Watch out for that tree!

So my friend sends me this story today, that was sent to her. We had been talking about focusing on the things you're grateful for, because if you do, then more of that comes into your life. Then she gets this story sent to her that says that exact thing. It's a story about a parachuter and as he's heading towards the ground, he sees a big tree right in his way, he keeps focusing on that huge tree, wishing he wouldn't hit it, but of course he lands right in the tree! The instructor tells him once he's on the ground, do you know why you landed in the tree? The guy answers, yes, it was right there, I was heading right for it! The instructor goes on to say, no, you were focusing on it, so that's why you hit it. If you focus on a tree, then yes, you'll land in it, there was plenty of open land for you, but you focused on the tree.

And the story goes on to say that this works for life too. So if you focus on all the lack of success or how hard it is for your writing career to take off, or all the contests you're not winning, and no director emails me back after my queries, well, guess what's going to happen? Yup! Exactly what you're focusing on!

So focus on your successes, no matter how small. And set your sights for what's on its way, things that you want to come into your life. Success! Eye that open land ahead of you instead of that big tree you're about to hit. Just remember, you're only getting snagged in your career if that's what you focus on. Happy landings!

You can't rush your career

So this morning my son in middle school told me he just wants to skip middle school and go straight to high school and college. For him it's all about the hockey and he wants to go straight to where it's more competitive. I told him he can't do that, he has to learn what he needs to in middle school because each part builds to the next and if he went straight to high school, he'd never succeed. He needs all those steps that lead up to it.

And that made me think of our careers as writers. I think many times we just want that success, that brass ring. But are we really prepared? Each of these moments we've been in have been the steps we needed to be able to handle the real success we want. Think of it this way -- imagine your career as your schooling when you were a child. Your first draft of a script, was like kindergarten. It seemed brilliant when you first wrote it, but now you look back at it and it looks like a bad finger painting! Then you move on to maybe a second script, another class, each step teaching you something new. You're growing as a writer. Maybe you'll get a girlfriend or boyfriend along the way, bullied by someone insecure, asked to hang with the popular kids. But you need all those steps and those will be the moments that you'll remember. Till eventually you find yourself graduating and someone hires you! But that can't happen overnight.

So next time you look to rush things, just remember, you're still learning. Enjoy the lessons. They're there for a reason. And before long, you'll realize it's time to graduate and go out into the real world.

Enjoy the moment

So I recently came in 2nd place for a monologue challenge I wrote for Tentsquare. Yippee! It was sure fun being chosen in the top three. But part of being chosen was getting a consultation with the author, Ty Drago, who chose the winners. I'm hoping Ty doesn't mind he's in my blog this week. Hi Ty! But I wanted to mention one of the pieces of advice he gave me that was simple but yet so profound. Ready for it? I'll probably be messing up the brilliant words he said, but the idea was basically, enjoy where you are right now. It seems simple. But we as writers forget to do that. We're always reaching for that next goal. That next accomplishment. Never feeling like we've grabbed that brass ring. But he even told me that I'm probably in my career where a 1000 writers wish they were. It's interesting putting it into that perspective because I can think of all the things I still need to accomplish. All the things I have yet to even scratch the surface on. But he's right though. We all need to just enjoy the moment we're in. Because writing is a journey. There's no tada! I reached it! Even the top screenwriters must all want something else they want to accomplish. Ty mentioned how some of his friends had reached so much success but still can't enjoy it because they're always on to the next thing they're trying to achieve. So if we can't enjoy where we are now, no matter where we are, when will we? They seemed like simple words, but they definitely have me thinking about each and every moment of small success. I am trying to enjoy all the moments now and I will think of his words from here on out. What about you? Are you making an effort to stop and smell the roses no matter where you are in your writing career? You should. Because each moment is gone the minute it happens. So remember to enjoy them! No matter how big or how small.

Break down your goals

So when we become screenwriters, I think it's safe to say that most of us think we'll write that one magic script, it will be our first of course, and then wham, we'll go on to being rich and famous, lunching with Brad and Angie of course, right? Yeah, doesn't work like that. Even when we read the trades that "Screenwriter sells first script!", I'm guaranteeing you that it was their first script they sold, not the first script they wrote. See, being a screenwriter whether in TV or film is not for the faint of heart. There is no overnight success. Even these young prodigies that might have some amazing writing career at lets say, 23, have probably been writing since they were five years old. I for one, did not hone my craft at five. And you most likely haven't either. So what's my point? That this journey might take a while and you have to be prepared for that. So instead of getting overwhelmed by it taking awhile, maybe you need to set many kinds of goals instead of: "become hugely successful screenwriter in 2015". Because if that's your only goal for this year, or any year, you might be disappointed and give up. So, instead, why not set up smaller goals, ones you can achieve.

For instance, if you're just starting out as a writer, perhaps your goals are like:
1. Take a screenwriting class.
2. Get an outline written
3. Write a first draft.

Maybe that's all you'll accomplish your first year.

If you've been writing a few years and have a few scripts written maybe it's goals like:
1. Enter the Nicholl's and other important contests
2. Find screenwriting producers I can query
3. Reach out to managers and get a script read

Because even those might not end up the successes you'd hope for. You might enter a contest, but not do well, query producers and managers and not hear back. So then you have to alter your goals again. Such as:

1. Take another screenwriting class to place higher in Nicholl's and other contests
2. Get yeses from producers to read scripts
3. Get managers to actually say yes they'll read a script

See the difference on setting goals? Instead of it being an all or nothing in your writing, make them smaller goals and adjust them every year. Every month if that helps. Because I've seen many talented writers drop out of this journey only because I think they thought it would be a quicker one than it was. But if you break down those goals, keep moving that finish line, eventually you're going to reach success. Doors are going to open. And before long, you'll have to tell Brad and Angie to stop bothering you to go to lunch, you're busy! :)

It's in the light

So there's an experiment in quantum physics called the double-slit experiment. What does that have to do with screenwriting you ask? Well I'm going to tell you. See, this experiment had scientists send electrons through a wall slit and depending on the observers thoughts and how they predicted what they'd see, the light afterwards was either seen in waves or lines. So what that means in layman's terms or as I like to say, people who don't really care about quantum physics, is that even scientists have proved our thoughts create what we're going to see as the outcome.

So if we relate this to our success as a writer. Basically it means if we believe in our success, then it will happen. If we don't believe in it, then we won't see it happen! Unfortunately there are so many layers to success and what can get in the way of it. For instance, we might believe we are talented enough to be successful, but we might have a block when it comes to making lots of money. Or we might believe hard work is when success happens. So instead of it coming quickly or easily, we don't allow it to come till years and years of hard work.

So think through all your road blocks. When you come up with another thought that might get in the way or your writing career really soaring, just remember what the quantum physics scientist proved, our thoughts affect the outcome. So which outcome do you want to see? I know I'm planning on success. Hope you are too.

What's your focus?

We've heard many times in our life, whether it be from a school teacher, or perhaps a parent, maybe even a coach, "Focus!" Which pretty much means, use your thoughts and place them on one thing. As writers, we need to do the same thing. So I ask you, when you sit down to write, are you focused? Or are you all over the place? Are you allowing other things to get in the way of you writing? In order to succeed you've got to have one focus. We think multi-tasking is a good thing, but studies show that people who multi-task end up not doing anything well.

But being a writer takes a lot of discipline. It's not just sit down and type away. If only it was that easy. It means turning off the TV, not going out with friends on many occasions, and holing yourself up to get those words on the page. You've got to make your writing the most important thing if you want a career.

Then there's also focusing on one style of writing. Is it comedies, dramas, sitcoms? Sure you can expand as you feel like you've learned a style. I sure have. But if you don't get good at one genre, then you'll never have a body of work, which means you most likely won't get hired or sell anything either.

If you feel like you've focused on your writing, have you also focused on getting your scripts to the right people? I admit, that's one of my weaknesses. Yes, I'm admitting this to whomever happens to read this. I'm great at sitting down and writing, but getting it out? Not so good. But what help is writing a great script if no one is reading it but a writing group and a few friends? Are you better at this than me? Do you make a weekly or daily list of who to send your scripts to? Then do you actually follow through?

I just read an article on things that millionaires do for success. And one of the things it said was that every week they created a list of a few really key things they have to achieve that week. Then every morning or night of every day, they created a to-do list to help them reach those goals. And then each Friday, they do it again so that by Monday, they do it again! I really like that and think it will help me focus.

See, if we don't have a focus, we really have nothing. We're all over the map. And no career can reach success if we're not focused. So ask yourself if you're focused and if you're not then be honest with yourself and ask what can you do to get you there. I'm sure you can do it. It just takes well, focus.

How to conquer fear in writing

So I like to listen to these podcasts by Audio Dharma. It's a retreat center in northern California and the talks are very uplifting and hippie-dippie. So today I listened to a talk all about thinking of events as comfortable, neutral or uncomfortable. So instead of turning a bad event into a bad event, maybe it's just something that's uncomfortable. Get it?

So it got me to thinking that when we as writers put ourselves into some event or moment that is going to make us grow as a writer, it can cause a moment of panic. Many tend to just give up, or put road blocks in our way, and just plain cop-out. But what if, instead of thinking we can't overcome these fears, we just noticed it was another moment of being uncomfortable. I mean, pitching to a high-powered producer is hardly dangerous. At least not usually! LOL So if we were to just acknowledge that yes, we are feeling stressed over a big moment in our lives, but it's just uncomfortable, then I think it would lessen the fear. And if we could lessen the fear then we could actually accomplish what we are trying to accomplish in our writing careers and move towards success.

I have mentioned before that I have seen numerous writer friends tell themselves lies why they can't be involved in a project or why they can't do a rewrite or why they are not right for a certain pitch project or development. And it just baffles me over and over how these talented writers can let fear get in the way of their success.

But now I get it. Now I see, we let this uncomfortable moment stop us in our tracks because we are labeling it as painful, as bad. And many would rather walk away then face their fear. But if we know it's just uncomfortable, we know that something that is uncomfortable will mostly soon become neutral or even comfortable once that event is over. And that my friends, is how we can face our fears and prepare for the next big writing moment in our careers. You put several of those moments together, over and over, and you've reached the success you've been dreaming of.

Put one foot in front of the other

One of my favorite inspirational authors and speakers, Doreen Virtue, had a post on her Facebook page awhile ago. "Every goal and change is accomplished one step at a time. Keep your focus centered on the current step that you’re taking. Don’t worry about the ones that you’ll take next week, month, or year". Isn't this so true, especially for writers? But are we all really doing this?

When it comes to writing, it's all we can and should do. Maybe it's the first class we take, or the first writing group we go to, or the first time we let others read our pages out loud. We don't know how long the journey will take till we reach success. But it's not about that. It's about being a writer. Getting our words on the page. That's all we can control. Looking far into the future of when success will hit, that's not our concern. If we worry about that, we may never succeed.

Does a famous athlete worry about how he'll perform in the Super Bowl or any big game? Nope. If he does, he won't succeed. In fact, just the opposite will happen. What makes a good athlete is doing what he does best. Not worrying about the outcome. And I think as writers, we need to do the same thing. I've seen too many writers disappear from their dreams because they focus on the final outcome of success. And when they don't see it happen in the schedule or timeline they hoped, they drop out. But what if they were on the verge of reaching that success? Or what if success would have been greater than they imagined, but it would take 15 years, instead of two? Don't worry about the timeline. Just know that you're always becoming a better writer. You're finding your voice. You're stumbling upon new stories all the time. Meeting new people that can help you achieve your dream. When all that lines up, you will succeed. But for now, just put one foot in front of the other. That's all we have. Now. Worry about what to do now. Which is write. Then go do it. The rest will happen when it's time.

Writing genres that are not your own

Okay so we all hear as screenwriters that you have to be specialized in a genre. And I get that. Mine is comedy. I've studied, written tons, feel like I'm just always getting better and better. Feel like it's really my specialty at this point. But, I also seem to be getting all these opportunities in other arenas. So what's a writer to do? Well heck, I'm not one for looking a writing opportunity in the mouth. So if it comes my way, then I jump on it! So I've recently been concepting for a Cartoon Network producer. Luckily most of what they want these days is comedy, so it wasn't that far off my comfort zone. But, the new shows on there are really zany. Push the envelope. Don't even have to make sense, as far as a world, that is. So that was something new for me. I was working with a writer friend who loves animation, so that helped. But even he had to wrap his brain around the fact that we really had to push our ideas. If it made sense, then it wasn't pushed far enough. And it was a fun exercise. And we ended up coming up with a bunch of ideas we really liked! We're still waiting to hear from the producer on what she liked, but I can say that I'm really happy with what we came up with. And if I hadn't tried to learn a new genre, I never would have had this chance. And most recently, an opportunity to write horror film shorts has come into my life. A producer I had written something for years ago, I contacted recently and he said he needed horror shorts. Okay, horror movies are the ONE thing I won't go see because they scare the heck out of me. Yes, I know, that's the point. But I can't sleep if I see them! So I don't go. But, again, I am not one to turn down an opportunity to write for a producer and get something actually produced. So I told him yep, I can do that! And proceeded to watch all the horror film samples he wanted me to see. Sure, I didn't sleep that whole week because I was scared out of my mind! And then also, once I'm writing, I get so many ideas they come to me at all hours of the night. But I've sort of learned part of being a writer means having odd sleep patterns at times. But so far the producer has approved two of our ideas! And I plan to give him even more. The more produced, the better, in my opinion. And now I have this awful feeling I'm going to become an expert in writing horror movies! LOL Which would be so funny since that was so not my intention. But I don't know. I feel like being a screenwriter is a journey. And we don't always know where we will end up. And that's it not really our decision to figure out when and where our success will happen. Sure, we can guide it. We can study the craft we want to excel in. But screenwriting is all about story telling. If you learn the craft, you can learn to write almost any genre. You just may surprise yourself where your success comes from. Success in any form would be fine by me.

Do you push past your fears?

You may not realize it, but every single person in power has most likely faced their fears. I don't know each and every one of them. But I do know what it feels like when I get past my comfort zone and push past my fears. From what I've read in books on people who reach their success, they all go through that. So are you pushing past your fears or are you letting them take over and filling your life with regret? My feeling is that life is too short. That if we don't go after the dreams we have for our life, then what is the point? I got a message email today from one of my favorite spiritual authors, Neale Donald Walsch, about fear and this was his take. "...that fears are nothing more than states of mind. Napoleon Hill said that, and he was right. The moment you move into fear over something ask yourself, "Why am I making this real? What is there inside of me that drives me to do this?" There is a huge difference between fear and caution. Caution moves forward with care, fear stands still, paralyzed. Avoid paralysis at all cost. It is not good for the soul -- and it gets you nowhere". So if this is true, then when we fear having a meeting with a high-powered producer, even though we may feel paralyzed with fear, nothing bad is going to happen to us. It's not like we're putting ourselves in danger or harm's way. So we just need to push past that. Even just this weekend a friend of mine at one of the TV studios wanted to ask for a promotion. The person she was approaching was kind of outside of protocol. But in order to get the promotion she was going to have to do this if she really wanted to succeed. She risked getting fired if the person she went to also agreed what she did was not kosher. There were people at her work warning her it was a mistake. But my take was that these people were jealous. Because they were making her feel insecure. (Remember a previous post about when writers are jealous? This has to do with that, even though it wasn't a writer). This whole ordeal was making my friend sick to her stomach and she almost decided not to do it at all. She felt paralyzed by her fear! But I let her know, it was nothing but fear. It wasn't a real danger. That she was meant to go after this career or she wouldn't be having the passion for it. So I told her, she had to have the meeting. She did. And the head person could not have been happier! She's open to hearing exactly where she sees her career going. It's going to turn into a discussion about what my friend wants, but she's on her way! I've had my own numerous times of fear, each and every time I've had pitch meetings, or phone calls with producers, or lunch meetings. Each time they get easier and I'm sure eventually they won't be a big deal. But right now, to me, they are. But I acknowledge my fear and I push through it. I just say, okay, there's that fear trying to stop me. I'm not going to let it! And then I go on my way. I've seen other writers who have let it get in the way. They don't know they are. But they sabotage every opportunity that comes their way. They end up spinning their wheels for opportunities that are easier and don't lead any where. And they can't understand why they don't have true success. But it's fear! They would much rather do something with less success possibility because it keeps the fear at a minimum. But then they will be living life with regret. And that's no life! So go after what you want. Face your fear! And before you know it, you'll be living you dreams!

The Power works!

Okay two posts ago I mentioned that I was listening to the CD The Secret: The Power, but the author of the Secret. In it it says you must or should say all the things you love all day long in order to manifest success and money. So, today was my first day to do it. And guess what? I booked two freelance writing gigs! Both back-to-back calls! They both wanted me tomorrow, but one was willing to wait till Friday, the first day I was available. Okay, so, let's pretend it wasn't the book. Let's pretend. But I don't know. My first day and I book not even one gig, but two! All I'm saying is you must try it. There's no down side to being thankful for all the great things you see in your world. And perhaps, it just might manifest the success and money you are looking for. I wish you well!

What do you love?

So I'm listening to the CD set of The Secret: The Power, which is the one of the books from the author The Secret, Rhonda Byrne. In it, she claims that if we are thankful and acknowledge what we love, then the things we want will easily come to us. If we have not be hugely grateful, then we will not see huge success and rewards come our way. When I read The Secret years ago, it really did open my eyes to a way of thinking that I do believe has brought many successes in screenwriting my way. So now I'm listening to this and feel, why not? So I plan to start asap and be thankful and remind myself how many things I love on a constant basis. She tells us it must be all day long, to be aware of all the good that is in our lives. For instance, I love that I wake up to a nice song on the clock radio. I love that my son cuddles me in the morning. I love that my husband helps our son get ready. I love that I see my gym friends in the morning. I love that my dog is happy to greet me when I come home. And on and on and on. It can't hurt and definitely makes us appreciate what we have. And it's possible that by being this grateful, being this in love with things we forget to acknowledge, we are bringing rewards our way. So why not try? As a writer, I am looking for more success to come my way. So I'm more than happy to try. What about you? I look forward to reporting the riches and success that comes its way. I hope you will too!

de Van Nuys

The reason I'm so giddy over this story about the guy who wrote a script and is directing it and Bill Murray is now starring in it, is because of what it means for us other writers. We all know that the road may be long. And we all may think who knows what can come of it. But we do know that we have to get our work out there and keep writing and keep sending scripts to who knows who. And then one day, just one day we may be lunching with Jack Nicholson or picking Bill Murray up from the airport with our script all earmarked with notes. It's what happens. And it could mean we're a 10-year overnight success too. I guess when I read it, I don't feel that far off from this happening to me. So maybe that's another reason why I'm so excited for this guy. I mean, I am working with a huge producer right now. And he's giving me notes. And the writers he works with are seeing their movies get made with huge stars, so I'm not that far from it being me. And then that means, if you're reading what I'm writing, then you're not that far off from it being you. These stories don't just happen to people in trade magazines, they happen to real people. And if you keep writing, and keep trying, you just may be next. So keep on keeping on! http://www.deadline.com/2012/11/weinstein-co-lands-bill-murrays-next-film-st-vincent-de-van-nuys/

Let it be - Part 2

So yesterday I posted about letting your screenwriting career happen as it's supposed to. That when we accept whatever timeline that happens, it will actually happen sooner. I've also been waiting for a lunch meeting with a really high-profile producer. In December he called me and said call him in January because he wanted to take me to lunch and pitch ideas to me and let ME pick what I wanted to write for him. That was a dream come true! January came around, and he got so busy, that here we are in March and it still hasn't happened.

I've been patiently waiting. Nicely and persistently checking in with him and his assistant every so often. Learning to accept that when it happens, it's the right time. And then yesterday I write the blog about trusting that when the time is right, your screenwriting success will happen.

So last night, I'm at a friend's with a group of mom's just having a nice, fun night in. I get home around midnight. And see there's a message on my cell. And lo and behold, it's from the producer's assistant to call his office! It's obviously to set up the said lunch! I was so ecstatic! I'll call on Monday of course. But look, just as I write that blog about accepting the timeline of screenwriting success, that's when I hear from him! That's no coincidence, ladies and gentlemen. Or, perhaps you think it is and you want to go on fighting against your own success. Then well, that's fine, you can do that too. But personally, I'd rather not get upset when my screenwriting success doesn't happen when I want it to. But to embrace the timeline of when it really is supposed to happen, to be patient, and see it happen sooner by not fighting it. But hey, that's just me.

How many scripts does it take to be ready?

It's sort of like that question the owl used to ask in the 1970's Tootsie pop commercial. "How many licks does it take to get to the center of the Tootsie Pop? A-one, a-two, a-three! Crunch!" Well unfortunately it takes more than three scripts. Maybe you're thinking, "But wait, my first script is amazing! Of course I'll be ready after three. Or even after one! I'm a fast learner. Maybe it takes some writers a long time, but not me!" Well, let me tell you, that's most likely not the case.

I just read an article from Terry Rossio. He and his writing partner are the writers of the Pirates Of The Caribbean films, along with many other great films. He said it took he and his partner 13 scripts in five years before they felt ready to get anything out. Here's the link if you'd like to read it. http://www.wordplayer.com/columns/wp19.You.the.Expert.html And now he's got huge success. But it took him that long to be ready and good. You can't start out so-so and go to good in this business. When you hit the ground, you hit the ground running.

I even remember early on in my screenwriting career hearing a successful writer at a WGA event say it takes 10 years till you're ready. I remember thinking, oh god no, please not 10 years. I'm ready now! Well, I've been writing over 10 years and have at least 10 scripts give or take. But maybe only two that I would show, and the current one will be even better. So maybe I'll have three by then. Plus of course the indie that should be produced this year. But it really took me that long to be ready.

So before you panic and give up at the thought of it taking that long. Yes, it could take you less time. If you happen to not have a full time job. Or don't have kids or a spouse. Perhaps you are very fortunate to write 24/7 so you can devote all your time to studying your craft. Okay then yes, it won't take you 10 years. But for the rest of us, it's not going to be an overnight success thing.

I always thought of it as someone who wants to go to med school and become a doctor. They don't take one anatomy class and then feel ready to practice medicine. But for some reason, we know being a doctor needs the discipline and years to get good at their practice. But for screenwriting we think we can learn format and then, viola! Oscar worthy script! Sorry. Doesn't work that way. There's so much more to learn beside format. There's subtext. And plots. And high-concept ideas. And...the list goes on and on.

And no, I'm not saying being a screenwriter is as important as being a doctor. But they do say, "laughter is the best medicine". So it's a different kind of health care, right? Okay, maybe not. But it does take time to learn and study till you're ready to go out in the world with your skill, no matter what profession. And screenwriting is no different.

So take your time. Learn your craft. If you truly love writing. 10 years won't matter. You'll be doing it because of the love of writing. If you're looking to make an overnight success. Don't worry, you can, just after 5-10 years. See...I plan to be having my overnight success, any day now.

Slow and steady always gets you there

That seems to be the message that keeps popping up right now for me in my life. "Slow and steady wins the race". I'm not supposed to be the hare in the tortoise and the hare fable, but the tortoise. Sure that tortoise is taking his own sweet time. But he's moving toward the finish line the whole darn time! And so am I on my way to see my screenwriting career take off and flourish.

So sometimes I have to remind myself, that's okay. That I'm moving forward. That my goals are getting closer. That I'm constantly hitting new and more exciting markers in my screenwriting career. And that I can't focus on the fact that I haven't passed "the finish line". Especially with screenwriting. Because there are so many finish lines with that any way. Oh sure, if you win an academy award or are hanging out with Angelina Jolie because she starred in your movie, sure that might mean you've hit some pinnacle of success. But it's such a gray area of where in your success you are at. There's so many possibilities!

I dated this one actor friend who's in movies and has a TV show now. And he told a mutual friend recently, that Hollywood just forgets your last thing. It's always, what are you doing now? And I can tell that to him, he hasn't reached his level of success he has hoped for. But by all intensive purposes, so many actors would give their right arm to have the success he has.

So the key is always to keep moving forward. Keep hitting different road markers on your goal to success. And that there were bill many finish lines in your career of writing. And as long as you are moving forward and striving for more, and heading forward. Then don't worry if you're going slow and steady. Because remember, the hare does not win. The tortoise always does.

The goals yet met

There have been many things I've read that say we need to look at where we've come, not at where we are not, in order to see our success flourish. Sometimes it's hard to remember that because our goals are not yet met. But if we only focus on what we have yet to achieve, then that becomes our energy and we just attract more of not achieving it. And since that's exactly what we don't want, then we have to focus on what we DO want. So I thought today I'd post the things I've "achieved" in my writing and other areas of my life and hope to inspire others who will do the same with their own achievements. And then we will see as we increase the energy of our dreams on the way to success as more and more wonderful things come our way. I don't know about you, but I've seen a lot of great things this year so far, and I can only hope that happens for everyone else in this world.

1. Sold a short to Disney
2. Have a feature script at Disney Feature Animation
3. Had two scripts with Sony. One was rejected (boo!) The other is still there (yay!)
4. Pitched two sitcoms to the heads of ABC
5. Have an idea that two big production companies are interested in
6. Should be seeing my indie film made this year
7. Have another producer, huge producer, that wants to start working with me this year, as soon as we nail it down
8. Have a hubby that I love
9. Have a child I adore
10. Have a successful advertising career that keeps me busy and seems to be doing quite well even in a not so great economy
11. Have a home I love
12. Have a great dog and wonderful fish
13. Have my health
14. Have my mental faculties (even if not always sane, but that can be a good thing I think)
15. Love life

So, there you have it. A lot to be thankful for. A lot that I've achieved. A lot more I hope to achieve and that's okay too. Just read an article today on Huffington Post that talked about the uncertainty. And that if life was all mapped out for us, what would be the point? And that uncertainty is what makes us go after things in life. It's that moment before the success happens that we have to just sit in the silence and be patient until it arrives. So, here's to the uncertainty of the dreams we have yet to attain.

All signs point to success

Do you ever feel like life sometimes seems so random? That we make plans and things happen, but that we don't really have control in the outcome? Well, it isn't random. There are things that happen, that we may not understand, that happen for a purpose for us to reach our success. But do you open yourself up so that life can bring you the wonderful things that are waiting for you?

Good things happen to me all the time. People that could propel my career constantly enter my life, and it's not an accident. But people I know are always amazed by it. But I create it by putting those thoughts into my mind, that I'll meet these people, that these doors will be open. And by doing this, and sending these thoughts out into the world, I watch the events that can help me come my way. My producer friend yesterday even said, "You're like this success magnet!" Because people just come into my life at the most oddest and unexpected ways.

Like yesterday, I was at this job seminar, because I'm a freelancer and always looking for new gigs. And I wasn't expecting much out of it. And in fact, I didn't learn anything from it. But I did meet this really awesome TV producer, and a mom who's daughter might be great for my horror film I'm producing. And that's why my friend was in awe. Because I do seem to meet people when others don't. I didn't go to network at this thing at all, but to listen to the speaker. But look what fell into my lap instead.

And I met with the producer for coffee today, because he seemed like a great guy and I wanted to talk to him about future stuff we could work on. So we're going to try and come up with shows we can pitch together. But who would have thought? It's surely not what I expected. But at the same time, I open myself to those kind of things to happen. I'm constantly on the look to see what great things the universe is going to bring me.

So ask yourself, are you open to talking to people you don't know? Do you look for interesting people and if you're drawn to talk to them, do you? Life sometimes puts these people on our paths, but it's up to us to strike up a conversation with them. It's not going to just be handed to us without us making a move.

I remember on one occasion, years and years ago when I was in Bali, I was having this career crises as I wondered if I should pursue screenwriting. I knew it would be a long road to study the craft, and even though I wanted to do it, I wondered if it was really worth it. Wondered if I should just stay the course with advertising instead. I was really torn.

So I go to this nightclub, where there's nothing but young people dancing and getting their drink on. All except for this one 60 year old man, with a silver, long beard and pony tail, playing the flute. He stood out like a sore thumb. But he seemed so happy! Most the kids kind of snickered at him, and ignored him. But I thought, how cool is it that this guy is doing what he loves, with no care in the world. So I told my friends, "I'm going to dance with that guy." I was so impressed with his ease in his own skin. And as soon as I started dancing with him, he tells me in a prophetic way, "You're going through something." I was shocked! How did he know?! He goes on to tell me, "You need to believe in yourself. And if you do, you can achieve anything you want." I couldn't believe it! This man said exactly what I needed to hear. And I agreed then and there that this was no coincidence and I never looked back on my screenwriting. But if I had been like every other person in there, I would have ignored my fate.

So ask yourself, are you ignoring yours? Are there signs in your life that you pretend they didn't happen? And do you ignore your gut feelings to connect with a stranger that says something that really strikes a chord with you, but then you just brush it off as probably something silly. I just want to say, don't! There are sign posts on the path of our life that will guide us to success. But it's up to us to follow them. And if we don't, we will find we've gone the wrong way.

So it's up to you. Do you want to achieve your success or not? You just need to be open to it, and follow the signs.

Be your own champion

So this weekend was a great learning lesson for writers with all the sports going on. Sports and writers? Yes, let me explain.

First it was my son's soccer State Cup tournament, and of course the Super Bowl. Now, I'm really happy the Giants won. No, I'm not a football fan. But my hubby and son are Giants fans. To the point where my husband has been stressed all week. So yes, I am happy they won. But my son's team, they didn't win, but was also a great learning lesson for them. They played hard, they never gave up, but in the end, they lost. But we were so proud of them for giving it all they could.

And you could say the same for the Patriots. It was a close game. It could have gone either way, even up to the last moment. But when you see teams of those caliber, they bring it. Oh, they bring it! Both teams fight for that win. They play hard, they fight hard. But only one team gets to win.

So what is the consistent theme in my son's game and the Super Bowl? Play hard. But in order to play hard, you've got to be in the game. And whatever it takes, don't give up. And believe you can, no matter what. Maybe you won't win, but you'll never know unless you try and give it all you can.

So for screenwriters who dream of that success, you can achieve it, but only if you're in the game. So ask yourself, are you taking classes? Are you reading screenwriting books and scripts? Are you signing up for screenwriting websites? Entering contests? What are you doing to prove that you will do anything to make your dream come true? You have to fight for that dream. You have to make sacrifices and work hard. If you want it, you can achieve it. But you have to give it your all. So go out there, and do it! You might just end up a champion.

Defeat doesn't have to be stinky

How do you keep on going when you feel defeated as a writer? It could be maybe a rejection letter from a contest. Or a "no thank you" from an agent of manager. Or seeing other writer friends who you're just as successful as move further ahead of you. There are many things that can just take the wind out of your sails. And not that I have any magic answer, there are things you can do to keep you going and not being so sad.

First of all, don't see the world as black and white. This is only one moment, not the end of your writing career. There are going to be times when you want to give up. But then the next day, wake up and remember, hey, I love writing, this can't stop me! Creative types tend to see the world as black and white. So you have to remember, there's a whole lot of gray in there. And just because one thing didn't happen to propel you to stardom, that doesn't mean the next day or next month, your success can't be just around the corner.

Secondly (I think there's more than one idea right?), there are always more things to learn. Perhaps a friend did better in a contest because his script really was a tad better. But that doesn't make you a bad writer. Maybe that next screenwriting book, or screenwriting class, is just the thing you need to get to that same level or even surpass that friend. There's so much screenwriting knowledge out there, just keep on learning. You're never done learning in this business. So the more you know, the better you'll get. And if you're not getting the success you want, then keep on learning till you do.

Thirdly, remember things are so subjective. Just because one manager turns you down. You don't know that the next one won't say, "yes, this is what I've been waiting for"! It's only one person that says no. And that one person can't stop you. Just keep knocking on doors till the right one opens up.

Fourthly, maybe it's just not your time. But that doesn't mean it's not coming up, sooner than you think. If you're persistent, you'll get there. You know you will. You feel it in every part of your soul. So that's why you became a writer!

So be sad for the day. You get only one day! Because the next day, you're going to pick yourself up, wipe yourself off, and continue to make strides until you reach that writing success you're looking for.