So you've written three or four scripts and you think you're ready to bag the elusive agent who will help you become the next screenwriting sensation. You’re certain that you have a multi-million dollar idea or franchise and you just need those unknowing Hollywood types to take notice of your talent.
Fast forward a few years, and you're still hunting for an agent. You've discovered nobody gives a rat's posterior about your great work. What do you do? How long before you move on to another hobby?
Another S32 forum dweller kindly posted a video where the speaker imparted the inspirational idiom, Screenwriting is a marathon, not a sprint. Hardly a revelation to anyone who has attempted to sell a screenplay for more than a few years. I prefer to picture the gigantic pool of unproduced screenwriters and even produced ones, as Salmon attempting to swim up a giant waterfall. It's difficult but not impossible.
Several years back, I posted this list in the forum. I just reviewed it to see if I still agree with everything I wrote four years ago. I do. Without further eloquence, here are-
FOURTEEN THINGS YOU MIGHT WANT TO KNOW ABOUT SCREENWRITING.
1. If you’re a delicate, sensitive woodland creature, then screenwriting probably isn’t for you.
2. Don’t tell anyone This is my first script. But don’t think you’ll set the world on fire by writing one screenplay.
3. Learn to suck up constant rejection. Never spend more than a few hours wallowing in rejection. With each setback, sally forth with renewed vigor.
4. The best cure for rejection is writing. Particularly if it’s better writing.
5. Sometimes a script just stinks. Everyone thinks they have a great idea for a screenplay. More often than not, they’re wrong.
6. Sometimes a script doesn't work, no matter how many times you rewrite it. Therefore, don’t attach yourself to any one effort too much. You may need to write twenty scripts before you find a concept that resonates with readers.
7. If you see writing scripts as a path to riches and fame, you may wish to consider other options.
8. There is no such thing as writers block. There are only writers that write and ones that don’t. If you can sit down and write even when you’re totally uninspired, then you may have what it takes to succeed.
9. Writers who build relationships, maintain their humility and help their colleagues, will do better than ones who don’t.
10. If you keep losing script contests, write better scripts until you win one.
11. Read books, take classes and listen to sound advice about screenwriting. Then march to your own creative drummer. If I listened to every person who told me I couldn't write, I'd never accomplish a damn thing.
12. Don’t write something because you think it will have commercial appeal. Write something you believe in.
13. Don’t worry about what everyone else is doing. Endeavor to be an original.
14. Don’t ever rest on your laurels or laurel leaves. Keep writing until it becomes second nature to you. Do it until you can produce even under adverse or stressful conditions. You may one day have a job that presents you with just that set of conditions.
Much affection from The Scribe Who Cares.
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Good list. I especially agree about writer's block. I don't believe it exists. If you're sitting at your laptop staring at a blank page and nothing's coming to you, then you probably didn't do enough prep work. I don't know who first said it, but I love the adage "Thinking about writing counts as writing" because there's a lot you have to do before you start typing.
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JJ: I've occasionally sat down (especially with things I've experienced personally) and banged out scripts with just a concept and a few scene ideas. Mostly I like to write a high level logline and sketch out at least the first half of the script in an outline. Ny outlines normally consist of scene ideas. I find by doing that I'm able to generate lots of additional scenes and ideas. As I go back over the first draft I look for wholes and things that need to be tied together.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts.
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I'm working on my ability to do that. Right now, I have to have at least half outlined or noted before I'll write anything.
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Great 14 tips to know. All very true! I'm a firm believer that rejection is a good thing. My greatest responses have been, "we have something like that in production, love the levity but very similar to many shows out there."Although I never try or intend to mimick a show, now when I head back to the drawing board my very first and most important focus is on originality. (unique characters, story concept, settings, etc.)
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If the prize at the end of my (salmon) run is what the fish get, it's motivation enough.
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Good points Phillip! I'm embracing many of these. I think as new writers, we often set out thinking we'll write one script and rocket to the top. I've really adjusted my mindset coming into the industry and learning more of it. I love writing, and I'm writing because these stories make me feel. When that time comes for me to gain recognition --if that time comes--then so be it. Until then, I'm going to keep writing, and learning, and growing.
Thanks for sharing man!
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Great list and so true. My only opposition? Number 3. I need more than a few hours to wallow (but much improved from days on end).
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So great. Thanks, buddy.
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Phillip, thanks so VERY MUCH for posting this!
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You gents are most welcome.