Writers need to be read and they need an audience for their material. Today, I took a meeting reference my script "The Monk Who Would Be Spy" with John Thomas. It went well. All writers hope for glory, fame, money, simply a story that must be told. I write only stories I am passionate about because I have to live with them in rewrites and rewrites and rewrites. So after having read my script, John was proactive and offered me some times to talk for an hour. We had trouble connecting due to a wrong phone number that was one digit off. I apologize to whatever Iowan got calls and texts from Hollywood,
Anyway, John was so persistent that he tried to connect for a few weeks, as was I. Try to remember, my fellow writers, that Managers are busy people putting out fires and seizing opportunities for their existing clients. It takes a bit patience on both your parts but when you talk with someone very knowledgeable and seasoned in the business it can open your eyes, help you grow as a writer and help your story, and, maybe, take it to the next step.
We focused less on the script itself and more on my voyage as a writer, what he looks for in clients, and things I could do to help him, help me. It was not only fun and enjoyable to learn about him and listen to his advice answering my questions but a pleasure talking with someone focused on writers, down-to-earth, and experienced enough to offer wise advice. If you read this, thank you, John, for a wonderful hour learning and being motivated and talking with one of my readers.
At the end of our talk, I asked if he would consider managing me and he gave me his work email and offered to read another of my scripts, "Janissary".
He offered several pieces of advice that stuck with me but one I will mention to you, my fellow writers, do not hide your light under a bushel. Share your work with readers. Be read.
I will only add that even if no sale comes from it or no work, it was a success! I am being read, And that is a good day, Take care everyone and submit your work.
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L. Tom Deaver... The main reason I login to this site is to find written comments like yours.. thank you.
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Congratulations on the incredible meeting and script request, L. Tom Deaver! Thanks for sharing the advice with the community.
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Thank you all. Happy writing. Now back to work following up on some suggestions John gave me.
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You're welcome, L. Tom Deaver.
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How much did you pay for a read, and which screenwriting website did you meet John
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I paid $250 which is inexpensive for a professionals opinion. I pay more for a doctor visit.
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This is such a great success story Tom! This is how to get it done. I completely agree with you - this is a success. As I just posted somewhere else, this is a relationship business and now you're on your way to cultivating another industry relationship.