Why You Should Never Give Up on Your Writing Dreams

For screenwriters, it's common to get discouraged when things don't go according to plan. There are a few other jobs that force someone to face rejection as much as being a screenwriter does. It's normal to struggle with motivation and drive throughout your screenwriting career.

This particular blog is for those times. So if you're feeling down or frustrated with your writing journey, keep reading to be reminded why you shouldn't give up your writing dreams.

You Never Know What Opportunities May Arise

Success in the movie business often depends on being in the right place at the right time. You never know when you might get the chance to meet someone who can help progress your career or pitch your project to the right producer. Continuing to write and hone your craft will allow you to be prepared for when opportunity knocks, allowing you to seize the moment.

Writing Is a Skill That Can Always Be Improved

Even the most accomplished screenwriters constantly work on improving their craft. You'll hone your art by writing consistently and discover new ways to strengthen your screenplays. As science fiction author Octavia Butler once said, "You don't start out writing good stuff. You start out writing crap and thinking it's good stuff, and then gradually you get better at it. That's why I say one of the most valuable traits is persistence."

It's critical to remember that writing is a skill, and getting better at it requires effort and repetition. You'll get better and learn more about the craft of screenwriting as you write more frequently.

Perseverance Pays Off

Before becoming successful, many known writers experienced their fair share of failures and rejections. Think of Steven Spielberg; he was rejected from film school. If he had given up, the world would have missed out on one of its greatest cinematic storytellers. Or Stephen King – his first novel "Carrie" was rejected 30 times before finally being published.

Unfortunately, rejection is part of the journey as a writer. It's important to remember that despite the prevalence of rejection, it doesn't define your potential as a writer. You have to hang in there and continue working towards your goals ever to see success.

Writing Is a Form of Self-Expression

Even if you never achieve great commercial success as a screenwriter, writing can still be a valuable passion that allows you to express yourself. Writing allows you to explore and process your thoughts and emotions in a healthy way. Author Neil Gaiman once said, "The one thing that you have that nobody else has is you. Your voice, your mind, your story, your vision. So write and draw and build and play and dance and live as only you can." It's an encouraging reminder that your voice is unique and should be used and celebrated regardless of your success. 

Success Can Come at Any Age

It's important to remember that you can achieve success at any age. Many successful screenwriters didn't find success until they were older, such as Raymond Chandler, who wrote his first screenplay at 56. Courtney Hunt wrote her first script at 44, and William Faulkner wrote his first screenplay at 48.

We live in a society that loves youth, but being young isn't the only time to experience success.

Conclusion

No two screenwriters' journeys to success are the same. Every screenwriter struggles and finds success in different ways and at different times from anyone else. All screenwriters will experience setbacks and failures.

What's important is that writers don't let doubt or rejection get in the way of their passion. You started writing for a reason and need to refer to that reason to refuel your desire to write.

Writing is not a sprint but a marathon. It requires endurance. You have to stick with the process to see any possible results. If you quit, you'll never know what could have been.

Maya Angelou once said, "You may encounter many defeats, but you must not be defeated."

Keep writing, and never give up on your dreams.