Tell The Damn Story

In this episode, hosts Alex Simmons and Chris Ryan dive deep into the ever-evolving challenges and strategies behind promoting your work as a writer. Drawing on their own publishing journeys—spanning traditional and indie paths—they share honest insights, mishaps, and lessons learned about building visibility, reaching readers, and navigating the business side of a creative life. Alex and Chris al...

In this episode of Tell the Damn Story , Alex and Chris explore what it really means to commit to a creative path—not just in ambition, but in action. They dig into the often-overlooked realities of collaboration: working with partners, editors, and creative peers; learning how to listen to critique without taking it personally; and understanding the difference between feedback that strengthens yo...

Welcome To Another Creative Year! Alex Simmons and Chris Ryan kick off 2026 by diving into what it really takes to be a prolific and resilient writer in the new year. With flying cars and jet packs noticeably absent from our futures, the co-hosts remind us that storytelling—simple, honest, and consistent—is the true adventure. Together, they reflect on the pitfalls of New Year's resolutions an...

Here we go with Part 2 of “Master the Magic of Holiday Horror: How To Create Festive Yet Frightening Tales” —an all-star lineup joins your favorite co-hosts Alex and Chris: Steven Van Patten, Teel James Glenn, Marc Abbott, John Collins, and James Chambers. This episode dives headfirst into the art and courage required to mix chills with cheer, sharing honest insights on pushing creative boundaries...

Welcome to a holiday edition of "Tell The Damn Story," where we explore the twists, turns, and often terrifying magic of crafting festive horror tales! In this very special episode, Chris Ryan and Alex Simmonss are joined by a powerhouse panel of storytellers—including Teel James Glenn, Marc Abbott, James Chambers, John Collins, and Steven Van Pattin. Together, they dive headfirst into t...

On this episode of Tell The Damn Story, hosts Lara Frater and John Frater join Chris Ryan and Alex Simmonss for a lively, revealing conversation that’s as much about relationships as it is about writing. With decades of combined experience across horror, sci-fi, nonfiction, and the world of gaming, Lara Frater and John Frater pull back the curtain on what it’s really like to build a marriage—and c...

"Writing for young readers isn’t about dumbing it down — it’s about tuning in..." In this episode of Tell the Damn Story , Chris and Alex dive into essential writing insights for anyone crafting stories for young readers. From understanding age-appropriate content to shaping characters and plots that truly resonate, they break down practical strategies emerging writers can put to work im...

In PART TWO of this episode, hosts Alex and Chris continue their deep dive into the exciting—and sometimes nerve-wracking—world of live events (book fairs, signings, or conventions) for writers. Chris shares more of his firsthand experience at the New York City Indy Horror Book Fair, breaking down everything from finding affordable opportunities to the nitty-gritty logistics of setting up your tab...

In this episode, hosts Alex and Chris dive deep into the exciting—and sometimes nerve-wracking—world of live events for writers. Whether you're an emerging author or a seasoned pro, stepping out from behind your desk to attend book fairs, signings, or conventions can be a game-changer for your writing career. Chris shares his firsthand experience at the New York City Indy Horror Book Fair, bre...

Struggling to turn that vague spark into a full story? Unsure how to build a hook, fix pacing, craft cinematic scenes, or write from a POV you haven’t lived? You’re not alone — and in this solo episode, Alex (with Chris away on a creative quest) dives into the questions that every emerging and aspiring writer wrestles with. In this bite-sized craft session, Alex breaks down: How to turn a vague id...

“A short story is about one thing — one moment, one emotion, one change. Nail that and you’ve got a winner.” Are you a writer looking for answers on how to level up your craft? In this power-packed episode of Tell The Damn Story, we dive into another top 10 questions every emerging writer asks—from building suspense and finding your unique voice, to balancing action with emotion, and even marketin...

How do you turn a half-formed idea into a story readers feel ? Author Charles Barouch joins Alex Simmons and Chris Ryan to reveal the alchemy behind authentic characters and immersive worlds. 🎙 In this episode, we explore: Why every writer “owes the reader” a great story How to avoid “plot-stupid” characters The research method that makes any world believable—even one you’ve never lived in Why giv...

What’s your method: map it, muse it, or mix it till it works? This time, hosts Alex Simmons and Chris Ryan dive deep into the age-old debate between Plotter and Pantser writing styles.  They explore the strengths and challenges of each approach, offering practical advice for aspiring and struggling writers. From managing plot inconsistencies and wandering plot lines to overcoming the dreaded '...

In this energizing episode of Tell The Damn Story , hosts Alex Simmons and Chris Ryan team up to reveal the essential secrets of successful collaborative storytelling. Drawing from decades of experience—Alex with his storied background in comic books, fiction, and the legendary Blackjack series, and Chris with his deep dive into the independent publishing world—these two seasoned writers come toge...

On this episode of Tell The Damn Story, hosts Chris Ryan and Alex Simmons are joined by legendary comic book artist N. Steven Harris and Afro-Indigenous writer and sound/energy healing practitioner Ry-El Nagasta to talk about their ambitious and culturally vibrant comic, Indigo Clan. As they dive deep into the process of blending diverse spiritual traditions, mythology, and high-octane adventure,...

It's October, and a perfect time to return to the scary side of writer's vile. And so, TTDS returns to episode 368 of Tell The Damn Story, "Vampires, Culture and How Coogler." It's a multi-cultural trip into horror with guest writers Caseen Gaines and Steven Van Patten, along with Alex and Chris, discussing Ryan Coogler's "Sinner." Everyone has something they fear, but how we face it and represent...

“Because every writer deserves permission to tell their story.” This week on Tell The Damn Story, we tackle the fears that keep too many writers silent. From rejection to self-doubt, we’ll show you how to grant yourself the one thing every creative needs: permission to write. Join Alex and Chris as they share stories, strategies, and a few laughs on the road to writing beyond fear. Have any questi...

"Creative Rights, Risks, and Responsibilities in 2025" The dynamic duo of Chris and Alex dive headfirst into a topic that’s more relevant—and contentious—than ever: Is free speech ever really free? In a landscape where creative expression feels increasingly scrutinized and satire itself comes under scrutiny, our co-hosts examine the pressures and pitfalls artists and writers face when ta...

Chris Ryan and Alex Simmons are at it again. This time, they sit down with the immensely talented Rebecca Cuthbert. In this engaging episode, they discuss the triumphs and trials of aspiring writers, delve into the nuances of creativity, and explore the vibrant world of poetry. Rebecca shares insights into her latest projects, including her upcoming book, 'The Hauntings Back Home,' and rev...

Writing Fiction, Monsters, and Industry Icons Can Be A Challenge! In this episode, co-hosts Chris Ryan and Alex Simmons welcome Jim Beard, a prolific writer known for his work in various genres, including horror, pop culture, and pulp fiction. Jim discusses his latest projects, including his soon-to-be-released novel 'Shutter Stories: Corpus Vile,' which explores pulp horror. They also del...

It's How To Mash Horror, Noir Detectives, and Social Commentary from the Past About the Present. In this monstrous episode, co-hosts Alex Simmons and Chris Ryan welcome prolific storyteller Teal James Glenn for a wide-ranging conversation that explores his award-nominated book, Not Born of Woman. It's Teel's unique take on reimagining the classic Frankenstein’s monster as a private eye...

How A Graphic Novel Can Tell A Tale of Wonder, Giant Guinea Pigs, And Immigration Flying solo this week, cohost Alex Simmons is joined by Angela Hsieh, a talented artist and writer whose lifelong love of drawing animals led to her debut graphic novel, Lu and Ren's Guide to Geozoology . Angela opens up about her winding path from a science-focused student to editorial illustration at NPR, all t...

When the world feels overwhelming, it’s easy for writers to freeze up, shut down, or lose faith in their creative voice. In this episode of Tell The Damn Story, Alex and Chris talk honestly about how to push through writer’s block when fear, frustration, or negativity weigh heavy on your shoulders. We explore how writing can act as an emotional release, why creative expression matters most in trou...

Here it is! Another fun-fact-tips-filled episode of Tell The Damn Story! Today, hosts Chris and Alex are joined by two of their favorite returning guests and accomplished writers, Tom Sniegoski and Jeannine Acheson. Together, they dive into the wild world of writing—spanning comics, graphic novels, and original fiction—and share candid insights on navigating creative collaborations, writing for es...

In this Summer Short episode of Tell The Damn Story , co-hosts Chris Ryan and Alex Simmons dive into the triumphs and challenges that writers face—whether you’re just starting or struggling to cross the finish line. In this special Q&A installment, a summer tradition for the show, Chris and Alex tackle a lineup of real questions from aspiring and emerging writers, covering everything from tran...