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Simmons Says

HOW DO YOU FIND THE COURAGE TO TELL THE HARD TALES? (Simmons Says #173)

Published about 2 months ago • 1 min read

Welcome to my newsletter!

"Open the closet and let the family skeletons out?"

​

Have you ever done that, Reader?

Have you thought about it?

Let's say you want to write a story based on something that happened to you in real life—something deeply personal.

You might ask yourself, WHY?

Do you want to do it because it'll make a good story?

Do you want to do it to work through feelings you’re still wrestling with?

Is it a form of redemption?

Why do you want to do it?

Answering that question might help you determine how much you want to reveal. Telling the hard stories is hard.

We often tap into memories, feelings, and thoughts that we haven't quite processed in a way that allows us to move forward.

Maybe we're worried that people reading it will discover things about us that we don't want to share with the rest of the world, but at the same time, we’re driven to write about them.

If that’s the case, ask yourself why you want to do it and how much you want to do it.

Then, understand that there are ways of writing about the hardships, challenges, and heartbreaks you've experienced without revealing that they're yours.

On July 31st, I'll go live and share tips on how to do that when I go live. More on that later.

Meanwhile, if you're thinking about writing a story about something deeply emotional, ask yourself … WHY?

That's it for today. Now go forth and be ... inspired.

Best,

Alex Simmons

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Simmons Says

Go Write For It

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.

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