I've had a good week. A very good week, you might even say.
Got a couple of read requests, including one several months after the initial pitch, and my western advanced in the first round of a reputable contest.
On the actual writing front, made some good progress in the latest overhaul of the sci-fi adventure outline, plus got a last-minute invite to come up with a story idea for a friend meeting with a filmmaker looking for potential projects.
All in all, not too shabby.
Do I wish every week could be this fulfilling and rewarding? Most definitely.
Will they? Heavens no. But that's expected. It's the just way it is, and I accept that.
Everything that happened was the result of me putting in the time and effort. Writing, rewriting, researching who'd be most receptive to queries, figuring out which contest was most worth entering, and so forth.
I just happened to be fortunate that a lot of them are paying off very close to one another.
I also realize that each read request could results in "thanks, but no thanks", my script doesn't advance any further in the contest, and the filmmaker doesn't like my idea.
Disappointing, sure, but it won't slow me down, let alone stop me. I've got too much else going on to worry about it.
While the road to screenwriting success may be dotted with potholes, sharp objects and people who shouldn't be allowed behind the wheel to begin with, every once in a while you get a long empty stretch of green lights and smooth pavement. It may not last long, but it'll might make you appreciate it even more.
So when you have a brief window of time where it seems like everything is actually going your way, savor it knowing that YOU EARNED IT. And definitely spread the word to your support network - they'll be thrilled (just like you'd be if it were them).
Use the emotions and sensations you're experiencing during this happiest of times to keep you going when every response you get is "NO" and the dark clouds return.
But also keep in mind that it won't always be like that. This path is full of highs and lows, mountains and valleys. The important thing is to enjoy the journey and keep pushing forward.
As we head into the weekend, I'll take a moment to review the past few days and think "This was nice."
And then get right back to the grind, once again hoping for the best.
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Writing is an elite sport. It is the olympics. Any success is greater than 99.9999% of the planet will ever experience. Well done.
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Paul Zeidman I have had a good week as well, several requests, largely positive feedback from scripts, etc. Even the "no's" have been exceedingly positive. I chalk this up, and maybe I shouldn't, to the new year, renewed budgets, producers looking for new material after recognizing the trends from the previous year, agents past their end-of-year closed to queries period to catch up on submissions (in the publishing industry). So, I say, make hay while the sun shines. Now is the time to get those scripts out there and pitched.
Just my take, I could be wrong. Congratulations, though, because solid writing has to be at the core or none of the theory works.
TL
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Congrats on the good events that happened this week man. You're always sharing the reality yet mixing in encouragement and motivation. I'm sure i'm not the only one you inspire to keep pushing and working along this journey. Appreciate the time you take to give your experiences and guidance. The ups and downs will make the destination that much more worth it ^_^ Have a good day bro.
Here's to opened doors and great opportunities in 2020.