For most of us the motivation behind what we write varies from simply earning a salary to exorcising our own demons, to righting wrongs and saving humankind.
I often tell my students “… come from who you are and what’s important to you…” I feel if you can even implant some of that into your scripts or characters, you raised the bar from revisionism and flat stereotypes, to something engaging, enlightening and even informative.
In this two part episode, author Christopher Ryan talks about his methods and motivations for writing a type of sci-fi YA novel called GENIUS HIGH.
So sit back, react, and let us know what you think.
Alex Simmons is an award-winning freelance writer, comic book creator, playwright, teaching artist, and educational consultant. He’s written for Disney Books, Penguin Press, Simon and Schuster, Marvel, DC, and Archie Comics. Simmons is the creator of the acclaimed adventure comic book series, Blackjack. As a teaching artist, Simmons has created and taught creative arts workshops for students and educators in the US, Europe, West Indies, and Africa.
Simmons has served on panels and delivered lectures on children’s entertainment mediums, as well as empowering young people through the arts. Simmons founded the annual family event, Kids Comic Con, as well as three comic arts exhibits, which have traveled abroad. He is currently developing a comics and creative arts program for children all over the world.
During the past 35 years, Simmons has participated as a member of arts and education boards for several New York State nonprofit organizations, as well as one in Nigeria.
As a teaching artist Simmons has worked with youth through the Bronx Community College, the Christopher Barron Live Life Foundation, Apollo Theater In-School Arts Program, Henkel McCoy, Upward Bound, New York Council on the Arts, Children’s Art Carnival, Wings Academy, and NYU Creative Arts Team, to name a few.
He has been a panelist at many literacy and arts events, and he has been a guest speaker at numerous colleges and educational institutions here and abroad.
An interview with author, Christopher Ryan.
SimmonsHereAndNow 