I came across the above quote by author/speaker/researcher/consultant James C. Collins who wrote the book Good to Great. Jim has written many books which deal primarily on how to build a successful business. He has many wonderfully inspiring quotes from his writings including this one:
Think about those last words: “Greatness…is largely a matter of conscious choice“. Which means we can also choose to be average or merely good. Although Jim is talking about how to run a successful business/company, anyone can apply these quotes to their daily living. I know I can when it comes to my writing and making any given script the best it can be.
Writing something that is competent or merely good is a struggle. Writing something great is a lifetime journey and not for the faint of heart. I have received MUCH REJECTION over the years. I have felt massive disappointment when a play of mine is poorly received or a screenplay does not land in that top spot in a festival…or when a production company or movie producer gets back to you and says: “Great script, but not for us”. Or worse yet, when NO ONE gets back to you and you wait and wait and wait until you are forgotten. You make your own luck and you have to work hard for it and be ready when opportunities arise.
Here’s another Jim Collins quote:
Through the lens of a relationship, marriage, friendship, this quote has meaning. When it comes to writing, I want to create something more than just words on a page. I want to write something that has impact, changes the way a person thinks or ideas that stay with a person for a time after.
Ordinary People, The Empire Strikes Back, The Shawshank Redemption, All About Eve, Psycho…these are just a few films that have inspired me, had a profound impact on my life, got me excited about writing and engage in this crazy business of creating stories, then sending them out in the world and hope for the best.
Speaking of rejection…two of my screenplays, LET IT SHINE and BREAK AWAY, did not make it past the first rounds of recent competitions (Page International Screenplay Awards and The Script Lab). LET IT SHINE recently made the Finalists of StoryPros Screenplay Awards, but did not advance to the Top 3. Disappointment, yes, for sure. And after feeling sorry for myself for a couple days, I picked myself up and moved on. My re-write of the play ANIMAL is almost complete. I am typing in the last couple scenes. It is a much sharper, cleaner, and I believe, stronger draft than all previous versions. Look forward to sharing it.
I received a wonderful critique of my screenplay BREAK AWAY, by a reader who also made suggestions to make the script even better. Readers read lots and lots of scripts. That is their job, be it for a production company, critique service or screenplay competition. In this particular reader, my writing had a positive effect on him/her. Their parting comment is below. Encouraging, absolutely. I still have work to do on this screenplay and make what is a good script, great. But for now, I will embrace the complement…
It’s been a long time since a screenplay has made me feel that way. Excellent work.
And finally, one last quote from James Collins that I think is appropriate for these Covid/politically charged and uncertain times. Be well and stay safe everyone:
Romeo – great to hear that your play Break Away had a positive impact on the reader. It will be good to see how the changes suggested will further improve it. I remember it being a wonderful story. Your work is truly moving from good to great!
Hi Romeo, This was an inspiring post – thanks for sharing it! I hope one day to read or better yet see Animal . It’s been in many of your posts and I don’t have a clue what it is about. I echo the comment above- keep God as your focus and He will give you clarity of mind. One of the men on Dragon’s Den was a perfectionist (like me). I heard him say that since “ good enough” wouldn’t cut it, he had to learn to be satisfied with “perfect enough “ in order to know when to move on. That has helped me but perhaps it doesn’t apply to writing . God bless!
Romeo, the contents of this post are truly inspiring. Simple yet inspiring. Personally, this comes at a time where I find myself questioning so many things. Thank you for diligently putting out such thoughts! Ps: I’ve mentioned this to you before but I’ll say it again.. the play “Animal” was so touching and had a huge impact on me.
Much love!
Keep your eye on your goal Romeo. Keep your perspective and move along at your most comfortable pace. Rewriting your stuff only makes it better and clarifies your ideas to the reader. It is amazing what you put down on the paper the second time around. Romeo, rework your ideas and it will come together for you. You have the talent. Keep God in your writing. He will help you to put down the ideas very clearly.