Hi All.
I've been feeling really down about my writing, even though one of my scripts was a finilist in a small competition. I just feel like I'm getting nowhere with it, I also feel like I will never get represented either :( It's hard being a writing with hidden learning disabilities :(
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Hi Michael, Congratulations on your recent win! That's fantastic! We all have down days of doubting ourselves and feeling like we're spinning in circles. Concentrate on the good things (like your finalist status) and write a few sentences about something new that inspires you! Please share - I'd love to read it!
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Maybe taking a screenwriting class or hiring a script consultant could help.
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We all get that feeling at some point Michael Keeling. Keep writing. Perseverance is key. You were a finalist in screenwriting competition. That's big. Shows you're on the right path. Chin up.
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I have graduated from university in 2021 for Film Production and I did mostly screenwriting clases there. Anthony McBride
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Shellie Schmals That's very true, and thank you so much. I have sent you a message :)
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Sorry you've felt this way, Michael. These feelings are very common; you're certainly not alone when it comes to being down on your writing. If you ever want to talk more, feel free to message me privately.
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This is the occupation- highs and lows, and lots of months/maybe years with 0 income.
Ive been fortunate to meet many established screenwriters & tv writers and they all struggle - getting jobs, income, health insurance.
This occupation isn't for everyone and it is not a meritocracy.
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I’m glad you feel comfortable to talk it through with supportive people. The feeling of being “on a treadmill” is very common. Take heart- some screenwriters took 10-20 years to sell a script! You have already been named a finalist which is a significant achievement so Congratulations! Take time to re-focus on your goals or create new ones. Remember why you want to write and what you love about it.
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Michael: Focus your strengths on the areas you wish to improve and read my recent posts of Perpetual Motion for pitching. I also suggest that you employ a SWOT (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats) analysis to evaluate the current state of your screenwriting and pitching abilities. That includes working on writing a well-written logline and synopsis pitch. In your threats category, identify what you feel your current writing and pitching roadblocks are and concentrate efforts on improvement. Please let me know if you have any questions that I may help you with.
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Writing certainly has it's ups and downs. My suggestion would be to take breaks and step away from writing if there are times you are down. I notice it helps me If I'm working on a project I'll step away for a few hours and come back. Also certainly engage with other writers because you are not alone. Everyone pretty much touched on what I would say:) Hope this helps. So glad you feel comfortable to share
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You'll be down one min and on top of the world the next. It will pass. Just try to take this time to grow your skills and focus on getting to the next level. That's what I do when I'm down on myself and my work.
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Don’t give up Michael. I’m dyslexic and believe me…. Learning is a huge struggle. My proofer does things in a way so I can understand. Just start another after you finish a script. The more you write, the better you get.
My latest one had a record breaking number of mistakes. My proofer highlights the mistakes then gives a sheet page by page of why it’s wrong or calls out if it’s confusing to the reader. Then I go back and correct. It helps me. This one was in Irish slang. It turns out she said it’s more in Scottish/ English slang. She is British, her husband is Irish. So I have hundreds of corrections to fix. I would rather get it right than rush it. You can do this.
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Michael I learned years ago to avoid “never” and “always” when describing your current situation and predicting future changes. You don’t know! Plus congrats to you for winning the competition!!! How many people did you beat out? Many writers never win even one so obviously you’ve got something going. Pat your own back my friend.
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Stay the course, Michael, you may want to revisit why you started writing it could help lift you up.
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Hey Michael Keeling - I am sorry to hear that my friend! The community is 100% behind you. This is a business of months and years - and movies that seem to be 'no brainers' today took years to get made. Forrest Gump took over 10 years to make and even then almost died multiple times.
You're making gains every day that you keep writing. You're making gains every day that you submit somewhere. You're making gains every day that you get feedback. Take some time for self care like your fellow writers suggest.
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Hi Michael Keeling Sometimes life throw things at us that we struggle to deal with, but deal with it we do. Your own strength and resilience might surprise you. I agree with Cara, keep the "never" and "always" out of your vocabulary as much as you can and look for the positives of your situation. I practice gratefulness very morning... even if it's only for the sunny day that's dawning. Congratulations for being a finalist and keep writing! Cheers from the antipodes.
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Nobody wins all the time...but then again nobody looses all the time...just find the balance...
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Your issue is the word “it”. No one ( yes no one ) makes a career off a single effort. Song, poem, screenplay, painting.
A learning disability isn’t a stop sign to creativity.
A had a brain injury at age 3. I didn’t have a birthday or christmas out of hospital till I was 5. I left school basically illiterate, I am dyslexic.
But none of that effects my writing because it is just who I am.
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Thanks for sharing that @CraigDGriffiths- very inspirational!
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Congrats on being a finalist, Michael Keeling. You'll have hard times and discouragement as a writer. Writing with hidden learning disabilities will make it harder, but keep pushing. Continue to build up your craft, build up a portfolio, build relationships, learn the business side of this industry, do the things that people have commented about, and bookmark this post so you can come back and be inspired when you're feeling down.
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Thank you so much everyone, just been feeling really down and feel like I'm not getting anywhere, currently working on another project. Which will keep me entertained for now :)
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You're welcome, Michael Keeling. Is your other project a TV show?
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It’s is Maurice
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Cool. What genre(s) is it?
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CONGRATULATIONS Michael Keeling, on being a finalist! I agree with Aconda that stepping away from your writing temporarily will help. When I stepped away and took many breaks, it reignited my energy and creativity. Perseverance, as already mentioned, is huge!
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Collette, thank you.
I was inspired to accept who I am by my brother after his second cancer diagnosis. He said you have to count what you have. Not what you don’t.
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Maurice, it’s based in the 70s and it’s all about Northern Soul Music
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Michael Keeling it's perfectly fine to feel down at times with the writing. Writing is meant to be enjoyable and take us away from the stresses of life. As others said, taking a break is a great way to get back into the spirit of writing. It may seem counterintuitive but there is no rush to get things done. It does take time and you want to enjoy the journey. Nothing wrong with taking a break and keep in mind your wins, a finalist in any competition is amazing!