In this episode, Chris and Alex explore the next segment of their GET YOUR WRITE ON series. Rewriting — how to seed what you need in your stories so the climax to pays off.
They talk almost exclusively about the secret pleasures of rewriting. There’s finishing your first draft, reading it, finding what your story needs, and then going back and seeding those plot points and character moments and foreshadowing, etc. that will make your story sing. Come for the jokes, stay for the rewrites!
As authors, how your book, play or movie ends is the last chance to leave your audience feeling satisfied. They want to look back over the experience and feel you faithfully lead them on the journey, and that the ending made sense. Rewriting is your opportunity to get the cuts, clues, and characters just right.
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.
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