Screenwriting : Immersive Action Writing by Till Olshausen

Dear Writing Community,

As a Martial Artist and Screenwriter with a Master’s Degree in Philosophy, I would like to introduce you to Immersive Action Writing, IAW™.

I developed this method to enable fiction authors to write hand-to-hand combat scenes that are not only exciting to watch and read but also serve to deepen the characters, improve their arc and maximize the project’s overall impact. By applying this method and immersing yourself in the action, you will have a lot to show-don’t-tell and make your fighting action become a story within the story.

Film and stage directors will find this method useful to prepare and direct their actors to guide them toward an action performance that will be an integral part of the character’s journey and the movie’s flow and design. Just imagine how deep and beautiful your action sequences will be if you happen to be a writer-director. :-)

The Immersive Action Writing Method is not limited to text-based learning and writing drills but also includes efficient and pleasant practical exercises anyone can do easily at home or outdoors - while on the way to a meeting, waiting for the bus, doing the shopping, picking up the kids…

Actually, while doing these exercises, there’s a good chance you’ll get back in touch with your inner child. I can assure you it’s there.

From a preschool kid’s desperate bite through to bloody medieval battles to over-the-top superhero fights, IAW will add rewatch potential to your project and make you fall in love with writing action sequences. We’re shifting from write-what-you-know to write-what-you-feel! No, you won’t have to beat up others, but doing that in your mind could be fun and helpful.

IAW first and foremost covers unarmed combat and melee weapons but won’t go too deep into firearms action because I never touched one except for the rubber-made self-defense models. My background is a lot of martial arts, a master’s degree in philosophy, universal studies in psychology and writing, writing, writing of course. I also excel in being criticized, criticized, criticized for my screenplays but almost every reader still lauded my action sequences and set-pieces.

The principles of IAW work with superpowers as well. More often than not, these powers enhance fighting techniques and are a great tool to sharpen your character’s personality. Imagine you had Superman’s heat vision and would wink at your stuffy neighbor’s cat before turning it into a medium-rare delicacy. How did that feel? Would your protagonist like to do such a (enter adjective of choice here) thing?

Should you have any questions, I'll be happy to answer them in the comments or via DM.

Yours

Till