Author: Donald L. Vasicek

  • How to Write Compelling Fiction

    To write compelling fiction, the writer must think in terms of a beginning, a middle, and an end with a defining theme. A main character (protagonist) with a goal must drive the story/plot. Each other character should be a subplot which crisscrosses the plot. They must reflect the theme, and in some way, interact with the main character. The character who opposes the main character can be a antagonist or a villain (represents pure evil with no redeeming characteristics). This character must be seeking the same goal as the main character, but for a different outcome. The stronger the antagonist or villain is, the more powerful the main character becomes and the more compelling the story becomes. In the interaction between the main character and the antagonist, the main character must show a transformation arc, which terminates at the end of the story where he/she has an epiphany that completes their transformation.

    Booth Western Arts Culture Museum Appearance

  • “How to Get Your Screenplay to a Producer”

    Go to “The Hollywood Creative Directory”. There,
    you will find listings of producers, what they’ve
    produced, and their contact information. Select
    the producer or producers who have produced
    genres similar to yours.

    To contact them, write a query letter. If you need
    some guidance with this, read my
    query letter article, “Anatomy of
    How To Write An Irresistible Query
    Letter” on my website. You can
    also find it in “How To Sell
    Your Screenplay” by Joan Wilen
    and Lydia Wilen at Barnes & Noble.

    Fax, snail mail (be sure and enclose
    a SASE), or email the letter to your list of
    selected producers. Give them 2 weeks to
    respond. If they do not, then contact them.
    Tell them that you are contacting them to
    see if they received your query and that you
    would like an update on it. Then, go from
    there.

    If you would rather call producers, then,
    write up a short script for yourself. Many
    of the gatekeepers who answer the phone
    can be pretty tough on callers. Simply
    make them feel like they can benefit
    from your call. They love to “discover”
    someone like you and take you to their
    boss.

    Donald L. Vasicek
    http://michaelc.nextmp.net/wordpress
    dvasicek@earthlink.net

  • “How to Write Texting Into Your Screenplay”

    INT. WHITE HOUSE/OVAL OFFICE – DAY

    President Obama drops his eyes down to his mobile phone. He begins texting.

    PHONE SCREEN

    PRESIDENT OBAMA (V.O.)
    America’s indigenous people must be respected.

    BACK TO SCENE

    President Obama looks up from his phone. His eyes stop on an Indian Chief’s headdress leaning next to a photo of Cheyenne Chief Black Kettle.

    xxxxxxxxxxxxxx

    When showing something like this, it is vital that you have a voice over to read it to the audience. This approach makes it easier for the audience to follow, rather than squint their eyes trying to read the text. This can be unpleasant for the audience, and you could lose them.

    Donald L. Vasicek Olympus Films+, LLC
    The Zen of Writing and Filmmaking
    http://michaelc.nextmp.net/wordpress
    dvasicek@earthlink.net