Tell The Damn Story

The saying goes, Truth is Stranger Than Fiction. 

This week Alex and Chris talk about what happened Wednesday (Jan. 6, 2021) in Washington, DC, through a wilder lens.  They explore the lingering questions surrounding that event as if they were holes in a fictional novel, or a journalism assignment.  

Discussing Plot, Characters, Motivations, and Resolutions they examine destress politics, the disenfranchised and focus on the questions that remain. And then Alex challenges Chris on his idea of re-writing the ending to his novel, "A Simple Rebellion," following Wednesday's insurrection.

When life imitates art, should art change ... or reexamine it's message?

What do you think? 

Have any comments or questions for this episode topics?

Then please leave them in our comments section.  Or write to us at:  [email protected].

#amwriting #amediting #screenwriting #novelists #politicalthriller #Capitol #journalism #reporter #insurrection #americandream #followupquestions #research #creatingcharacters #motivations #newsmedia 

Today we, Alex and Chris, talk about exploring social media to ask what works for you? 

But we start with a special guest star. Sometimes referred to as the goddess, she prefers Tina Ryan. Tina is now doing a podcast with Chris called "Spousing", which is about staying married. They both speak about the podcast and about the Pixar movie "Soul" on Disney+ right now. The three of us discuss the power of that particular movie, urging all to see it as soon as they can. 

What's one got to do with the other?  Listen in and find out.

Then Alex and I explore Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, and most especially Instagram as vehicles to create content which promotes creators.  We also  explore the different options that are being introduced in each platform that help you tell your damn story. 

Have any comments or questions for this episode topics?

Then please leave them in our comments section.  Or write to us at:  [email protected].

#Soul #Pixar #Disney+ #spousing #Instagram #Insta #Facebook #Twitter #YouTube#TimeManagement #Joannapenn #TheCreativePenn #SocialMedia #AlexTooby #EliseDarma #Planoly #Later #VanessaLau

Today on Tell The Damn Story, Chris speaks in defense of "WONDER WOMAN 1984," and Alex enthuses over "JINGLE JANGLE" and "SOULS." And then we look at our welcome goodbye to 2020, and a fond hello to 2021. 

We discuss the good things, and there were actual good things, that came out of 2020, and we talk about our own plans, hopes and wishes for everybody in 2021. 

We hope you enjoy the last episode of TTDS for the decade that was 2020.  

And here's a couple of questions we have for you:

What are you looking forward to in 2021? 

What do you hope to change in 2021?

Have any comments or questions for this episode topics?

Then please leave them in our comments section.  Or write to us at:  [email protected].

#WW84 #WonderWoman #JingleJangle #Souls #goodbye2020 #lessonsof2020 #welcome2021 #2020 #2021 #pandemic #blacklivesmatter #America #forestwhittaker 

Grab your flashlight, clues kit and, in this case, your reins and saddle.  This week Alex and Chris discuss the mane parts of murder and mystery when they interview equestrian mystery author, Janet Winters.  Ms Winters is the writer/creator of the Ivory Snow series, "Murder At Morgan House," and "Death At Heart's Desire," available on Amazon.  

The conversation explores her inspiration and background with horses and mystery, and one more important element.  For over 20 years Janet was a professional in marketing.  Her experiences offer some insight into how authors can promote their books and appearances.

Janet Winters web site:  The Barn Goddess Chronicles

Have any comments or questions for this episode topics?

Then please leave them in our comments section.  Or write to us at:  [email protected].

#mysterywriters #writers #horsebackriders #horsemysteries #equestirannovels

This week, Alex and Chris play "What If..." (No.  Not the Marvel comic book or TV show) with a bunch of the new projects coming from Disney/Marvel/Star Wars.  Then our improv-writing duo discuss how they'd reboot several well-known holiday live action and animated specials. 

Why?

Besides being fun, it's a great lesson in why creatives need to keep their imagination and braincells flexible when creating new ideas, or revamping old ones.

It's all big seasonal fun! 

Have any comments or questions for this episode topics?

Then please leave them in our comments section.  Or write to us at:  [email protected].

#Disney #Marvel #StarWars #Chistmas #Hanukkah #Kwanzaa #swissfamiltrobinson #lando #indianajones #iamgroot #shehulk #roguesquadron #pattyjenkins #taikawaititi #itsawonderfullife #wakanda #santaclaus #heyarnold #TheBlackCandle #Achristmascarol #achristmasstory #Miracleon34thstreet #giftofthemagi #thesantaclause #homealone #nightmarebeforechristmas #charliebrownchristmas #eightcrazynights

This TTDS episode is all about "THE RAZZLES, SORT OF," as Chris put it.  This week he and Alex deliver the verbal equivalent of Razzles ("First it's a candy, then it's a gum!") as they begin talking about modern classics redone or spun off in intriguing ways, and end up offering a "must read/see" or "must reread/rewatch" list that'll keep you busy the rest of 2020. 

Have any comments or questions for this episode topics?

Then please leave them in our comments section.  Or write to us at:  [email protected].

#TheMandalorian #StarWars #Disney+ #LovecraftCountry #TheWatchmen #AlanMoore #HBO #TheInvisibleMan #UniversalMonsters #Plots #Writers #amwriting #writingexercises #writing 

Where do story Ideas come from and do you grow them?

That's a question both Chris I have heard countless times over many years. Because writing is very much a personal experience, there are many ways to answer that it.  So in this episode, we decided not only to tell how, but also to show how.  We us a few writing exercises to spur positive creativity.  And we're hoping it will do the same for our listeners, for whom we are very grateful. 

But just before we do, we take a moment to pay tribute to actor David Prowse (Darth Vader). We even share a couple of stories about meeting him some years ago.

So sit back, grab a pen and paper and flex your imagination.

• Suggestion: After listening to this episode, try the exercise we demonstrate.  Then send us your *results in the comments section, or via our email address.  (*No more than a paragraph or two.)
• BONUS: EMAIL your exercise results and we'll send you a FREE PDF copy of one of our short story anthologies, "BLACKJACK: SHOOTERS." 

Nuff said.  Go to it!

• Have any comments or questions for this episode topics?

Then please leave them in our comments section.  Or write to us at:  [email protected].

#BlackjackShooters #GeniusHigh #CityOfWoe #CityOfSin #Plots #Writers #Starwars #darthvader  #Davidprowse #amwriting #writingexercises #writing

This week, Alex and Chris discuss changes. Business changes for DC comics, potential changes in the comic book industry, and changes creatively in who we write, draw, and read about, and who we enjoy… 

Yes, we are talking about diversity. What the industry is doing with diversity, where we can see business diversity opportunities and where we can see creative diversity opportunities. 

As the year 2020 draws to a close, finally, we're starting to see hope and a chance for a wider basis for storytelling and creativity. Now that's something to be thankful for! 

Have any comments or questions for this episode topics?

Then please leave them in our comments section.  Or write to us at:  [email protected].

#DC #kidquick #msmarvel #endofprintcomics #independentcomics #marvel #milestonecomics #creatorsofcolor #CW #WonderWoman #YaraFlor #WonderGirl

 This week, Alex and Chris discuss the opportunity that creatives have to end 2020 on a positive note in whatever we are working on. We cover a lot of ground this episode, dropping names and titles of books and films and TV shows (and Alex leaves mysteries for us to solve), and all of it is in the service of trying to inspire you to put those positive moments in your work, to create the world we want to live in together. 

Have any comments or questions for this episode topics?

Then please leave them in our comments section.  Or write to us at:  [email protected]. 

#outoftheirminds #startrek #picard #sacosby #blacktopwasteland #andhersmilewilluntehertheuniverse #gwendolynkiste #herbodyandotherpaeties #carmenmariamachado #gabinoiglesias #richienarvaez #pa'quetulosepas! #angelluiscolon #shatteringglass #nastywomanpress #underherblackwings #graveyardsmash #2020womenofhorroranthology #kandishapress

Today on Tell The Damn Story, Chris and Alex discuss the dramatic changes defining 2020 and how they can inspire creative to do the kind of work we need to be putting out there these days. A bit of friction ensues as the two old friends discuss the election, ongoing deeply-rooted problems in America, and how all of that actually provides great opportunities for creatives tell the kind of tales we need to create if we are going to contribute to moving our country and our world forward.

Have any comments or questions for this episode topics?

Then please leave them in our comments section.  Or write to us at:  [email protected]