My real-world
experiences are a testament to the unpredictable nature of the industry and the
value of perseverance.
Once upon a time, I
handed my horror script to a “respected” screenplay analyst. He was on the hunt
for scripts to produce. After a couple of weeks, he delivered his verdict:
“Sorry, I just don’t care for it.” Ouch. But little did I know that this seemingly
discouraging moment would lead to unexpected twists. In the years that
followed, I managed to option that very same script to not one, but two
production companies that saw its potential. It turns out that while the
analyst didn’t see the magic, others did. Lesson learned: one person’s
rejection doesn’t define your script’s destiny. But the rollercoaster ride
continued.
My manager arranged a meeting with a director who hungered for fresh
scripts. I pitched three ideas: two horror scripts and one thriller. The
director’s response? He dismissed the horror concepts outright—no love there.
However, the thriller idea caught his attention. He requested to read it. Hope
bloomed. A week later, the director’s verdict arrived: “Thanks, but no thanks.”
Disappointment? Sure. But then fate intervened. A few months down the line, I
optioned that very same thriller script to a production company
that embraced it with open arms. They loved it enough to renew the option
after a year. Suddenly, my script had a new lease on life. And here’s the
kicker: those two horror scripts the director didn’t care for? Well, I went
ahead and optioned BOTH of them over the next few years. Turns out,
even rejection can’t stop a determined writer.
In 2005, I was inspired
to create a collection of interviews with screenwriters who were actively
earning their livelihood through their craft. These weren’t necessarily the
marquee names but rather the unsung wordsmiths of the industry. Despite my
enthusiasm, publishers were less than optimistic. The responses ranged from
“Interview books don’t sell,” to polite rejections wishing me luck. Undeterred
by the lack of publisher interest, I pursued the project with vigor. I quickly
connected with 16 screenwriters, each sharing their unique journey and
insights. To my delight, David Trottier, author of “The Screenwriter’s Bible,”
agreed to pen the foreword, adding a touch of prestige to the endeavor.
I took the plunge into
self-publishing, releasing Q & A: The Working Screenwriter as a paperback
in 2006, followed by an e-book version years later. The book’s journey has been
gratifying, to say the least. It’s performed admirably over time, even opening
doors to opportunities such as being invited to speak at the Scriptwriter’s
Network—an honor that speaks volumes about the book’s impact and reach.
I recall a producer, a
seasoned gentleman with a flair for the artistic, who took a shine to my horror
screenplays. His track record with art-house films was impressive, and his
interest in my work was a promising sign. Initially, he secured an option on
one of my scripts, and about a year later, he did the same with another. He
embarked on the arduous journey of fundraising for both projects. Despite his
efforts and our shared optimism, the financing didn’t come through. Yet, this
twist of fate didn’t dampen his belief in my writing. Recognizing the potential
in my words, he commissioned me to pen two additional screenplays. This time,
it was more than just an option; it was a job that came with a genuine
paycheck.
Once upon a time, back
in the '80s, I penned a stage play—a labor of love, fueled by creativity and a
dash of audacity. But it wasn’t until 2006 that I revisited that old script and
thought, “Maybe it’s time to breathe life into these words.” Navigating the
murky waters of play production was uncharted territory for me. Armed with
determination, I reached out to an actor I’d met—an actor who also happened to
own a theater. Fate smiled upon me; he was actively seeking plays to produce. I
sent him my script, and his response was music to my ears: he loved it! The
wheels were set in motion—casting, staged readings, rehearsals—all the
ingredients for a theatrical feast. But then, like a magician’s vanishing act,
he disappeared. The project fizzled out, leaving me with dashed hopes and a
lingering question mark. Undeterred, I fast-forwarded to 2009. Perhaps
lightning could strike twice? I queried various theater groups, bracing myself
for the familiar chorus of polite rejections: “No thanks,” “Not our cup of tea,”
“Too many characters.” It seemed my play was destined to remain in the shadows.
And then, like a beacon in the fog, came the golden response: “Yes, we love
it!” Finally, a theater group saw the potential. The curtains rose just a
couple of months later, and my play took flight. True, it only graced the stage
for three weeks, but those were three weeks of magic—the kind that lingers in
the hearts of both creators and audiences. So, here’s to the tenacity of the
human spirit and the resilience of words. My play may not have conquered
Broadway, but it danced under the spotlight, and that, my friends, was a sweet
success!
Countless tales echo
the same truth: the unpredictable nature of life’s journey. One moment, a door
may close, casting shadows of doubt; yet, in the next, another door swings wide
open, ushering in a beam of opportunity. It’s the serendipitous dance of chance
and endeavor. But amidst the pursuit of writing—a craft that can be as
rewarding as it is challenging—lies the essence of existence. To truly live is
to embrace the world beyond the written word. Cherish moments with family,
bond with friends, travel to distant lands, and immerse yourself
in adventures. These experiences enrich not only the soul but also the
stories we tell. As you navigate the writer’s path, let your passion fuel your
craft. Send your finest work into the world, persist with tenacity, and hold
fast to hope. Never surrender to the siren call of defeat. The road
may be strewn with trials, but it’s also lined with unexpected joys. Stay the
course, and you may just find yourself marveling at the wondrous tapestry of
events that unfold. May your life be as vibrant as your narratives, and may
your stories reflect the fullness of your lived experiences. Keep writing, keep
living, and let the surprises of life inspire you!
