Hi everyone! I hope your holidays went well and like me, you're ready to tackle 2026 and continue the journey. Over the break I was idle from writing anything new script-wise, but did develop a few concepts including my first "Christmas" seasonal project idea.
What were some of the things you worked on over the break, or did you get some much-needed rest? I had 11 days off of my day job so rest and relaxation was absolutely on my list. That said, it feels good to be back in the routine of screenwriting each night.
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Hi, Patrick Koepke! Hope your holidays went well too. Congratulations on developing the concepts! I took a break, but I was still thinking of script ideas and things for my projects.
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Thanks Maurice Vaughan . I plan to make progress in what amounts to the start of my third year of this journey. Specifically more polishing, more pitches, and a handful of new projects written before year's end. My goal is to sell a spec script and/or get representation this year, as well as join the Writer's Room.
Another thing I did over the holidays was start an eBay storefront to sell a ton of vintage stuff I've been hoarding for decades, with the hope it will increase my ability to pitch more (and join the Writer's Room as I mentioned.)
Here's to what will surely be an unforgettable 2026 for all of us.
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You're welcome, Patrick Koepke. Congratulations on starting an eBay storefront! The Writers' Room has a lot of perks. Hope you sell a lot on eBay and reach your goals this year!
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I worked on my script through most of the holiday craziness. Developed a couple concepts.
Congratulations on your eBay store! And I hope you had a great holiday vacation from work!
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Hi Patrick, I just stopped by to say hello and Happy 2026. My holiday break only served as a reminder that I am addicted to my writing. Having sent family back to whence they came, I’ve occupied my study with an electric fan heater, and made another attempt to finish my 3rd/4th books. They are currently conjoined. I need to select a dividing line with a suitable closure for book 3.
Incidentally, I was just wondering, I have pitched books 1 and 2 already, for a TV series. Will I ever get a reply, even if it’s not a good one?
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Beverly Thompson Happy 2026 to you too! I can tell by "having sent my family back to whence they came" that you know your way around prose, so I bet your books are at the right level developmentally. As for pitching, if you mean here at Stage 32, the date of the pitch (not the date you signed up for the pitch slot) is the start of their review, and they have 3 weeks to assess and score you, providing feedback and an outcome (pass, request, etc.). One thing I noticed when I first started pitching was the Stage32 emails have a tendency to go straight to spam, even after I mark them "not spam", so I keep the pitch "receipt" window up that shows the progress bar, and refresh it every day. I've found that's the fastest way to see any changes.
If you're working outside of Stage 32, or pitching execs directly, there isn't a timeframe so to speak, but usually 2-3 months. This is also true in Stage 32 pitches where they request your work after the pitch. They get 3 weeks for the pitch, but can take months if they're reviewing the actual project.
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Thank you @Elle Bolan! I love developing concepts because the sky is always the limit and it's when the possibilities are wide open.
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Happy New Year Patrick Koepke ! It sounds like you struck the perfect balance, rest is absolutely part of the creative process. Coming back to the page with a fresh mind and a new seasonal concept is a fantastic way to start the year.
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I appreciate it Sam Rivera . I definitely agree. Creativity needs space to breathe sometimes.