Rejection is difficult. It can stop you in your tracks from moving forward or it can motivate you even more in doing what you must do. It’s your choice. I won’t sit here and say I’m always motivated to write. I’m not. And any writer out there knows how hard it is to sit in silence and wait for the words, the ideas, and the inspiration to come and propel you forward.
I’ve had several moments of rejection regarding my writing this year and crippling doubts often well up. But in the end, no matter the doubt or fear or perceived lack of talent, I get up the next day, I face the blank page and say as clearly and as strongly as possible: I. Won’t. Quit. Because writing is not just something that I do, it’s a part of who I am. So no matter success or failure (and defining each of those is a whole another blog), I will always pick up that pen, I will always face that blank page/screen, I will always create a world of broken characters that search for hope and meaning. This make my soul sing.
Today I’m singing a little louder because I am officially a FINALIST in the The Page International Screenwriting Awards. I am ONE of 10 writers competing in the category of FAMILY FILM for my screenplay The Great Surrender.
The competition began with 6315 screenwriters. After today’s result, that number is now down to 100 writers. In each of the 10 categories there will be chosen winners, and then the Grand Prize Winner of $25, 000 to be awarded to one of the finalists. Here’s the list of the finalists in my category (you can check out all the finalists at PAGE):
FAMILY FILM
ABSOLUTE FAITH by Mary Haarmeyer
BEAUTIFUL by Thuy Hugens
BETTER AT LIFE by Hal Harris
BRADIGAN AND THE BANSHEE by Arlene Kalem
EXCHANGE STUDENTS by Atif Shaikh
FIRST TO FIND by Liana Winters Thomas
THE GREAT SURRENDER by Romeo Ciolfi
RESCUE DOG by Rich Orstad
RETRO by Cynthia Webb
SURVIVING 14 by Katie Streicher
And so, I go onto the next round – the final round. On October 15, the winners will be announced. Today is a good day. Rejection can take a back seat…for now. It’ll be back – I have no illusions. But no matter what happens on October 15, I’ll still be here, writing away, creating and hoping for even better things to come.
Congratulations Romeo, all your friends from Joseph are hoping that you will be successful. we look forward to hearing the good news.
Hi Romeo,
Congrats! This is so inspiring to hear, and God’s hand is definitely in all of this. Thank you for sharing and we’ll be praying for you!
Keep writing and persisting Romeo. You have the talent. God is helping you to hone your talent You never know what is around the corner. Believe in yourself and the talent that God has given you and you will shine. You have come this far and you will continue to surprise all of us. Well done my friend!!
So good to hear you’re superb writing is getting attention. Here’s praying you win the big one.
Our best wishes Romeo, congratulations!
Way to go Romeo, what a super accomplishment and I am so happy for you. Your persistence is an inspiration – as is your honest attitude towards the process. I will be praying for you and for the outcome. I pray that God and the judges will find favour with your work and pray that you will have incredible peace as you wait for the outcome. I’m voting for The Great Surrender and hope to see it some day soon..
Well done my friend!!! So very proud of all your accomplishments!
Romeo – so happy to hear the encouraging news. I know that no matter what you never give up and I appreciate you for that. It can be very difficult to come so close and then lose out on the big one but your persistence is encouraging to all of us.
Dale
Congratulations, Romeo!!! Knowing that God has called you to write is part of the motivation, even on the days when it’s hard and discouraging. So glad you’re keeping on keeping on. God’s blessings, and may you come out on top!
Hey Romeo – this is great news!! Congratulations! Bask in being a finalist for now. This will certainly propel you in your writing as you await the announcement on Oct. 15th. You are in my prayers!
This is an incredible accomplishment!!!! Congratulations. Persistence and a highly honed craft got you this far. If only luck would show up in the next round to set your soul a’singing.