Keep The Pen Moving

CLARITY

If you are a writer or a creative, a word people like to use, you most likely have a strong desire to write or create. But you might ask yourself, "What's the point? I don't live in a metropolis with a thriving creative community; I don't have the opportunity to rub shoulders with those who could make a difference in my career; my writing style is not 'commercial' in the way that is 'accepted' in what's currently selling." That all might be true; so what? Do you believe deeply that you have something to say that matters? That might resonate, reach, reverberate? Then quite honestly, do not wait. In whatever capacity you can, do it yourself. Be prepared with samples of your work, but don't say, "Okay, I've written two features. They both placed as semi-finalists! So, therefore, I am done!" -- Not quite. Have you made a film? Have you written a book? Do you have a project that you are actively working on? Are you connected with writers' groups where you can get peer feedback? If not, are you making conscious efforts to do those things? If not, why not? Nobody told me to write a screenplay. Nobody told me to make short films. I decided that I had to do it so that I could at least be on the playing board. And once you get on the playing board, the next goal is staying on the playing board and moving ever so closer to the center of it, or wherever the pot of gold is.

I don't know the answers to "making it." But I believe that it is a focused, ongoing effort, with vetted samples that will help doors open for you. I still have no agent. But I do have 10 completed, produced screenplays. I'm not famous or rich, but, I repeat, I have 10 completed, produced screenplays. That said: I cannot sit back and say, "Yeah, wow; I did that. Isn't that great?" It is, but it doesn't matter. You have to keep writing. (I know; I used to hate when I'd hear that) But let me add to that: Keep writing with purpose, with goalposts in mind, with dreams to realize. I think that's what has kept me going, despite many obstacles. Look at those obstacles and say: "Okay, there's an obstacle. SO WHAT? How do I get over it, around it, through it, past it -- how do I keep going?"One way is to have that notebook or computer at hand and keep your treasury of ideas ALIVE. Because one of those IDEAS could turn into something HUGE. So, despite the difficulties one faces in this business, and in life, as long as there is SOMETHING to write your ideas on, then there is a CHANCE to make the idea come alive.