Breaking the Spec Screenwriting Loop

“The key to successful screenwriting is writing.” — Every other screenwriting guru who has ever plied the trade.

We know. It all starts with the written word. We get it. Then, if you truly want to sell yourscreenplay, the real work begins. Effort, refining your craft, and dogged persistence representsthe rest of the equation. I know first-hand. I preach all this constantly, and I practice all this daily.

Maybe a little luck has something to do with it too.

Or, maybe prudently positioning yourself to earn an above-average income writing movie-related product while working on your script, which will also service your all-important networking needs, can actually manifest that luck.

No, this is not metaphysics, and I am not writing the second coming of “The Secret.” I use the word manifest as it’s as good a word as any to describe the likely results of a determined mindset necessary to make a living as a screenwriter … without counting on your job and/or spec sales as your primary source of income.

To increase your opportunities, consider exceeding your scope soliciting writing projects outside of your preferred field.

Where there’s a will …

In other words, there’s something to be said for getting out of your comfort zone.