Tell The Damn Story, ep 371: How To Turn Personal and Political Struggles Into Compelling Fiction
"The only way to get through hell is to go through it."
Co-hosts Alex Simmons and Chris Ryan have assembled a powerhouse panel of writers to dive deep into the fiery crucible where personal anguish meets creative expression.
In this episode, the spotlight shines on the just-released "Soul Scream Anthology: Fear and Loathing." Every guest on today’s episode is a contributor to this potent collection of horror stories for a changed world.
Join Chris, Alex, and an impressive lineup—including E.F. Deal, Teel James Glenn, Karen Renner, Daemon Manx, Charles Barouch (aka Oliver Bear), and Stephen Van Patten—as they wrestle with the big questions: How do turbulent times, personal pain, and societal fears become the raw material for compelling stories? How can writers transform rage, anxiety, and grief into powerful fiction that challenges, heals, and provokes reflection?
From stories inspired by political turmoil and censorship, to tales born from lived experience with violence, abuse, and recovery, the panel reveals how today’s dark realities inform their most haunting—and hopeful—work.
The conversation tackles the creative process, the emotional toll of writing through crisis, and the power of words to resist, connect, and transform.
Whether you’re a seasoned author, an aspiring writer, or a reader looking for stories that speak to these challenging times, this episode offers hard-won wisdom, candid confessions, and an unflinching look at the intersection of art and resilience.
So grab your notebook, settle in, and get ready for a raw, honest, and inspiring discussion about how to tell your own damn story—no matter what the world throws your way.
Check out: Soul Scream Antholozine's "Fear and Loathing" on Amazon
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00:00 Creative Writing Journey Insights
06:49 Future Horror Story Brainstorm Session
14:30 Personal Struggles and Childhood Reflections
20:13 Hitler's 1939 Psychological Profile Predicted
22:53 "Alternate Evolutionary Society"
31:29 Understanding Violence's Potential Positivity
34:41 "Poets of the Caribbean Insights"
39:58 Jim Crow 2028 Retold
46:43 Author Interviews Highlight Perspectives
51:30 Student Emotional Struggles Abroad
56:49 Personal Turmoil and Writing Hiatus
01:03:53 Balancing Worry and Creativity
01:05:54 Global Political Echoes and Reflections
01:10:27 False Flag Tactics and Resistance
01:15:36 Expressing Voices: Past and Present
01:22:50 "Marginalization Among Demons"
01:26:26 Following Inspiration and Writing Progress
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