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 #93: Life As A Story Pool = Inspiration, Imitation, Perspiration & Innovation

There are so many things that influence our storytelling. If we only scratch the surface we wind up repeating what’s gone before, in almost the same “voice.” But diving deeper into our own thoughts, feelings, and experiences helps separate imitation … Continue reading

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Tell The Damn Story #92: 7 Top Sources For Good Story Ideas

In this episode Alex identifies and underlines the 7 important sources writers explore for stories. From an item on your desk to a tragic moment in life, artists must look to the inner and outer world, in order to reflect … Continue reading

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Tell The Damn Story #91: Fathers and Sons In Fact and Fiction

Alex and Chris celebrate Father’s Day talking about the influence of fathers (and mothers!) present or not, being fathers, and the impact of fictional fathers on us, as well as infamous fictional sons and daughters, including Batman, 4 Robins, Batgirl, … Continue reading

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Tell The Damn Story #90: Re-Entry: How Creatives Exist in More Than One World.

Alex and Chris discuss what Chris calls the “come down” from being heavily engaged in the creative process; the time when we’re not quite out of our creative world and not quite in our every day world. The results can … Continue reading

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Tell The Damn Story #89: How Do We Learn In Order To Create?

Based on a few things that happened this past week,  on Alex’s Facebook Live webinar, and on Chris attending a major writers’ conference, as well as  questions from their respective students, Chris and Alex explore, “How do you learn to … Continue reading

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Tell The Damn Story #88: Confronting Creative Darkness and Why Bother?

For the Memorial Day weekend, Alex & Chris take a look at creative demons and angels in an unusual way.  First Chris shares some honest and painful insight into his own struggles with doubt and fears, while trying to build … Continue reading

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Tell The Damn Story #87: WHAT MUST WE DO FOR OUT ART?

Returning tired and inspired from a weekend comic con in Philadelphia, co-host Alex Simmons goes solo for this episode.  His time at the East Coast Black Age of Comics Convention left him with many thoughts about artists, choices, life and … Continue reading

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Tell The Damn Story #86: Why Care Who You Write For?

In this week’s episode, Alex and Chris discuss why care who you write for, yourself or an audience.  Does it make a difference as long as you tell the story in your head? Does knowing who you’re trying to reach … Continue reading

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Tell The Damn Story #85: Spoilers Assemble! An Avengers Endgame Analysis – Pt 2

Part 2: Alex and Chris continue their analysis of Avengers: Endgame from the perspective of older fans and writers/creators. The result is a two-part extravaganza celebrating the writing/producer/directing/acting/behind the camera efforts to create this epic conclusion to an unprecedented 22-film … Continue reading

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Tell The Damn Story, #84: Spoilers Assemble! An Avengers Endgame Analysis – Pt. 1

Alex and Chris offer a spoiler-rich analysis of Avengers: Endgame from the perspective of older fans and writers/creators. The result is a two-part extravaganza celebrating the writing/producer/directing/acting/behind the camera efforts to create this epic conclusion to an unprecedented 22-film tapestry … Continue reading

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