Getting Nowhere? Read On …
I hear from writers all the time who feel frustrated, despondent and like they are getting nowhere. They may tell me they feel ‘locked out’, or perhaps they are getting ghosted by industry pros.
Let me offer the view from the other side. Hardly a month goes by without me having to block a writer. Sometimes it’s multiple writers. Supersadface.
I don’t want to. I want to help. Whilst I have to make a living, I give oodles of my time and expertise away for NOTHING on the B2W platform. That’s why there’s so much free stuff on the B2W resources page. (I remember only too well what it was like to have no money & know absolutely nobody. Like you, I started at nowhere too!).
But unfortunately, too many writers are too demanding, accusatory, needy or clingy. They violate my boundaries, attempt to derail me, or try to hijack my stuff. Even when warned (I always fire a shot across the bow), they continue with their fuckwittery.
So if you are wondering why industry pros might get short with you, ignore you or even ghost you, it’s possible you’re doing something similar … maybe without even realising. Sadly the end result is the same.
Let’s check out the 3 most common reasons writers self-sabotage. Ready? Let’s go …
1) You’re asking for referrals, but not giving value in return
You can’t expect people to send writing work your way, pass on your script to a producer, or show your novel to an agent if you haven’t earned it.
If you want to trade nowhere for somewhere there is a simple solution. Start building solid relationships, offering value!
Remember, it reflects badly on industry pros if they recommend someone who ends up being clueless, or is hard to work with. This is why you need to build relationships first. If you want to get referred, you need to show you’re WORTH referring.
2) You’re aiming too high, too soon
Industry pros often give the advice ‘do the work’, but what does this mean? Sometimes it’s referred to as ‘paying your dues’. This means building your platform, honing your craft, and learning about the industry.
You can’t go from 0 to 60 mph without learning how to drive first. Build your foundation, then aim higher as you build. Patience and consistency are key.
Look, it’s good to be ambitious. I’m not saying you have to think or be *small*. What I am saying is be realistic, eg:
- A screenwriter with zero credits getting a $180M blockbuster project greenlit?
- Or a primetime TV series with an all-star ensemble cast?
- Or an unknown author getting a 4+ book deal with a massive advance?
- Or a self-published author who gets a viral bestseller with zero marketing?
Sure, it’s possible … but it’s not probable writing advice legend Bob Saenz would say.
Concentrate on realistic, concrete goals and then anything else is a bonus.
3) You’re caught up in ‘busy work’ (AKA distractions rather than THE GOOD STUFF)
Stop trying to tweak your writing before you’ve built a strong foundation! As the saying goes, you can’t polish a turd.
Focus on getting the core of your story down first, then refine and perfect.
Get the concept, characters and structure (aka plot) solid, THEN polish the itty-bitty details. Without a strong foundation, your writing won’t stand up to scrutiny.
Last Points
I know, I know … it’s rough out there, especially right now. You don’t have to tell me. There’s no guarantee you’ll get somewhere even if you stop doing the above. A lot of screenwriting and novel writing is about luck and ‘right time, right place’. Sad but true.
But let me tell you … I can GUARANTEE you won’t if you don’t quit the three self-sabotaging behaviours listed in this article. So put on your big kid pants and get going. You got this.
Want even MORE tips?
Lots of writers also tell me they struggle to get their writing read … So check out this free webinar with a whopping 10 tips on getting your writing read. Enjoy and good luck!
