins in 1969 Niagara Falls area and their connection to family in 1939 regarding  something in the water... more info in the blurb at the Zon: 2) Even in the Grave is a ghost story anthology that I co-edited with James Chambers. Different locations and time periods, but all are ghost stories! One thing to know -- while many of our friends from HWA NY Chapter are in the a

This week Alex and Chris discuss how streaming services have obliterated time in space for us all.   How with our powerful remotes we can go anywhere in the entertainment verse.  And for creatives, any win and the impact of that, is well worth noting.  How is that useful to emerging writers, you might ask? Books, plays, songs and films reflect the society in which they are created, decade by decade.  Culture by culture. So come on into our a blue telephone booth and let's go flying around the entertainment verse, across platforms and through several decades! Have questions or comments for us? Post in the comments section or ... Write: TTDSOnAir@gmail.com And follow us on ... @Tell The Damn Story www.Facebook.com/Tell The Damn Story Youtube.com/ Tell The Damn Story https://bit.ly/TTDSWebSite

The HEROES just keep on coming. This week Chris and Alex do a time honored summer activities; talking about the movies they've seen this summer. And they are deep into the MCU Phase 4 film cavalcade, and what it may or may not prove to be.  The boys share a few hot takes, interesting debates, and some overall fun.  So dive on in folks. PS. I know we've been MIA for a few weeks.  Sorry. I'll explain that in an upcoming episode. Have questions or comments for us? Post in the comments section or ... Write: TTDSOnAir@gmail.com And follow us on ... @Tell The Damn Story www.Facebook.com/Tell The Damn Story Youtube.com/ Tell The Damn Story https://bit.ly/TTDSWebSite #theeternals #spidermannowayhome #drstrangeandthemultiverseofmadness #shangchi #msmarvel #wandavision #falconandthewintersoldier #captainamerica #captaincarter #loki 

Greetings Listeners:  In this episode Alex, Chris, and special guest Elizabeth Sheehan take you on a more personal creative journey. Sometimes we learn the lasting lessons from our parents, teachers, or friends.  Sometimes from a heralded master of the craft. And sometimes we learn how to be better creatives, from a talent who quietly gave their best to the world. Gave of their knowledge, experience, and friendship. That was the writer, editor known as, William "Mr. Bill" McCay. He wrote for major publishers, crafting stories about Young Indiana Jones, Zorro, and Star Trek, to name a few. He worked for Sesame Street publications, on material for young readers everywhere.  And in between the many books and editing tasks, he gave freely of his great store house of historical and literary information, to anyone who needed it. This episode is a celebration of that man we were privileged to call friend. Have questions or comments for us? Post in the comments section or ... Write: TTDSOnAir@gmail.com

While Chris Ryan was on the road at a major writer’s conference, cohost Alex Simmons interviewed writer/creator Beau Smith. Beau has written for DC Comics, Marvel Comics, Image Comics, Eclipse Comics, Dreamwave Studios, Dark Horse Comics and many others.  He’s written for major video game companies, and Beau’s the creator and owner of the hit TV series Wynonna Earp (as well as  Parts Unknown, and The Black Terror and Cobb.). Learn how Beau went from an unknown writing editorial fan letters, to a comic industry legend.   Have questions or comments for us? Post in the comments section or ... Write: TTDSOnAir@gmail.com And follow us on ... @Tell The Damn Story www.Facebook.com/Tell The Damn Story Youtube.com/ Tell The Damn Story https://bit.ly/TTDSWebSite  #wynonnaearp #DCComics # TheBlackTerror #DreamwaveStudios #DarkHorseComics #SYFY #CTVSci-FiChannel

This week Alex and Chris talk to promoter/activist, Beck Lee who is helping the Origin Theatre Company to bring the play "A Kid Like Rishi" to New York City.  The play, written by Netherland's playwright, Kees Roorda, is a docudrama using court records to re-create the case of a controversial shooting of an unarmed 17-year-old black youth at the Hague Holland Spoor Station. Just like too many racial killings in America, this case created controversy when the white police officer who shot Rishi was acquitted.  We talk to Beck Lee about the history of this fascinating play, his efforts to bring it to New York, when the play will be performed, and where people can go and see this well respected theater piece. Go here for tkts. and info https://www.origintheatre.org/ Have questions or comments for us? Post in the comments section or ... Write: TTDSOnAir@gmail.com And follow us on ... @Tell The Damn Story www.Facebook.com/Tell The Damn Story Youtube.com/ Tell The Damn Story https://bit.ly/TT

Or How a Young Filmmaker Produced A Western During A Pandemic. Alex and Chris speak with one of Alex's former screenwriting students, Breck Cuddy.  Together our cohost explore the young filmmaker's first short film “Saving Grayson,” a multi character western he wrote and produced during the first year of Covid.  Their discussion also cover his first music video, the challenges of creating during a pandemic, and of getting creative work done, while trying to figure out your place in the world. Have questions or comments for us? Post in the comments section or ... Write: TTDSOnAir@gmail.com And follow us on ... @Tell The Damn Story www.Facebook.com/Tell The Damn Story Youtube.com/ Tell The Damn Story https://bit.ly/TTDSWebSite #westerns #screenwriting. #screenplays #writingcoach #breckcuddy #savingrayson  #newyorkfilmacademy