Last year I entered a pitch for my newest screenplay into a competition to get an opportunity to pitch to the powers that be in LA. I learned last month that my pitch wasn’t even a semi-finalist.
Of course I was disappointed and even a little bitter. So I spent some time praying for direction. Then I remembered that I could query one of the management firms directly and I decided to take a step of faith and pitch to one of the biggest literary management companies in LA.
I took the same pitch that I entered into the competition and added my writer’s bio, then hit the send button. Less than an hour later I had a response from the management company requesting me to send a copy of my entire screenplay to them.
After making a minor update to my screenplay based on some evaluations I received, I confidently sent my screenplay to the management company. The response email stated it may take time before they responded to my submission. But they only replied to projects they were interested in working with. As I wait, I remembered important lessons I learned in rehabilitation.
- Falling down is okay
- Always s get up and try again
- Progress only happens when we do the work
Rehabilitation also taught me a hard life lesson. . . I could spend all my time feeling sorry for myself and dreaming about recovering from my injuries or make an effort to get stronger and healthier. Ultimately, I had to do the work!
Do the Work!
Rehabilitation taught me about success and recovery, I could waste time dreaming or do the work to get where I want to be. I could feel sorry for myself if I failed or get back up, learn from my mistakes and try harder.
“Writers write. Dreamers talk about it.”
Jerry B. Jenkins
I can dream about where I want to be in life or do the work to get there. Below are some tips from Flint Rehab to help restore physical ability after a brain injury.
- Activate neuroplasticity to help the brain heal– This allows the brain to rewire itself.
- Encourage repetition to maximize recovery- Repetition helps the brain rewire itself.
- Push through plateaus even if progress slows- When things seem to go nowhere press on.
- Maintain a nutritious, brain-boosting diet.
- Avoid regression-Forward momentum is the goal.
- Keep making progress by continuing therapy at home.
- Get enough sleep to help improve brain function.
- Find clarity by setting attainable recovery goals.
- Pursue a full recovery.
- Motivate yourself with accountability.
Whether you’re recovering from an injury or pursuing a writing career, doing the required work is essential to success.
But, like the road to recovery, a writing career takes time to develop.
There will be low points before you reach the high points. The journey is hard, but success only comes to those who keep pounding away.
Keep Pounding!
Most writers know success isn’t guaranteed and it surely won’t come easy. However, each little victory gets us one step closer to where want to be in our careers. No writer starts out at the top of the publishing food chain.
Successful writers start out with smaller projects like blogs, columns, or magazine articles. These small publishing feats help them hone their skills, develop a writing voice and even build platform.
Unless you’re a world-famous celebrity or have connections to one, a writer’s platform starts out small and must be built piece by publishing piece. With each byline, a writer’s platform grows.
With every word or project, a writer’s voice and skill are honed. These tediously small tasks are part of building a writer’s career. Author Jerry B Jenkins offers a few tips on how to build a successful writing career.
- Don’t wait to call yourself a writer
- Don’t quit
- Write from your passions
- Work at it every day
I want to congratulate you. Learning the craft is the first step in pursuing a writing career, then you have to use what you learn.
“Pages don’t write themselves, start with the first page.”
Scott Myers, Screenwriting Coach
Serious writers know they have to do the work!
Martin Johnson survived a severe car accident with a (T.B.I.) Traumatic brain injury which left him legally blind and partially paralyzed on the left side. He is an award-winning Christian screenwriter who has recently finished his first Christian nonfiction book. Martin has spent the last nine years volunteering as an ambassador and promoter for Promise Keepers ministries. While speaking to local men’s ministries he shares his testimony. He explains The Jesus Paradigm and how following Jesus changes what matters most in our lives. Martin lives in a Georgia and connects with readers at MartinThomasJonhson.com and on Twitter at mtjohnson51.
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