Videos

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...

How To Create Festive Yet Frightening Tales! Welcome to Tell the Damn Story. In this special episode, Alex and Chris continue to dive into the art—and nerve—of writing holiday horror with a powerhou...

HOLIDAY CHEER HAS A DARK SIDE, AND SEVEN WRITERS KNOW EXACTLY HOW TO FIND IT. In PART ONE of a special two-part episode of Tell the Damn Story, we bring together seven professional storytellers to pu...

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 writi...

"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 stori...

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. Chri...

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...

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 episo...

“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...

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 th...

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...

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 experie...