Author Archives: Alex Simmons Says

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About Alex Simmons Says

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.

Tell The Damn Story-Unplugged #64: Pulp, Partners. Deadlines and the “N” Word

Sometimes writing stories about the past challenges our present day sensibilities, and more. Alex and Chris reveal how the pressures of writing two short stories in two weeks, required research, reflection, and restraint. Click here to hear. Have questions or … Continue reading

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Tell The Damn Story-Unplugged: How Is “Done Is Better Than Perfect?

Alex is doing an early morning solo as he ponders the artistic side of the popular online mantra, “Done Is Better Than Perfect.” Click here to hear. Have questions or comments for us? Post in the comments section below … … Continue reading

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Tell The Damn Story-Unplugged: Chris Interviews Mystery Writer, Art Taylor!

Back in October, Chris went on a solo mission to Deadly Ink Writer’s Conference in central New Jersey. While honing his own crime fiction writing skills he interviewed several other talented authors. So listen well to his third of six, … Continue reading

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Tell The Damn Story Unplugged: Stripping Comics Strips (Or What’s Behind Creation) with Jerry Craft

  In this episode host Alex Simmons interviews graphic novelist, creator/writer, and children’s book illustrator, JERRY CRAFT. Jerry shares some of the funny but also twisted turns he had to take as a black artist, creating black non-stereotypical characters in … Continue reading

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Tell The Damn Story Unplugged: STAN LEE HAS COME AND GONE

The Real “True Believer” is gone. Alex and Chris share thoughts and personal memories about the legend that was Stan Lee. As Alex put it, “he was the P.T. Barnum of the comics industry … the face of Marvel…” His … Continue reading

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Tell The Damn Story Unplugged: How Does A The Hollywood Film Deal Work? Part 2

Welcome to the Part Two of Alex and Chris’ discussion about the facts and fancies surrounding the quest for a Hollywood film or TV deal? Is all the negotiating, research, paperwork, waiting and more a road to fortune and fame, … Continue reading

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Tell The Damn Story Unplugged: How Does A The Hollywood Film Deal Work? Part 1

Alex and Chris discuss the facts and fancies surrounding the quest for a Hollywood film or TV deal? Is it just like winning the lottery, or more like back stroking in a tsunami? Click here to hear Part One. Please … Continue reading

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Tell The Damn Story-Unplugged: Confessions of A Writer’s Week

As independent writers and publishers, Alex and Chris have had a week jammed with author activity. They’ve been traveling the full range of a writer’s experiences from last-minute edits to upload frenzy. So listen in as they discuss a creator’s … Continue reading

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Tell The Damn Story-Unplugged: Alex Interviews ECBACC Media Tech, Dionne Stallworth. Pt 3

The release of the new BLACKJACK (Rapid Read book), TRIAL BY FIRE, TRIAL BY ICE, delayed the posting of the 3rd episode of the series WHY BLACKJACK, where Alex continues to explore the appeal of his action adventure hero, ARRON … Continue reading

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Tell The Damn Story-Unplugged: Alex Interviews ECBACC Media Tech, Dionne Stallworth. Pt 2

In this second episode of the series WHY BLACKJACK, Alex continues to explore the appeal of his action adventure creation, ARRON DAY aka BLACKJACK. Part two of the interview with ECBACC media tech, and Blackjack fan, Dionne Stallworth. The conversation … Continue reading

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