Tell The Damn Story #121: For Writers What’s The Big Story Behind, “LITTLE WOMEN?”

Posted on January 12, 2020 by Alex Simmons Says

After weeks of Alex fretting about the quality of the new film version of “Little Women” both he and Chris (and the goddess) went to see #LittleWomen and they discuss the film, earlier versions of it, and Louisa May Alcott’s 1868 novel. 

All of this is in the service of creativity and telling the damn story. Then they discuss Getting Your Write On, part two, in which Chris and Alex explain subtext, avoiding stereotypes, the usefulness of second bananas, and interior versus exterior dialogue, using the film/book and other works as examples to support each topic. 

Come for the film, stay for the learning, and then go tell your own damn story! 

Click here to hear.

Share your thoughts, questions and comments right here in our Comments Section below. Or write us at: TTDSOnAir@gmail.com

Alex Simmons, Alex Simmons, writer/speaker, consultant with his InkPot Award. Chris Ryan, Author of mysteries, children’s books, screenplays and novels

#LittleWomen, #saoirseronan #EmmaWatson #FlorencePugh #ElizaScanlen #LauraDern #TimotheeChalamet #TracyLetts #BobOdenkirk #JamesNorton #ChrisCooper #MerylStreep #AmWriting #WritingSubText #AvoidingStereotypes #secondbananas #Dialogue

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Tell The Damn Story #120: A 2020 Look At Getting It Write

Posted on January 5, 2020 by Alex Simmons Says

Alex and Chris launch a new decade with a new feature, “Get Yer Write On” offering practical advice on a wide range of storytelling skills, this week including Motivation (two kinds!), Character, Conflict, and Creating a Character’s Arc.

And that’s after discussing current events and personal news. All this and laughs! Don’t miss it!

Click here to hear.

Share your thoughts, questions and comments right here in our Comments Section below. Or write us at: TTDSOnAir@gmail.com

ALEX SIMMONS, award winning writer/speaker arts-n-ed consultant, writing coach. CHRIS RYAN,
Author of mysteries, children’s books, screenplays and novels
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Another Angel in Rock and Roll Heaven, Schoolhouse Rock That Is.

Posted on January 2, 2020 by Alex Simmons Says

Sorry to hear this. I had the pleasure of meeting him a few years back when we did an event benefit for Ronald McDonald House and a hospital in Brooklyn. Great guy lots of fun. I truly understood where his music came from. Oh well one of us pick up the Baton and let’s keep running! They’re still children to entertain and educate! ✌🤣🌟👌🏼

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Tell The Damn Story #119: The Last Decade, Yours Mine & Ours

Posted on December 29, 2019 by Alex Simmons Says

It’s TELL YOUR OWN DAMN STORY about the teens as Alex and Chris tell theirs. “We’ll leave “Best ofs” and “Top Ten” lists for others to share, and we are grateful for their ideas as we look back to look forward. This episode the cohosts we’ll be talking of books and films and TV and music that fueled us, and ask you, what fueled your creativity over the past decade?

Let’s celebrate together in preparation for roaring into the 20’s with new damn stories to tell a world that so needs our best!.

Click here to hear.

If you have any positive or inspirational tips to share, drop them (along with your questions) in our Comments Section below.Or write us at: TTDSOnAir@gmail.com

#jamesclear #atomichabits #donwinslow #thebordertrilogy #educated #tarawestover #marvelcinematicuniverse #thenewsroomopeningscene #HBOWatchmen #Tulsa1921 #educationcontinues #justintimberlake #robertpalmer #ittakeseverykindofpeople #itstilldoes #letscreatein2020 #AllRise #BobHeartsAbishola #NCIS #ChrisStapleton #KnivesOut #DanielCraig ##BrunoMars #MarkRonson

Alex Simmons, Alex Simmons, writer/speaker, consultant with his InkPot Award. Chris Ryan, Author of mysteries, children’s books, screenplays and novels
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Tell The Damn Story #118: What’s A Creative To Do With 2019

Posted on December 22, 2019 by Alex Simmons Says

This week Alex and Chris say goodbye to a decade –goodbye twenty-teens –and prep for 2020 by talking to Creatives about how they can use the technological and social media revolution of the last decade to curate the best fuel for their creativity in the new decade. Through reflection and action, we can avoid being programmed, block trolls, and contribute positively to where we all go next.

Click here to hear.

If you have any positive or inspirational tips to share, drop them (along with your questions) in our Comments Section below.

Or write us at: TTDSOnAir@gmail.com

Alex Simmons, Alex Simmons, writer/speaker, consultant with his InkPot Award. Chris Ryan, Author of mysteries, children’s books, screenplays and novels
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Tell The Damn Story #117: IT IS THE TELL THE DAMN STORY CHRISTMAS SPECIAL!

Posted on December 15, 2019 by Alex Simmons Says

Alex and Chris talk about fuel for creatives’ holiday productivity, going through lots of Christmas music and movies and TV shows discussing the themes of redemption and renewal and reunion and how we can use any or all of this to fuel our own creativity.

This episode offers a lot of fun and many suggestions for both your holiday entertainment and for creative nourishment during this busy time of year. Peace.

Click here to hear.

If there were any songs, TV shows, or movies we left out, add them along with your questions in our Comments Section below.

Or write us at: TTDSOnAir@gmail.com

Alex Simmons, Alex Simmons, writer/speaker, consultant with his InkPot Award. Chris Ryan, Author of mysteries, children’s books, screenplays and novels
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Tell The Damn Story #116: A HOLIDAY VISIT TO THE LAIR!

Posted on December 8, 2019 by Alex Simmons Says

With holiday shopping on our minds, Alex and Chris visit with Jorge Rodriguez, owner of the legendary comics and collectibles shop in The Bronx (known center of the multiverse), to discuss comics, collectibles, independents,  movie boosts to business, being creative in business, and who seems more together these days, DC or Marvel. Come on into The Lair, hang out, and enjoy this fascinating conversation.

Click here to hear.

Should want to know more about The Lair, click here.

Let us know your thoughts on this topic by leaving your questions or comments in our Comments Section below.

Or write us at: TTDSOnAir@gmail.com

Alex Simmons, Alex Simmons, writer/speaker, consultant with his InkPot Award. Chris Ryan, Author of mysteries, children’s books, screenplays and novels


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Tell The Damn Story #115: It’s a Blackjack On Black Friday Weekend Scandal! Or Is It?

Posted on December 1, 2019 by Alex Simmons Says

Alex and Chris talk about giving thanks during a time of division, about being dedicated to gratitude in a time where for some gratitude is difficult, and for others it may be cause for stress, and/or rebellion. 

Our co-hosts go deep as they discuss how creatives must overcome these and so many other challenges to get the word out on their creative output.  Especially when that could include being surprise blocked from posting Facebook ads due to alleged racial insensitivity when none exists in their ads! So Alex and Chris discuss all sorts of algorithm shenanigans that creatives have to deal with to tell their damn story!

Click here to hear.

And please let us know your thoughts on this hot topic by leaving  your questions or comments in our Comments Section below.

Or write us at: TTDSOnAir@gmail.com

* During the episode we mentioned a free Blackjack novel. Click here for your free copy of, “Blackjack: Rise of the Red Star.”

Or copy and past this link: http://bit.ly/JoinArronAdventures

Alex Simmons, Alex Simmons, writer/speaker, consultant with his InkPot Award. Chris Ryan, Author of mysteries, children’s books, screenplays and novels
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Tell The Damn Story #114: Thankfully, It’s All About The Stuffing

Posted on November 24, 2019 by Alex Simmons Says

This week Alex and Chris prepare you for your Thanksgiving, be it heaven or a horror! Whether you are dreading the holiday or just certain relatives or trying to get your mind right for celebration, we’ve got what you need. With humor and tongue in cheek and memories both hilariously dark and warmly bittersweet, Alex and Chris prepare you for your Thanksgiving feast by discussing how to use your experiences to fuel the damn stories you tell. Enjoy and have a great holiday, no matter what!

Click here to hear.

And PLEASE let us know your thoughts on this hot topic by leaving  your questions or comments in our Comments Section below.

Or write us at: TTDSOnAir@gmail.com

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Tell The Damn Story #113: NOTHING NEW UNDER THE SUN – EXCEPT YOU

Posted on November 17, 2019 by Alex Simmons Says

Alex and Chris discuss the plight of one of Alex’s students who discovered a story he was working on was very similar to a story already out there. What is a creative to do when influences show, or an original idea has been thunk by others, too. The answers, including examples from film, television, and music, and some very crucial advise, is offered this week, all as part of what it takes to TELL THE DAMN STORY.

Click here to hear.

* Episodes referenced in this episode:  #84, #86, #90, #105, #108

And PLEASE let us know your thoughts on this hot topic by leaving  your questions or comments in our Comments Section below.

Or write us at: TTDSOnAir@gmail.com

Alex Simmons, Alex Simmons, writer/speaker, consultant with his InkPot Award. Chris Ryan, Author of mysteries, children’s books, screenplays and novels
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