Screenwriting : Rejections from competitions. by Michael Keeling

At times it can be disappointing. Up to now I didnt get any producer or an agent. But I never think that my work is not good. Keep trying you will get through one day.

My brothers and I have written eighteen feature screenplays without a sale. We keep writing.

Michael Keeling Hi Michael, have you had your fellow screenwriters read them? It may help you fine-tune them.

Michael:

To win festivals and contests, you need to have compelling work. If you're failing to place, your premise and delivery need work. I've competed in many competitions and had plenty of festivals pass on offering recognition, but I also had early successes at contests like AFF and Screencraft. And my festival misses have been fewer with time.

I suggest you read this list:

14 THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT WRITING SCRIPTS

1. Screenwriting isn't for you if you're a delicate, sensitive woodland creature.

2. Don't tell anyone, this is your first script. But don't think you'll set the world on fire by writing one screenplay.

3. Learn to suck up constant rejection and never spend more than a few hours wallowing in rejection or failure. With each setback, learn how to move forward with renewed vigor.

4. The best cure for rejection is writing, especially if it's better writing.

5. Sometimes, a script sucks. Every writer thinks they have an excellent idea for a story.

But, more often than not, they're wrong.

6. Sometimes, a script sucks, no matter how many times you rewrite it. Therefore, don't attach yourself to any one effort too much. It may take writing twenty scripts before finding something 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 ain't no such thing as writer's block. There are only writers that write and ones that don't. Look at Bukowski. Drunk or sober, he did solid work every day of his life.

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, seminars, and sound advice about screenwriting and then march to your creative drummer. If I listened to every person who told me I couldn't do something, I'd never accomplish anything.

12. Don't write something because you think it will appeal commercially. Instead, write something you believe in.

13. Don't worry about what everyone else is doing. Instead, endeavor to be original.

14. Don't ever rest on your laurels or laurel leaves. Keep writing until it becomes second nature to you. And you can produce even under adverse or stressful conditions. You may one day have a job that presents you with just that set of requirements.

PS, I read the first five pages of your pilot, Cursed: The Twisted Spell.

Phillip E. Hardy, "The Pro From Dover" Thank you for this, and oh you did? You can message me feedback if you like?

Michael, I'll get something over to you in the next day or two.

Michael Keeling we are people that make a product, which happens to be screenplays. Some great products never find an audience.

I would create more screenplays/products. Something will find and audience.

I've experienced that, Michael Keeling, but not with competitions. I've had scripts rejected by producers, directors, etc. over and over. What you said is key: "I just need to find the right kind of people." There's a right producer, production company, or studio that's right for your project. Keep building relationships/networking. Keep pitching.

My give or take ratio is somewhere of 90% rejections and 10% acceptance so far...but I'm still here...it just a part of the job/hobby...

The competition out there is rough. I think the average number of entries in the mid level festivals is about 1600. The first tier contests and festivals might have 5,000 entries. Just keep writing and gaining knowledge.

Don't take it to heart - you've entered lots. The VAST majority of screenwriting festivals/competitions are absolutely worthless. They are nothing more than money pits but here there a few top-o-the-line festivals that are worth entering. Concentrate on your work and stick to those few.

Thank you all, I have learning disabilities and it’s been putting me down with the rejections all the time, I’m still working on my pilot episode etc. I also lost my job a month ago so my mental header been great so I needed to vent. Thank you all for the support.

Rejection is never easy, but over time you learn to reframe rejection toward an opportunity to grow.

You're welcome, Michael Keeling. Sorry that you lost your job. I hope you find another one.

I totally feel you Michael Keeling. I'm a comedy writer, and I find, especially with comedy, that the responses can be wildly different. That said, work on your craft. Write different scripts, don't just focus on one idea. Submit to competitions (and get feedback!), but also fellowships and query companies, and build relationships. Maybe build out your story as a novel or podcast to build IP behind it. As hard as it can feel with rejection, it helps to look at your career holistically, and this one series is just one piece of it. It doesn't define you. And if you're still wanting to crack this competition "code," let me know because there are a ton of resources and people here that are available and can help you!

I should add, you'll do much better on this platform by not listening to Doug Nelson's generalities or out of touch advice. Here's some facts for you. My screenwriting career was launched by winning the Creative World Awards. It landed me David Greenblatt as my manager, who was one of the founders of Endeavor, discovered Shane Black, and still reps Shane to this day. Had I taken the advice of all screenwriting contests are bullshit, I wouldn't be in development with one of the biggest production companies on the planet on a TV show I created or sold 4 features.

Need more proof...Over the last 9 years, Stage 32 contests have led to over 100 winners and finalists get signed, optioned, and staffed.

The key to entering contests is to only submit to those that provide access. At the end of the day, that's the only thing that matters. Not a certificate for software, not a free month of some bullshit product they offer, access, and that's it. Do your due diligence.

Hi Michael Keeling - I always look at rejection as making space for the right opportunity. Keep on writing and don't give up on contests, they are great ways to connect with new audiences and even if you don't win - you've had more eyes on your work and been brave sharing your creativity.

I would add to what RB said in that the people here genuinely care to see you do well. In my short time here, I've had questions and hinted at hopes that staff were all eager to be a source of encouragement and actually help.

That's awesome @Leonardo! Thanks for sharing!

Hi Michael, as the contest manager at Stage 32, I have an inside look at the contest process and all of the entries that come through the site. I want to share with you that it is not easy to evaluate entries and choose finalists, and ultimately only one winner. There is always going to be a level of subjectivity involved in making these decisions, but it doesn't mean that anyone who doesn't place in the contests should get discouraged. It's hard to see this as a learning experience when it feels like sending your script out into a void over and over again. I want to assure you that at least at Stage 32, we take every contest entry and every writer seriously. The goal here is always to improve your experience and help you in your professional journey. I take a personal interest in all of our finalists and winners' successes, of which we have had many, and hope to have many more. I would discourage the line of thinking that screenwriting contests are useless, but I also understand that it can be a frustrating process. Please reach out if you have any questions about the contest process at Stage 32.

I appreciate that, Leonardo. Means a great deal. Forbes called us the friendliest social media platform on the planet and it's something my team and I take a great deal of pride in.

99.9% of the creatives and pros on this platform are, indeed, helpful and want to share their knowledge. But there are also a ton of people here who are, understandably, timid or introverted or perhaps feel that they are too inexperienced to communicated. Many of these people are easily influenced. And if there's one thing I've learned in my 13 years in this business and 11 years of running this platform, this industry is difficult enough to navigate when you're receiving nothing but the best advice. But the wrong advice can set you back years. I urge the posters here and the lurkers to ignore the generalists, the misery loves company crowd, and those who haven't been in a meeting or a room in years.

Never give up! Keep learning and writing! Stay positive!

I'm one of the introverts that RB is referring to. I have never entered a contest in the 20 years I've been authoring books or in the few years I've been writing screenplays. I could write another book or screenplay on how relationships have led to devastating loss and editors that took our last penny and ran. I've never felt comfortable submitting anywhere. All of that ended this morning when I entered the action/thriller contest on Stage 32. Because of how the staff treated me upon arrival, I felt totally comfortable doing it. Things never stay the same. Let go of yesterday and let today be a new day, Michael. You are going to do well.

A lot... I eventually decide it maybe wasn't good enough.

That's a tremendous post, Leonardo. Appreciate you laying that out there. We're extremely protective of the introverts on this platform and always try to offer advice on how to step out of the shadows and into the light which, let's face it, is necessary toward forging a long and successful career in this business.

And this - "Let go of yesterday and let today be a new day" - is pure gold.

Appreciate that, Paul. Generalities and broad brush statements can be fatal to creatives and artists who are just setting out on their way.

I used to be an introvert/lurker on here, Leonardo. This is my post from two months ago: "When I joined Stage 32, I lurked around the platform, reading what other people posted but not making my own posts or commenting. I wasn't going to jump in and put myself out there. I thought, "This platform's public. People are gonna rip my comments and posts to pieces." Fast forward to now, I'm active in the Lounges and Blogs daily, and no one's ripping my comments and posts to pieces. I've actually gotten a lot of support and encouragement from people (even jobs and opportunities). Hope this story encourages you to jump in the Lounges and Blogs and make posts, ask questions, and comment."

Hope you win the Action/Thriller contest!

Maurice Vaughan You are one of the staff that pulled me right in. Thank you so much for all you do!

"it maybe wasn't good enough." If that's true, Vic, the great thing is you can rewrite your script until it's good enough. :)

Richard RB:

I've marched to my drummer since day one and have learned by experience that my creative and business instincts have been right more often than not.

One thing folks forget about competing in contests and festivals, and I've done the big and small, is that they can be lots of fun. Some great genre festivals, such as The Wild Bunch Festival, Shriekfest, Action on Film, and the Urban Action Showcase, are entertaining and excellent for networking.

If I had listened to every naysayer and so-called maven slinging advice, I'd have missed out on many rewarding opportunities.

Finally, I've assisted two Stage 32 members today (including the author of this thread). Rather than being armchair quarterbacks, I encourage experienced writers to share their time with folks in this forum looking for help. Maurice Vaughn is a great example of someone who spreads a lot of good energy in this forum and platform.

You're welcome, Leonardo. Glad to help. I actually had the same thing happen to me when I joined Stage 32 (people pulled me right in). Consider it me paying it forward.

I appreciate the shout-out, Phillip E. Hardy, "The Pro From Dover". :D You do the same. Spread a lot of good energy in this forum and platform.

Thought provoking post, Phillip E. Hardy, "The Pro From Dover". It's important to march to your own drummer and find your own path in this business. You never hear the same story from those who succeed. Everyone has a different experience. Being open to learning at all times, to me, is the key. And that requires assuring you're listening to the RIGHT voices. Clearly, just by your successes and your activity here, you get that.

Further, your perspective on contests is refreshing. You understand your "why". You enter certain contests for the entertainment and the networking opportunities. I applaud you for that. For me, when I was still entering contests, I would ONLY enter the ones that gave me access. People say Nicholl, Nicholl, Nicholl. They've been brainwashed that this is the only path. But if you truly dig into the successes from the Nicholl, if one truly does their homework, you'll see the overall successes are fewer and farther between than most would think. That's not to say managers and agents don't pay attention to it. They do. But it also doesn't mean it's the contest that has led to the most success either.

"If I had listened to every naysayer and so-called maven slinging advice, I'd have missed out on many rewarding opportunities." Love this and this is right on point. I wade into the Twitter screenwriting waters and I'm mostly horrified. Yes, there are some experienced people offering current information and actionable advice. But they're in the minority. Too many are listening to such bad advice it makes my skin crawl. These people are being set up for failure. They don't know any better. They don't do their due diligence on WHO is disseminating this information. They take everything as gospel. And that's, sadly, a losing proposition.

That's exactly the reason I conceived and built this platform. To create a positive, progressive and helpful environment. To bring in world class educators who are in the trenches RIGHT NOW. To create a marketplace that joins content creators with those producing and financing the content. The successes over the last 11 years speak for themselves.

But it's the amazing people in this community that make the whole thing spin. So I appreciate you taking the time to help those 2 members today and to recognize and point out all the good Maurice brings to the party. We need to realize that we're all in this together. And while we want pure honesty and transparency here and to be able to discuss the difficulties of forging a career in this business, there's no place for the bitterness, the anger, the bullshit or the misinformation. We'll leave that for the people on the broad based social media platforms.

Richard: I've been riding on the Stage 32 train since the early days, and it's the only screenwriting forum where I consistently post. It's a tremendous resource. Thanks for your kind words and thoughtful response. PS, a few years back, I analyzed the percentage of Nichol Winner's achieving further success, and I'm with you. Not that significant.

You're most welcome, Phillip E. Hardy, "The Pro From Dover". And I appreciate your contributions here.

It's not only the Nicholl. The contest that most people have in their 2nd spot has had ZERO success stories over the last 4-5 years. Just goes to show you, once the narrative leaves the barn, it's tough to corral. But most people in the know abandoned submitting to that one years ago.

It's up to each person to do their due diligence and assure themselves they are listening to the right voices. At the same time, it's important for people who have experience to not be reckless with their commentary and advice. There is NOTHING broad brush about finding success this industry. It's all nuance and personal experiences.

And please, call me RB ;)

RB: Definitely; one size doesn't fit all. Even when I've given paid advice, I tell people it's my opinion and take it with a grain. The only thing I stress to aspiring screenwriters is that patience is a virtue. Thanks again.

Amen, Phil

I’m sorry if I have caused trouble or upset anyone, I’m having a hard time at mo, lost my job a while back and my mental health is not great and I needed to vent, I have learning disabilities and it’s hard for me to take rejection. I’m so sorry to the people who won stage 32 I will delete this and my account.

This post was super interesting, and I enjoyed reading every comment. We writers need more encouragement and positivity to live and survive in this world. The chances are only two scripts getting made out of 100 scares the shit out of me but that's the harsh reality inside this dream world of ours :-)

Michael Keeling You did not cause any trouble so please don't delete your initial comment. It was encouraging to see how everyone came together to lift up a person who is more than worth being encouraged. So in the end, all of us were encouraged. #ToANewDay

I meant to say who own stage 32* it’s hard having learning disabilities and being a writer, I love writing Fantasy it’s my passion.

Not at all, Michael! You didn't upset anyone! Appreciate you starting this thread and asking your question. We never learn if we don't ask. Absolutely nothing to be sorry about!

Ultimately, this turned out to be a fantastic and insightful discussion. Kudos to you for getting it rolling!

Agree, Leonardo!

Thanks for commenting, Jeelan. Life is a never ending learning experience and this platform was built to democratize the industry by giving ALL creatives the information, education and access they need to succeed. Don't worry about the odds. Worry about putting yourself in the best position to win.

"We need to realize that we're all in this together." Richard "RB" Botto, imagine what we (creatives in the film and TV industries) can accomplish if we have that mindset on every project instead of having the "trying to get mine" mentality. We can reach our individual goals in our careers while helping others. November Write Club proves that (https://www.stage32.com/blog/join-us-for-the-8th-annual-november-write-c...).

Michael: please do not delete your account. You're in the right place if you want to get support for your screenwriting. If you require further assistance from me, please don't hesitate to ask.

I hope what everyone takes away from this thread, Maurice, is that while the road to the promised land isn't easy, understanding how things operate, staying on top of what's happening in the industry, building your network in a meaningful way by treating it like a job, and, if you are going to invest in yourself, doing so in places that give you direct access to decision makers, all of these things will give you a competitive advantage. And that's what it's all about, consistently putting yourself in a position to win.

And yes, building a support system by being kind, empathetic, and helpful will certainly give you a competitive advantage. Amazing how many creatives are blind to this fact.

Michael Keeling - Thank you for starting this thread! It actually prompted me to go over to your profile and take a look at some of your loglines, which are really intriguing! You have wonderful ideas and a very unique voice that the industry deserves to see. I left some feedback on a couple of loglines - and even where I thought the loglines needed some work, what you wrote still left me wanting to KNOW MORE. Which is a reaction you definitely want. Please feel free to reach out if you're looking for more resources, there are some amazing ones here on Stage 32 :)

All great points, Richard "RB" Botto! Writing scripts is only one thing that writers need to do to succeed. Same for directors, actors, producers, makeup artists, composers, etc.

I echo what others said, Michael Keeling. You didn't cause any trouble or upset anyone, and don't delete your account. Continue asking for feedback, continue asking questions, and continue using Stage 32 to hone your writing and grow your network.

Michael, you've come to the right place! (And thanks for posting this!)

A month after I joined Stage 32, I just about packed it in after I thought I was ready to pitch.

I found out I had a whole lot to learn...and I still do. But sticking with (and keeping my scripts on) Stage 32, and then putting scripts of mine on other platforms like Script Revolution, Network ISA, and Coverfly, really helped me become a better writer.

Me, I've had bad luck with contests, too (never been a quarterfinalist)...so I've had to find other ways to break in.

It's getting easier for me to get the word out...thanks, in large part, to the information here on 32.

Michael, you've got this! Don't let anybody stop you from getting your stories out there!

Glad you're here on 32...and here's wishing you all the VERY BEST!

That's what this platform is all about, Emily. Love the collaborative energy.

Great post, Jim. Thanks for sharing.

I've tried that before Steve crowd funding and it didn't work, I'm in a lot of FB groups too. But no one reaches out to me when I post about it. Could you send me the ones that you're in?

Thank you for starting this thread Michael (and stay !) I was about to give up after one year trying to adapt my book into a solid screenplay. Probably met the wrong people, anyway, from the moment I landed on Stage32 I realized I just needed the right network, informations, education & surrounding to learn and grow as a screenwriter. I have so much to learn and so many challenges yet to take- contests are just a small part of it. I'm convinced you'll make it to sell your work, you have the passion it takes to make it real. That's what I learnt here, you're in the right place Michael.

And I'll have to agree (again) with Maurice : "imagine what we (creatives in the film and TV industries) can accomplish if we have that mindset on every project instead of having the "trying to get mine" mentality." So true ! Thank you RB for everything you do & Phil for your words of wisdom, I always read you with great attention

Great advice, Stephen. Thanks for contributing. You make a great point. Posting isn't enough. Asking for money isn't enough. You have to build relationships with people. Why would people read your script if they don't know you? Why would people invest in you when they don't know you? But that's exactly why I built this platform. And why I can say with complete honesty, the people who have had the most success on this platform over the last 11 years have treated networking as a job. They give first, second and third before ever asking for anything. They embrace the long game.

Tim, that entire post, minus your statement that you have to be your own best partner, is reckless and exactly the broad based commentary that serves no one. Perhaps this has been your experience, but let me repeat what I posted above.:

Here's some facts for you. My screenwriting career was launched by winning the Creative World Awards. It landed me David Greenblatt as my manager, who was one of the founders of Endeavor, discovered Shane Black, and still reps Shane to this day. Had I taken the advice of all screenwriting contests are bullshit, I wouldn't be in development with one of the biggest production companies on the planet on a TV show I created or sold 4 features.

Need more proof...Over the last 9 years, Stage 32 contests have led to over 100 winners and finalists get signed, optioned, and staffed. (ADDING - And projects completed including CHICK FIGHT, WHAT LIES AHEAD and others that have been documented on this platform)

The key to entering contests is to only submit to those that provide access. At the end of the day, that's the only thing that matters. Not a certificate for software, not a free month of some bullshit product they offer, access, and that's it. Do your due diligence.

As someone who has overseen the contests on this platform for the last 9 years, I can assure you none of our readers are overwhelmed. All of our readers have 3-5 years min experience reading for studios, major prod cos, or streamers. And none of them read only the first 3 pages.

Maybe you run contests and have different rules for your people. More likely, you're just throwing out generalizations based on your personal experiences.

Fantastic and positive post, Stephanie. Truly appreciate you sharing your experience and perspective. Appreciate your kindness and awareness.

"You have to build relationships with people." I believe (and had to learn) that this is the underlying reason (motive) to do anything in life. We will always reap a good harvest when we give (care/love) genuinely.

Hope returns when it is freely given.

I hope no one minds me sharing this personal part but my biggest hope hero is my wife. You'd never know it today but some years ago, she was kidnapped, taken and assaulted at gun point by a gang. She not only survived but thrives now in giving to others. She was the inspiration behind the protagonist in my last screenplay. Giving hope away freely comes easy to her. That's what I want to be and that's what I see here on this platform. Give away as much hope as you can.

Holy hell, Leonardo, that's a remarkable story. So sorry she went through that. Although it sounds like her perspective and the energy she provides puts wind in your sails. Can't ask for more than that.

I'll let you and everyone here in on a little secret. People who embrace relationship building, who truly understand that this industry RUNS on relationships, have the biggest competitive advantage over all others. But here's the thing...It's easier for people to bitch and moan than to put in the time, energy and embracing of the long game it takes to build meaningful relationships. It's easier to ask for something than it is to give. It's easier to curse the darkness than light a candle.

But for those of us in the know, EVERYTHING about relationship building is worth it. Not only does it create a sense of purpose, but it forges friendships, collaborations, and, most importantly, the opportunities we all wish for.

I see people who have been on here with 12,000 posts and a dozen people in their network. That tells me they love to hear themselves talk, but they have no interest in building relationships with others. And they'll be the first to rage against the machine, talk about how nothing works in this industry, and, of course, be stuck in the same place they were when they first created an account here.

Positive contributions, understanding that broad brush statements are usually based on personal experiences and not reflective of the true reality, tuning out the misinformation, helping others and many more strategies I discussed above is what leads to success.

I'm sorry that happened to your wife, Leonardo. I think it's great that you based your protagonist on her. I really like that saying. "Give away as much hope as you can." :D

Contests...ask..."who benefits?"

Take it one better. What do I get if I win. To me, there's only one answer I want to that question - Access to decision makers. And, of course, I want to check the track record for that contest. Have there been successes?

Mickey Fisher is a friend, a Stage 32 educator, and for the purposes of this thread, someone who, as a result of our contests, has worked with our finalists and winners. He's a true gent.

Mickey also taught one of the 5 workshops in Stage 32's partnership with Netflix. It's been viewed by over 150,000 people. Everyone following this thread can see his and all the other Netflix's workshops for free under the Education tab.

Here's a direct link to Mickey's

Netflix + Stage 32 Present: How to Write Sci-Fi Scripts for Streaming Television

https://www.stage32.com/webinars/Netflix-%20-Stage-32-Present-Sci-Fi-wit...

I talked with Mickey on Twitter after that webinar, Richard "RB" Botto. Great guy. He's really positive and helpful.

Michael Keeling as Richard "RB" Botto ”RB” says it’s about relationships and that of course is the difficult one for the introverts in this community. However, what I’ve found with Stage32, is that the positive support you get here allows us to make those leaps into forming relationships.

Yes, it’s difficult to find Producers who deliver, who fulfil their promises. I feel your frustration. It’s one I’m still working through, especially in the light of my past disappointments. What has occurred over the years here for me, is that with encouragement comes confidence and with talking to writers about their practice I discover more about mine and I’m able to articulate it so much better.

Producers who don’t deliver on their promises are not the ones for your projects. Don’t give them a second thought, move on having learnt something not just about them, but about yourself and what you are looking for in a Producer.

I wish you all the best with your projects, Michael. Keep us posted on your progress.

I think its great to win a contest but sometimes your reader just isnt going to appreciate your script. Plenty of people here have not placed at all with a script in 1 competition, then made it to the finals in another competition with the exact same script. This is an incredibly difficult business and connects are extremely important. Maybe just dedicate your time more to making more connections and getting into a writers room as a stepping stone.

Excellent advice and points, Geoff Hall! :D

You said, "Michael Keeling as Richard "RB" Botto ”RB” says it’s about relationships and that of course is the difficult one for the introverts in this community." That's true. If you're an introvert and you're struggling to build relationships on here, this might help: Talk to people about things you're comfortable talking about. That could build up your confidence to talk about your projects and talk about the industry/ask questions about the industry.

Appreciate the share Geoff Hall - One of the main reasons I wanted to create this platform was to give all creatives and pros (they need it too) a support system and a home base of sorts. We do so much creating in isolation. We need to be able to have a ready and available peer group. Having said that, we knew from Day One, we can create the tool and guide people on how to best utilize it, but it's up to the individual to pick it up and carry forth. You're a shining example of someone who has done that and reaped the benefits.

Your notes on producers are very insightful as well. Being on both sides of the fence as a screenwriter and a producer, I can tell you it's lost on some writers how difficult producing can be. There are a million obstacles. Having said that, there are also a million "producers" out there who have never done anything. Everyone starts somewhere, of course, but writers shouldn't treat all producers equally and should do their research and ask the proper questions before committing.

Bingo, Robert. Valuable add to the conversation.

I would urge all introverts to set daily goals for themselves. Start by making one post here a week. Ask a question or share an experience. Then make a positive contribution to two other posts. This is not a heavy lift at all and shouldn't be too difficult to accomplish. I promise you, as you get a positive reaction, you'll want to do more. Dip a toe in the pool and before you know it, you'll be swimming laps.

Richard "RB" Botto Those are great goals, RB - especially for those of us who are introverts and goal oriented.

Thanks, Leonardo. No creative left behind.

Great platform Richard.

They say not to take them personally Michael.

Richard "RB" Botto thank you “RB”. Yes there are a million obstacles, but there is great joy in overcoming them and finding the right route to getting a project made. I’m plotting that route slowly, and building that team of excellence that all writers need for support in getting their screenplay made. Stage32 is offering me so much more thank conversations about dreams. Thank you, sir for all you’re doing for us.

HI Michael Keeling , rejection in general can be hard, that is life. I suggest you work on not taking it personal, especially with regards to contests. If you can visualize just how many people enter those things, it might help. Create a mantra that helps you feel grateful for things like being able to write, having finished a project or waking up with a creative spark.

Find ways to enjoy the ride and keep working on your craft. Do it for you and not for fame, fortune or something outside yourself and anything positive you get (like ranking in a contest) will be a bonus. Just don't give up if this is something you truly enjoy. I don't know if that helps but please know I only mean to show support.

Hello Michael, I think I can relate to your feelings, because I've been there. And what my experience has taught me is that "Sometimes contests might not be the best showcase for your scripts"...especially when the people judging it have a preferred genre other than yours. I once wrote a fantasy/horror script that got no placing in several screenwriting competitions but surprisingly got the attention of a big Hollywood studio.

Sometimes, rejection does not mean you're a bad writer, it's simply because your reader(s) have a different taste. Remember all those movies that you've heard so much wonderful reviews about, but eventually found to be boring and pointless? Exactly.

Fantastic post, Ailana

Really good thread. Here's my contribution. Tomorrow I have a Zoom call with the head of a film company to iron out an option offer for a script of mine that whiffed in three of the major script contests this year. And this same script has received strong interest and some offers from over half a dozen other industry people from other companies. But I don't see how I could've predicted this outcome. It could've ended up the reverse. I'm glad I pursued both avenues, contests and queries. The more swings you take at the plate, the more likely you are to get a hit.

Thank you all so much :) I've bought another pitch session from here, bought two this month so hopefully they can give me insight and advice :) Also bought a 10 page review too. Looking forward to receving these back :)

Believe me, I've sent my horror script to multiple film festivals. A lot of them were rejected, but some accepted it. You just gotta put yourself out there and sooner or later, your script may just get a win. It wouldn't hurt if you get your script analyzed by a professional or two. That really helped with my script.

Congratulations on the option and your script getting strong interest and offers, Eric Christopherson!

"The more swings you take at the plate, the more likely you are to get a hit." You're exactly right. My high school math teacher had a poster that said something like, "You'll miss 100% of the shots you don't take."

Hope the Pitch Sessions and 10-page Review go great, Michael Keeling!

Maurice Vaughan thank you. And yes, you are on a roll! ‘Talk to people what you are comfortable talking about’. Yes, that can bring so much confidence and develop not just conversation but relationships.

When I’m back from NZ I need to talk with you about developing the right relationships to help get my November Write project, “Breathe”. I’ve just left New Zealand and am writing this in Sydney Airport, where the Lounge has free WiFi! We have a bit of a stop-over here and then 24 hours of flying back to London Heathrow via Singapore. I’ll be in touch when I’ve had a good horizontal sleep. Thank you for all you’ve added to this conversation!

You're welcome, Geoff Hall. And thanks.

Sure, send me a message when you're back home. Safe travels.

Eric keep us posted on how the option meeting progresses. It’s great to hear that your work is gaining traction.

Hey, Michael Keeling. How have you been?

Me. I submit, submit, submit. Until I can't afford to spend anymore on contests. Just grateful for the free submissions.

Maurice Vaughan I've been well thank you, I've sent my script and series off to two producers one through Virtual Pitch Fest and another through a Facebook Group. None have replied yet. I've just gotten myself a job as well as an Admin Assistant at a small business so this gives me chance to save up and hire a producer or produce it myself. Hope you've had a good Christmas :)

You're welcome, Michael Keeling. Hope you hear great news back from the producers.

Congratulations on getting the job and becoming an Admin Assistant! :D How do you like them so far?

My Christmas was great. How was yours?

Maurice Vaughan I don't start till next Tuesday :) And good I'm glad you did, yeah it was good thanks :)

You're welcome, Michael Keeling. Ok, let us know how the first day goes.