Damn, Scott. I think this is the best post yet on your Spirit of the Spec series.

I used to be like this. I wrote and rewrote my first script years ago... and did NOTHING with it. I didn't even let my mom read it (which is a guaranteed positive review). It wasn't until about a year later I somehow found the courage to submit it into a screenwriting contest.

And then you wait.

And all those thoughts which prevented me from submitting it in the first place begin to haunt you again.

But, weeks (or months) later I got word that my script advanced to the semi-finals! Whaaaa...!?

It didn't go further than that, but it was the boost of confidence I needed to cement in my mind that I was a screenwriter, that I had a talent for storytelling and that no matter what I was going to succeed.

PS: I reread that script again recently and by no rights should it have advanced, lol. But now nothing stops me.

God, I broke out in hives and hyperventilated just READING this post, let alone actually taking action....

But I'm working on it.

Two weeks until I say the word "action" for the first time on a script that has my name on the title page. I can't imagine getting things more "out there" than that.

Now, if you'll excuse me, I'm going to have a series of anxiety attacks only interrupted by moments of blind panic.

Guess I have a long way to go, eh?

Thank you, Coach Myers! It feels silly to need it, but nice to get permission to say Screw You to all the crap that so easily holds us back.

Many moons ago I dropped a certain someone a line -- whining, bitching and nervous.

"I'm not sure what to do... blah blah blah... whine sob bitch whine."

This certain someone's advice -- now posted on my cork board...

"How will you know if you never let it go?"

And I did. Scared me to death.

I work all day then come home and query and write.

And now... ignored queries and "Not for us" bounce off my back and I move on without blinking.

I do it now for the "send." Because you just never know where that may lead -- and it's a GREAT feeling!

I've busted my ass to get reads and this week in particular has been a great one... for me.

Two read requests in two days. For me -- well for me that's a triumph.

And as Scott mentioned in an earlier post today... it's time to celebrate.

I've also received my first formal legal department reply this week -- Due to legal and insurance restrictions... blah blah blah... please be advised that your e-mail has not been read, and the attachments thereto have been deleted from our system...

B.S. -- It was read... the subject line sure as hell didn't suggest a query -- anyway.

Queried that particular company several times and this was the first time I've been "turned over."

That particular person will be added to my contact database in the "ass-clown" section.

But I love it.

Now I feel like I'm in the game. Win or lose... I'm on the field.

So how will you ever know -- unless you, "let it go."

It's a wild ride -- but a hell-of-a-fun ride at the same time.

Needless to say "Coach Myers" gave me that advice and all I can say is...

Win one for the Myers!

Not that it necessarily means a damn thing, but I'm proud of all you. Each of us has one shot at this damn thing we call life. If we choose not to pursue our dreams, how sad is that? But if we do go after it, that is a sure sign we are following our bliss.

And so for you four fine folks -- and everyone else who drops by -- here's an extra special blast of creative juju!

Whoooosh!!!!!

Juju sponge -- engaged.

Talladega Nights... had to do it!

You are the Morpheus of the script writing world, Scott. Kudos!

@Sean: "There is no spoon."