I think what people need to understand and tend to forget going into this is that it truly is a crazy, non-logic based business. The cords that keep it all together are frayed and tenuous at best. One should thank their lucky stars that we're ONLY writers and not actually in some sort of level of responsibility on the choochoo train to oblivion that is studio life.

"Well that's no way to run a business!" the logical portion of everyone's brain screams.

Of course it's not. But that has nothing to do with us.

Scott's advice is, as usual, sound. We're writers ONLY. We can't push the system in our favor. We can't change that which has been in place for years. Our talents don't lend us to trying to fight city hall. Leave that to the poor sods; the producers, the directors, the accountants, the marketing men.

In short, we're lucky! There's a real benefit to living on the lowest rung of the ladder.

Angry about rejection notices? Put it in a script. Nervously chomping at the bit because the phone sits silent? Channel it into a nice tense scene in your latest thriller.

We have one job and one job only. Ass. Chair. Laptop. Coffee.

Now get to work! :D

Patience and Preparation... that's what this excellent post SCREAMS to me. Now... back to writing.

Thanks again for the great advice, as always. My comment about the commercial viability of my script was a bit of a joke. I know everyone says that. A modicum of confidence never hurts though. ;-)

Yes, I have been writing. Two new features since I started my query process on the first. Writers definitely have the advantage of being able to keep themselves and their overactive minds occupied.

Cheers!
-Margaret

Thank you Scott,this article has perfect timing! I've just ventured off with CN and have experienced the same response. This mysterious process from behind the scenes certainly makes sense and as Jeff concurs, we need to keep that screenwriter brain busy with more story!