Screenwriting : Impatient Screenwriter is Impatient by Olivia Drake

Olivia Drake, I'm sailing with you. I'm constantly reminding myself this is a marathon and to enjoy everything along the journey to my destination. Also, you're already a TV writer. All the other stuff is a bonus. Keep writing your stories no matter what. Onward and upward.

Olivia, I hear you. It can be frustrating. When you put so much of your time, and your heart, and your thoughts into writing a show (and pitch deck/bible), it's so all-encompassing. And then when you're done (or at least done with this draft) you feel like you've just given birth and you want that baby to live! But it just sits there... Hahahaha!

I think a really great program here on Stage 32 is being able to pitch your show to an executive or a manager. Every time they list people who will listen to pitches, I go through and see who's looking for projects similar to mine and I pay the $39 to pitch it to them. It not only helps you hone your pitching skills (you get feedback), but you also have a door open to you. You are accessing a person you may not otherwise have access to.

Hi Olivia - it’s great to meet you here in the community. I can totally relate to how you’re feeling. Agents and lawyers live transactional lives making deals happen daily. We creatives live accomplishment lives and sometimes our projects - our big accomplishments - take a very long time. My greatest success in the business took 10 years from start to air. But it was worth it. Hang in there. Know that you’re not alone. This is such a supportive community and it’s great that you’re here.

Meeeeee

Hi Olivia, thank you so much for sharing! Honestly, I feel Ali's response so hard that I just say ditto. But also, we have a ton of education about getting started, if you're interested here are a few webinars specifically about getting staffed and writers rooms. https://www.stage32.com/webinars/How-to-Get-Staffed-in-Comedy-for-a-Stre...

https://www.stage32.com/webinars/Inside-the-Writers-Room-Tell-All-Secret...

https://www.stage32.com/webinars/How-to-Break-In-And-Excel-in-a-TV-Write...

Hi Olivia, thanks for sharing your story with us. While there's no secret to success in this business, I've found one helpful trick is to write everyday. The more you write, the more you have to show. Keep up the good work and please keep us posted!

Olivia Drake Best of luck on your adventure. What kind of things do you enjoy writing? Are they the same types of things that you enjoy watching? You will get lots of good advice from many of the folks here on Stage 32. That being said, your writing (Show Runner!) Odessey will be different than anyone else's. If there is a certain genre that you are going to write in, consider pitching to producers, etc., that are involved with those shows that relate to your style. Also, often what you pitch and the way you present may help you get a chance to be in the writers' room of someone else's show. I know there is lots more to it. But these are ideas to consider. Good luck.

@alexandrashields Great input!

I don't write many TV shows, Olivia Drake, but I do get impatient sometimes after pitching projects, then I remember it takes time. Congratulations on finishing your first short script and the first drafts of your TV pilot and show bible! Keep learning and pushing. Hope you reach your TV goals!

Hey all! Thank you all so much for your advice! I really appreciate you guys taking the time to respond and for letting me have the space to vent impatiently/excitedly! Being a writer is definitely a marathon and not a foot race and it’s hard to remember that sometimes LOL. To answer questions in order, my goal is to get my short film made and ideally in a film festival (that would be amazing but I’m aware that there’s a lot that goes into it), after that I’d really like representation and go from there. I do enjoy watching shows that I’m writing about for sure and I never considered the idea that my pitches might land me in another writing room but only because I didn’t know that was a thing. Like some of you mentioned every writing career is different, and I’m just excited to get mine rolling. Thanks again for letting me take this space to vent and thanks again for your responses!

Hi Olivia, I totally get the being impatient to hear back on pitches, feedbacks and competition results, but the best thing to do is fill the time with a new or update an older project to keep you going. I recently did pitch slides for some of my scripts which also helped me take my mind of things as it was a different kind of work, i.e. more visual. Maybe this will help you fill the waiting gap (it's also a lot of fun if you like working with ppt). Let's keep it moving!

You sure it isn't a 7,313 mile wide ship? Why does it always have to be "boat"?

you can check twitterverse and read tweets by "pros" that cant find work, tv or movies. Plus there is a possible work strike by Union writers. Google Mickey Fisher blogs. He created a tv show with 0 tv experience and after that show's run, he struggled to find work.

It takes time and patience. One just have to keep at it and take pleasure in the act itself regardless of the outcome.

You're welcome, Olivia Drake. I hope you reach your goals. The Filmmaking/Directing Lounge might have info and advice on how to enter a film festival. www.stage32.com/lounge/directing

Hi Olivia,. I have no idea how old you are. but if I were you and you are in your 20's or 30's and unmarried ,I'd be in L.A. in a heartbeat for PA, or better, jobs, and networking. Immerse yourself in the life! Wish I could. Good Luck!

Olivia, I really understand impatience...I had plenty of that during my first efforts (1980-1994) to break into screenwriting/TV writing.

Reading other contributors' posts (and their scripts, too) not long after joining Stage 32 helped break me of that impatience of mine...by showing it's a journey (yep, a marathon).

Back in the 1980s and 1990s, I just thought about the money and the fame (and especially showing my relatives that I could measure up to my two brothers)...and I wanted that ASAP!

But these four years since I stumbled onto 32 have shown me it's okay to enjoy the ride...and because of 32, I've found tools such as Prewrite and ScriptHop to help me stay busy between writing scripts.

I'm so glad you're here with us...and here's wishing you all the VERY BEST!

It was you Dan , that posted Mickey Fisher blog tip. I'd forgotten. Thank you. They were FANTASTIC. Best, Jed.

Hi Olivia, please how do you get your short films sold?. I'm looking forward to selling mine

Hi Olivia, I can relate to the impatience part. I recently finished my first script, received feedback, worked on it then resubmitted it. Now I get to muse and wait for a while. I wrote a feature script. I've considered writing other forms like TV. However, I don't think that is where my interest is right now.