Donna Loehrer
​

Where do you live (City, State, or Country)?
I live in Zimmerman Minnesota, which is a small town of only about 5,000 people. It’s an hour north of Minneapolis and St. Paul.
 
Your script stood out among hundreds of others. What was the inspiration for your story and why did you write a script instead of a short story or a novel?
I became unemployed and stuck at home during the pandemic.  I needed something to sink my teeth into, so I wouldn’t go completely mad.  I decided to learn the craft of screenplay writing.  My family and friends thought I lost my mind, especially when I spoke about selling my script and watching it on Netflix, HBO or something of the like.  If we don’t dare to dream, we will never achieve.
 
The inspiration for “The Man & The Mermaid’s Tale” came from feedback I received on a different script.  This person suggested trying something a bit ‘out of this world’.  I remember thinking that I have no interest in action Super Heroes.  Then, the idea of writing a story about a Mermaid from a secluded Mer Colony came to me. 
 
How long did it take you to write your script...and what is your writing process? Do you outline...use index cards...white board...or just start with FADE IN?
The first rough draft only took 6 days.  The editing and re-writes took more than a year.   I spend time alone thinking about the story for several days before I even begin.  I listen to music for inspiration and speak out loud the conversations between the characters.  Probably most importantly, I don’t get set in stone about how it’s going to play out.  The first draft and the last draft are similar, but honestly quite different.
 
What is your ultimate ambition as a writer?
This is a great question.  One I ask myself frequently.  I’m getting near the age when one begins to think about retirement.  But only from my current job.  I’m healthy, active, and strong with a sharp brain, so I’m not ready to just stop.  I have 30 plus good years in me.  I’d like to spend that time writing.  Possibly become a freelance writer.
 
Which film or television writers inspire you? Why?
Christopher Lloyd, most definitely!  Three of the sitcoms he worked on were my all-time favorites.  Golden Girls – Frasier – Modern Family. Dick Wolf.  I have loved every single Law & Order episode that I’ve ever watched, and still love the re-runs to this day.

What’s your all-time favorite movie or television show?
My favorite film ever is “Shawshank Redemption” adapted from Stephen King’s novel, “Rita Hayworth and the Shawshank Redemption”.  Just an incredible movie. 
On the lighter side, I really loved “The Love Boat”.  I looked forward to watching it every Saturday night during the 70’s and 80’s.
HaHa…. Not certain what that combination says about me.  However, each of my screenplays began a bit silly and hokey, because that’s just where my brain goes initially.  I love good humor.  But after receiving feedback and doing re-writes, they each evolved into stories with more serious undertones.
 
What advice do you have for writers hoping to win a contest or place as a finalist as you have?
Feedback is essential.  Admittedly, it can be hard to read.  Our script becomes like our own child, and when someone thinks our child can be better… do better… it hurts our feelings.  What I have learned to do is read it, then put it away for 2 weeks.  After a couple of weeks go back and read it again.  Take another look and improve the writing.  As I re-write, I continue to read the feedback, so I don’t miss anything.
 
Not all screenplay competitions have good analysts, though.  I learned this the hard way.  Do your research and find the good ones.  I like the team at Santa Barbara because they offer ideas without being cruel about it.  I find their feedback very helpful.
 
Secondly… write, re- write, then do it again and again, until you’re there.
 
What else are you working on that the world needs to know about?
 
I’m working on a Children’s book that I hope to turn into a whole series of books with the main character being the star of each one.  The main character is a frumpy little boat named Crazy Ivan who travels the world over with his happy Captain Tim.  I want children to learn all about geography and the geology of the earth.

---