This past weekend The Kairos Pro Prize in Screenwriting was handed out at the 25th Movieguide Awards. Two of my screenplays (The Great Surrender and The Living Water) were competing for the Grand Prize of $15,000 given to one of the 5 scripts nominated. This is the 3rd year I’ve been a finalist in this category for one of my scripts. And for the 3rd year in a row, I did not take home the grand prize. Congrats goes out to Ron Peer for his screenplay Donuts with Jerry.
I’ve heard from friends in the last week who have been encouraging and of course expressing disappointment, as I was so close. This stung a little bit more this year probably because I had two scripts competing. It’s been a challenge to write and to focus and to just “move on”. In the end I will move on, I have moved on, but believing in your craft comes, at times, with a high price. Disappointment is not so easy to consistently shrug off.
The good news? The work of writing never ends. There are always new beginnings – something new to write or re-write. I am once again re-visiting The Living Water as I have received encouraging coverage notes on the script. I will do the same to The Great Surrender as I plan to send that script out and get a critique to see what else I can do to make it the best script possible.
Do not despair you writers/artists out there. It’s okay to be disappointed. It’s okay to doubt yourself and your ability. It’s okay to wonder when it will be your turn to shine. The fact of the mater is there is plenty of light to go around and you may be closer than you think. If you are working at your craft and you remind yourself it is about the process of creation that matters, than you are already shining.
This world often measures success in money or material value, but remember that the only award that will mean anything to you is if you stay true to your own heart and passions. Do not ignore that voice inside of you, or you may look back and regret how you have lived life. Does following your passions come at a price? You bet it does. I’ve been wrestling with that question (and answer) this past week. In the end, I know that it’s impossible for me to ignore the reality that I am a writer and that this journey is filled with many peaks and valleys, joys and pains. I look forward (often with trepidation) to the adventures that lie ahead. So grab onto courage, cling to hope and do your utmost best to enjoy wherever the road may lead.
Hey Romeo, I wish there was an award for the “Most Inspiring Blog” of all time. This is it above. I can’t put it into words how to thank you for caring about so many of us, besides those in your family and close circle of friends, but how you’ve included us–this family out here of writers, actors, artists of any kind, past audiences, or just simple admirers of beauty to share this experience with you, albeit a painful one. In sharing this disappointment, your perseverance has never soared higher, nor your encouragement. Even when you win your Oscar someday for Best Original Screenplay (no adaptations here, folks), that speech will not come close to what you’ve just graced us with, not only for our craft, but for our lives. Thank you and may God bless you with many wonderful achievements yet to come–and they will come!
Romeo, whether you took home a prize from the Movieguide Awards or not, you are still a winner. Not only are you a child of God, but He has gifted you with an amazing and innate talent for writing. I, for one, am glad you have not given up on your dream. You continue to be an inspiration to all of us! Many blessings on all that God has put on your heart to write.
Hi Romeo. Great inspirational words. I’m still dabbling in writing and have entered a short story contest. I will take them to heart.
Such a great accomplishment to have two scripts reach that evaluation.
Don’t lose heart buddy because our hearts are with you!
Romeo, thank you for sharing this and sorry you didn’t win this year.
I find it encouraging and inspirational to read from you and see your ability to remain positive and keep pushing forward, it helps me to keep pushing forward as well and in a sense not feel alone in the struggles of artistic practice.
Congratulations on the nominations and I look forward to reading your next script!
I takes a supurb writer to make the finals of this contest so many times. I’m not sure that most people realize what it takes. Congratulations on your amazing work.
Well Romeo, there is always tomorrow to look forward to. Yesterday is history, tomorrow is a mystery and today is a present , a gift to give yourself. Every day has its challenges and you are up to it believe me. You never know what is ahead. Keep true to yourself and you will have a winner coming up shortly..Remember, God will direct your thoughts and pen.Sometimes you have to get rid of the cobwebs in your head and start with a new slate. Get the adrenaline flowing. .