Simmons Here And Now

Co-host Alex Simmons checks in (solo) from Hamburg, Germany, to share thoughts and tips on the power of observation for creatives.

While still traveling in Europe Alex uses the opportunity to connect with artists to explore whether art is universal or not. If it is, does that include comics art, and what can we learn from one another. *Want to leave a comment or ask a question? Do so in the Comments section or... Please do so by contacting us at: TTDSOnAir@gmail.com

Alex and Chris discuss the thoughts, ethics, and personal processes behind repurposes artists repurposing their creations to fit new social or political. Is it a personal or business choice and is it a good one either way? Leave your comments below, or write to: TTDSOnAir@gmail.com

Chris asks the questions as Alex gives a short on the spot report from Leskovac, a small small town in Serbia. Alex was invited to teach a writer's workshop at the Balkan young Comics creators Festival. *Want to leave a comment or ask a question? Do so in the Comments section or... Please do so by contacting us at: TTDSOnAir@gmail.com

Your hosts Alex and Chris explore whether or not family friendly comis, TV shows and films are scares due to the industry, or is there really little market for them now.

Alex and Chris wrestle with a professional and emotional challenge. Within this intense and sensitive time can creatives promote, blog and share their thoughts in the wild wild west of social media? Have questions or comments for us? Post in the comments section below or on ... Or write: TTDSOnAir@gmail.com

Chris interviews Alex on his invite to speak to young artists at the international Balkans Festival of Young Comics Creators, in Serbia. It's purpose is to bring together a war torn area of Balkans. and give support to young creators. The festival began in 1998 and is the oldest in the region. Since they didn't have one in 1999, because of bombings, this is their 20th anniversary. Have questions or comments for us? Post in the comments section below or on ... Or write: TTDSOnAir@gmail.com

No matter how hard you try, sometimes the writing just doesn't go the way you want. In this episode Chris and Alex discuss some of their most difficult and disappointing writing experiences and how they dealt with them.

Alex and Chris explore the storytelling power of the the superhero movies current and coming soon. And how the Disney empire (Marvel and Star Wars films) has managed to weave a multi-billion dollar year.

Over the years Chris and Alex have written many different characters, from plays to comics, and from men to monsters. In this episode they discuss somechallenges and methods for writing engagging and genuine dialog. *Have questions for them? Post on ... Anchor, or on www.Facebook.com/TellTheDamnStory Or write: Alex@SimmonsHereAndNow.com

Chris and Alex explore how they, and other artists, feed theirinner creative energy source. Where do we find inspiration and determination? *Have questions for them? Post on ... Anchor, or find us on ... Facebook.com/TellTheDamnStory, or Email: Alex@SimmonsHereAndNow.com

Chris and Alex discuss what type (and archetype) of characters in life and fiction intrigue them the most, and how that influences their work. We also touch on how the internal fiber of an author affects how we create and handle the characters in our stories. In other words, what we are affects what we're attracted to creatively. Do you agree or disagree? *Have questions for them? Post on ... Anchor, or find us on ... Facebook.com/TellTheDamnStory, or Email: Alex@SimmonsHereAndNow.com

Chris and Alex talk about a few methods for dealing with writing distractions and excuses.  *Have questions for them? Post on ... Anchor, or find us on ... Facebook.com/TellTheDamnStory,  or Email: TTDSOnAir@gmail.com

Chris talks to Alex Simmons, who is in San Diego, as a judge for the comic book industry's prestigious EISNER AWARDS. *Have questions for them? Post on ... Anchor, or find us on ... Facebook.com/TellTheDamnStory, or Email: TTDSonAir@gmail.com

With the popularity of the movies and TV series from Marvel and DC Comics, including the extremely successful Black Panther film, the word "hero" has taken a prominent place in everyday conversation. In this episode I continue to explore the meaning of the word, and how we see the individuals (factual or fictional) upon whom we bestow that title. Have questions or Comments?  Leave them below, or Email: TTDSOnAir@gmail.com

Writers Chris and Alex discuss how they determine when to use violence in or out of the comic book page. And what are the thought processes behind that decision.  *Have questions for them? Post on ... Anchor, or find us on ... Facebook.com/TellTheDamnStory, or Email: TTDSOnAir@gmail.com

Most writers are curious about life. We live, observe, research, and think about it. Then we sit down somewhere and chronicles about the aspects that intrigue or excite us. What's on My Mind is where I'll explore share my thoughts and questions the places where life and art combine. Have questions or Comments?  Leave them below, or Email: TTDSOnAir@gmail.com

Alex and Chris gives some tips of how to get your creations out into the public eye, without sticking them in the eye.  *Have questions for them? Post on ... Anchor, or find us on ... Facebook.com/TellTheDamnStory, or Email: TTDSOnAir.com

Latest TTDS Unplugged episode of ... Simmons Here And Now. The original TTDS 3 musketeers are back together again for a special episode! The MIA member, Tim Fielder, is back to talk about his graphic novel creation, “Matty’s Rocket!” It’s a stellar blend of Harriet Tubman and Bessie Coleman (look them up) having Buck Rogers-like adventures in the Jim Crow 1930s! (Part 1 & 2). *Have questions for them? Post on ... Anchor, or find us on ... Facebook.com/TellTheDamnStory, or Email: TTDSOnAir.com

Alex finishes sharing  his final thoughts (see episode #1) on the emotional EMP wave affect of the Black Panther film. *Have questions for them? Post on ... Anchor, or find us on ... Facebook.com/TellTheDamnStory, or Email: TTDSOnAir.com