Screenwriting : Networking,Learning by Josiah Bhola Hillaire

Screenwriting is self employment. You are making it every day and continue to have to be “making it”. It never stops.

My first year was spent in a school designed to make us pump out scripts. After that, it took me another year of honing two of my feature scripts through notes and feedback before they placed in some notable contests (for me, it was Austin). My next few years were about developing a portfolio - more scripts, including a co-written pilot. In that time, I pitched that pilot to a producer, and we work-shopped it for a full year before she optioned it. Now, we're looking to sell it.

So... Hoping my sixth year is when I'll "make it."

But each little success on this path is making it in some form of another, and all good things take time, and no small amount of effort. You have to celebrate the smallest wins, and let go of even the worst losses, and you have to train your brain. It's not about making it, in my eyes, though that success point will be important. It's about thinking of yourself as a professional screenwriter before all else - that mindset, whether you're getting paid in the industry or not, may be a push you have to earn for yourself to believe it, and then to show to others you have it. Does that make any sense?

Anyway, love that you're working hard, and have an eye on the prize. I'm happy to chat, (though I tend to be slow to respond), and offer encouragement if you need it!

Each step you take is "making it". Overnight success is usually such a misnomer. We so easily discount all the years of work that went into getting wherever it is we want to be. Plus, when we get there, there's a new place to try to get to. It's a bit fluffy and cheesy perhaps, but it's true. You've got to celebrate every step, every success. Those are all the things you are "making". They add up to having "made it".

oooo excellent question! Let me know if you ever get an answer because I'm struggling too! Lol

Almost 22 years (considering someone actually paid me to write a script)