
Tell The Damn Story ep 404: From Inspiration to Publication, Vital Tips for Aspiring Authors. Part 1
From Tell The Damn Story by Alex Simmons & Chris Ryan
March 1, 2026 · 1h 10m · Season 10 · Episode 404
About this episode
The episode features a candid discussion on the creative challenges faced by aspiring authors, with practical tips and personal anecdotes from the hosts and guests.
Welcome to a brand new episode of "Tell The Damn Story," where the journey of writing is as real as it gets! In this episode, co-hosts Alex Simmonss and Chris Ryan are joined by returning favorites Jeannine Acheson and Tom Sniegoski for a heartfelt, hilarious, and incredibly honest conversation about conquering creative challenges—especially those every aspiring author faces. The group dives into the origins and trials behind Jeannine Acheson's self-published work "Love Bug," revealing everything from inspiration sparked by a local haunted asylum to the real struggle of pushing through when the writing gets tough. Tom Sniegoski and Jeannine Acheson discuss their own creative process—both together and solo—while Chris Ryan and Alex Simmonss contribute advice and anecdotes about finishing long-shelved projects, battling imposter syndrome, and the value of momentum even when you think your draft isn’t perfect. But it’s not just about the hard parts. The episode is packed with insider tips on overcoming editorial setbacks, pitching stories, and navigating the unpredictable—and sometimes hilarious—world of conventions. Whether it’s celebrating wins, learning from stumbles, or the…
People in this episode
Host: Chris Ryan
Guests: Jeannine Acheson, Tom Sniegoski
Topics covered
- writing
- creative challenges
- self-publishing
- author advice
Keywords
- inspiration
- editorial setbacks
- imposter syndrome
- conventions
Mentioned in this episode
Products: Love Bug
Books & works: Tell The Damn Story, From Inspiration to Publication, Love Bug, Tell The Damn
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