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Hi, Alex Simmons here. I've taught 100s of aspiring and struggling writers how to overcome their fears and frustrations and create compelling plots, characters, and stories that appeal to a broader audience. Over the years, I've been honored to be a professional author (award-winner), writing coach/teacher, and consultant. I’ve written for many mainstream publishers, Marvel/DC/Archie Comics, and penned plays, interactive games, and video and animation scripts. And I’ve been a global speaker on empowering people through the arts. I have much to share, starting with my Simmons Says Newsletter.
Welcome to my newsletter! “What you write filters through who you are.” Reader, did you know ... I'm a person who was raised by a single parent — my mother — with regular visits to my grandmother and grandfather. However, many of the dominant role models I admired were fictional characters from television, films, books, and comics. One might assume that I learned the naïve lessons — that good always triumphs over evil, that being kind and generous leads to a loving and peaceful life, or that...
Welcome to my newsletter! “Two people, one terrible secret, and the pressure to reveal it before dawn.” Hey, Reader, Can you handle the heat? I've previously discussed Story Structure and the benefits of using Writing Prompts. Today, we’re going to use both. Here's a challenge for you: I’ll give you a framework for starting, developing, and finishing your story. The framework will be for a Microfiction (300 words or less) or Flash Fiction (500 -1000 words) tale. Here’s the prompt: Two people...
Welcome to my newsletter! "What Is Our Greatest Creative Challenge?" Reader, Did you know ... The same things that fuel writers and other creatives can often be the roadblocks we can't seem to get past. The thing that trips us up. The fear that freezes us creatively like the proverbial deer in the headlights. Sometimes, our greatest challenge isn't which story to write, what character is not gelling consistently, or what conflict doesn't feel as suspenseful or tension-driven as we might need...