What I’m sharing today is our first storyteller interview and the subject is Alfonso Simán, a writer who resides in San Salvador and works for advertising agency Ogilvy El Salvador. He also spends his free time making short films and music videos, writing fiction, and preparing to break into comics writing. I first met Alfonso earlier this year and I’ve been continually impressed by his creative output. I’ll let him tell you more.
Topics covered: storytelling, wrestling, music video awards, a sentient pair of pants, short film festivals, writing for a brand vs. writing for an audience, storytelling for cinema, storytelling for product pitching, offering workshops in cafés and restaurants in El Salvador, the significance of storytelling structure, artificial intelligence, dialogue and world-building in comics, Guy de Maupassant and Molière, Paul Arden and David Ogilvy, seeking praise vs. actively inviting criticism, advice for subscribers not in the U.S., irrelevant geographical boundaries, traditional and digital publishing, a strong and vibrant global writing community
I’ve included the first part of the interview with Alfonso below, but if you’re not a paid subscriber and would like to read the rest, you can sign up for a free seven-day trial at this link. I’m also offering a 15% discount on an annual subscription through the end of December at this link. Ok, let’s get this interview started . . .
Hi Alfonso! Thank you for agreeing to this Submission Sunday interview. You have experience writing in several genres and for a variety of audiences. What can you tell us about the different types of writing you've done?
It all began in my youth when I found solace in crafting poetry and weaving tales for my own enjoyment. However, my writing took a turn when my passion for football led me to contribute match reviews for a blog called Cuatro33 and later intern at El Gráfico, covering sports-related topics.
An enriching experience studying in Europe further expanded my horizons, allowing me to report on sports events for El Faro and even host my own sports column, “El Cuarto Árbitro.” To me, covering sports is about narrating the transformation of passion into events and ultimately into compelling stories.
I know that you’re also really interested in wrestling. What about the storytelling aspect of wrestling attracts you?
At its core, wrestling combines athleticism with a unique form of storytelling that unfolds within the ring. What particularly captivates me is the emphasis on narrative arcs, character development, and the art of building suspense.
The phrase "The money is in the chase" refers to the idea that the journey and anticipation leading up to a big payoff or resolution are often more compelling than the resolution itself. In wrestling, it's about the build-up to a climactic match or rivalry, where the audience becomes emotionally invested in the characters and their narratives. This anticipation creates a sense of excitement and engagement that is crucial to the overall entertainment value.
Consejo Mundial de Lucha Libre, Mexico City (Alfonso Simán)
Wrestling, in many ways, can be likened to pantomime. Much like actors in a pantomime use exaggerated gestures and expressions to convey a story without words, wrestlers employ their bodies and in-ring performances to communicate complex narratives. The theatrical elements, combined with the physicality of the sport, create a unique form of entertainment that transcends the boundaries of traditional storytelling.
Moreover, similar to many aspects of life, wrestling demands time and patience from its audience. To truly appreciate the characters, storylines, and emotional payoffs, one needs to invest time in following the narrative arcs. It's a gradual process where the audience develops a connection with the characters, understands their motivations, and becomes emotionally invested in their journeys.
You were telling us about the other types of writing you do…
My academic pursuits kindled an interest in cinema, leading to co-writing a Salvadoran film called Matlatl. During this time, I contributed reviews and love letters to cinema, television, and video games for Factum. Transitioning into the advertising industry over the last six years, I've been fortunate to write commercials and campaigns for diverse brands while maintaining the essence of storytelling.
In the realm of fiction, I co-wrote a music video that won the Salvadoran Music Video of the Year award.
I also assisted in the re-writing of the Broadway play Jesus Christ Superstar with the Musical La Octava theater group.
In my leisure time, especially during the pandemic, I delved into short story writing, sharing tales for people to enjoy with their coffee on my website, Ponchisiman. Additionally, my passion for filmmaking persists, and I continue to write and create short films. I am working on a music video with Walter Rivera, and my latest film, Quisiera Ser Arte, was chosen this week as an official selection of Festival de Cortos ESCINE, the largest short film festival in El Salvador. You can now view, like, and share it here on YouTube.
Congratulations! It’s a beautiful film. Do you want to tell us a little about Quisiera Ser Arte?
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