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 from innovation. In this episode, Alex shares the   process that’s lead to him writing some of the most iconic characters in fiction.

Click here to hear!

Click the link below for a Story Pool List Guide:

TTDS Life As A Story Pool

Have comments or questions for us?  Leave them in our comments section. Or write: 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 #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 it.  Listen to the episode and download our free list for future reference.
Have comments or questions for us?  Leave them in our comments section. Or write: TTDSOnAir@gmail.com
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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, Spider-Man, This Is Us (yep!), Odin, Blackjack, Captain America, Raven, and Black Panther. Whew!

Happy Father’s Day, one.

Click here to hear.

Have comments or questions for us?  Leave them in our comments section. Or write: 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 #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 be challenging, hilarious, and sometimes a little confusing. Alex recorded this episode during his own come down from his latest creative efforts, adding an interesting twist to this episode.

Click here to hear.

Have comments or questions for us? Leave them in our comments section. Or write: TTDSOnAir@gmail.com


The other Dynamic Duo.

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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 write a good story?”  “Where do  ideas come from?”  And facing those challenges. “How do we continue to do what we do?” 
 
Have comments or questions for us?  Leave them in our comments section. Or write: TTDSOnAir@gmail.com
 
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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 his career.  Then it’s a look at Alex’s creative battles, but through his being interviewed by Jerzy and Rob, co-hosts of the podcast LEAN INTO ART.

Click here to hear episode #88.

It’s another of TTDS‘ revealing experiments in artistic transparency, but from an additional point of view.
Join Alex for the 1st of his summer Write Right Webinars, May 30, 2019, 7 PM EST, on Facebook Live.  Get a head start on his free writing tips by click here, WRITE RIGHT: COMPELLING CHARACTERS.
Please leave your comments and questions in our comments section. Or write: TTDSOnAir@gmail.com
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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 death, and what we lose and gain for our art.

Leave your comments and questions for us in our comments section. Or write: 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 #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 affect what you write and how you accomplish that task?  Does making that decision ahead of time affect the quality of your work, the topics you’ll tackle, or the genre you’ll use?
They’ll share their knowledges and experiences.  Will you? If so, drop a comment in our Comments Section.
Have questions for us?  Then post them too … Or write: TTDSOnAir@gmail.com
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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 tapestry of a story.
Our opinions differ at times from other podcasters and YouTubers coming at this from a younger perspective (or, in one case, a Hawkeye hating POV), and we alternate between being fans of a certain age and longtime creators offering insight, but, ultimately, we hope you enjoy  our take on a masterful example of creatives all working together to Tell The Damn Story.
Have questions or comments for us, and I hope you do?  Then post them in the comments section below … Or write: 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, #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 of a story.
Our opinions differ at times from other podcasters and YouTubers coming at this from a younger perspective (or, in one case, a Hawkeye hating POV), and we alternate between being fans of a certain age and longtime creators offering insight, but, ultimately, we hope you enjoy  our take on a masterful example of creatives all working together to Tell The Damn Story.
Have questions or comments for us, and I hope you do?  Then post them in the comments section below … Or write: 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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