Confidence is a fragile thing. Most, if not all, writers are familiar with the cold tentacles of rejection. I found out today, unexpectedly, that I didn't win a local writing award. The surprise was they held no interviews this time around. I thought the call was to advise me of a meeting time, not a "I'm sorry to inform you ..." conversation. This is the second year in a row I have been shortlisted for this award with two different feature scripts. So I must be doing something right ... just not enough to get over the hump.
I was actually at the local state library rewriting the script for various submissions. So I had to compartmentalise my disappointment and focus on what I was doing. After a while I became lost in my characters and problem solving again - a good sign.
What to do when setbacks rear their ugly head? Faith and persistence. Faith in your ability. The persistence to keep going. There's nothing else you can do. The script is good and I'm looking forward to what reaction in might get in the Scriptapalooza and Final Draft's Big Break screenwriting competitions.
One outcome from today's "rejection" is that the local funding body will facilitate my participation in a UCLA extension course. Anything that helps me become a better writer is most welcome.
Another positive is I won't have to buy a new frock for Saturday night's award ceremonies :-)
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