Writing is abusive on my mind, soul, and body. Sometimes I can't figure out which one of my characters is more like me. They all are. Whether someone pitches my script in the trash or laughs in my face, I've learned more about me from writing than anything else in my life. I'd love to be the next outsider to sell a spec. But, no matter what happens, I know a lot more about the guy holding the pen. Thanks Scott, for reminding me why I write.

Here’s another excerpt from that Patrick S. Duncan Creative Screenwriting interview. I think it ties into Scott's latest post.

Q: How do you define a good screenplay?

A: I’ve never depended upon other people’s opinions. I go out with certain intentions in a screenplay and when I finish it, I read to see if I met those. I try to take satisfaction in the writing, not the money or anything else. In the writing. You know, most scripts never get made. If I succeeded, then I think I did a good job. If I didn’t, I just move on.

Q: How do you handle the rejection?

A: I don’t pay any attention to it. It’s like the Oscars, they’ve got nothing to do with the writing. It’s part of the Hollywood game. It’s a business where perception is more important than truth. So, I take satisfaction in the writing. That way, I never lose.

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I’ve heard this sentiment expressed by other writers: You have to enjoy, & take satisfaction in, the writing process because chances are, the script you’re writing will never get made.

And the reality is, 95% of the people working on scripts right now will never be working screenwriters. So if you don’t want to drive yourself insane, learn to love the writing & the process(or at least a significant portion of it).

Hello Scott
I would like to pitch you a high concept family comedy logline for possible collaboration on.
If interested please email me at my gmail rwlear @ gmail.com

Thanks for your time
Rob Lear

Sorry, Rob. I don't have time to collaborate on anything with anybody because I'm so busy. And I don't have time to read anything - I'm overdo on several responses as it is.

Maybe someone here can steer you somewhere to find a competent writer to collaborate with you.

Scott,

This was a truly awesome, stellar post and piece of advice.

Thank you,

Great post. I've been reading your blog for about a month now. And I must thank you for the inspiring posts and the great insight you've been sharing. I recently started writing my first spec script (drawing a comic was too tedious at the moment) and your site has become a daily go-to for me. I've recommend it to friends who are writers as well. So thanks again and keep up the great work!

Laura,
I totally agree with Patrick. I hope that everyone loves my scripts but in the end when I start a script I have something specific I want to achieve.

If I get what I wanted, I'm happy. And I always get what I want because I outline feverishly until I can see the entire movie.

Scott- great post, one of your best. Thanks.