Sunday, May 31, 2026

TELL THE DAMN STORY, ep 417: "Beyond Frankenstein: How Teel James Glenn Brought a Monster to Life."

What happens when Frankenstein's monster survives the torch-wielding mob... and becomes a private detective? In this episode of Tell The Damn Story, Alex Simmons and Chris Ryan welcome back prolific author, stuntman, and master storyteller Teel James Glenn to explore the creative process behind his acclaimed Adam Paradise novels—a noir-inspired reimagining of Mary Shelley's legendary creature as a hard-boiled investigator navigating the shadows of 1930s America. Together, they venture into the dark alleys of storytelling, discussing how ideas haunt writers for years, why some characters refuse to stay on the page, the eternal battle between plotting and pantsing, and how research can transform a story from cardboard scenery into a living, breathing world. Along the way, they uncover what makes characters feel human—even when they're stitched together from parts. Whether you're wrestling with writer's block, searching for a stronger process, or trying to breathe life into your own literary creations, this episode offers practical wisdom, honest insights, and a few monster-sized revelations. And stick around—there's a special giveaway, a Frankenstein-inspired challenge, and a chance to walk away with a signed copy of The Undiscovered Country. BOOK GIVEAWAY We have a signed copy of Teel James Glenn's latest Adam Paradise novel, The Undiscovered Country, waiting for one lucky listener! To enter, leave a comment below telling us the most valuable lesson, insight, or piece of writing advice you took away from Teal's appearance on this episode. Teal himself will help choose the winning entry. The winner will receive a signed copy of the book and a chance to continue the adventure with Adam Paradise. Chris and Teel will both be attending StokerCon in Pittsburgh. If you spot either of them during the convention, stop by and say hello! Better yet, tell them which classic literary, historical, or fictional character you would reinvent and what you'd do to make that character more human, compelling, or surprising. You just might earn yourself a special bonus surprise. SEE US AT STOKERCON. And if you attend Teal's Frankenstein panel, be sure to mention that Tell The Damn Story sent you. After all, every monster has a story—and every writer should tell the damn story. Have questions or comments for us? Post in the comments section below or ... Write: TTDSOnAir@gmail.com And follow us on ... @Tell The Damn Story www.Facebook.com/Tell The Damn Story 00:00 Depth and complexity of Adam character 09:59 Developing the detective's uniqueness 14:19 Choosing the right idea 20:02 Balancing structure and creativity 26:16 Writing the rough draft 32:18 Character's evolving self-awareness 37:59 Researching for authentic storytelling 40:45 Hats in 1930s fashion 44:06 Early music videos and competition 53:36 Dealing with imposter syndrome 59:27 Writing authentically across perspectives 01:00:42 Comment contest for signed book giveaway 01:06:07 Thanking Tim