Tell The Damn Story, ep #363: "How to Craft Timeless Stories: Secrets from the Twilight Zone"
Or, "Why Tell Tales of Angels and Monsters?"
Welcome to Tell The Damn Story, where hosts Alex Simmons and Christopher Ryan dig into the secrets of writing stories that outlast their times.
In this episode, they explore how classic Twilight Zone episodes like “One for the Angels” and “The Monsters Are Due on Maple Street” prove that great fiction isn’t just about reflecting current events—it’s about tapping into universal themes and characters that resonate for years to come.
Alex and Chris share insights from teaching, writing, and analyzing how authors can avoid the pitfalls of making their stories too time-bound.
If you want advice on crafting narratives that feel relevant today and powerful tomorrow, you’re in the right place.
Brew a cup, settle in, and get ready to tell the damn story.
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00:00 "Fiction Writing Tips & Pitfalls"
05:53 Pitch for Time with Death
07:40 Simple Stories' Impact on Students
12:05 Human Reflection vs. Othering
13:49 "Modern Parallels in Classic Episodes"
18:25 "Timelessness in Current Events Writing"
20:10 "Universal Storytelling Through Metaphors"
23:40 Ephemeral Relevance in Storytelling
28:03 "Classic Stories with a Twist"
32:23 "12 Angry Men" Global Adaptations
35:41 Exploring Connection Through Conversation
39:35 Paranoia and Prejudice Themes
42:40 Exploring Human Condition Through Storytelling
44:25 Clarification on Literary Style
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