Opening Doors

Visionaries are rarely defeated, even when doors of opportunity slam in their faces. Either they convince themselves that a “no”  a deferred “yes” or attempt climbing though a window when a door closes. Indefatigable enthusiasm coupled with perseverance is part of reaching any short or long-term goal. Yes, we dreamers do tire of keeping the torch burning brightly but we don’t extinguish it. How can we? It’s obvious that quitting isn’t an option and dreams are realized only when keeping the flame of aspirations lit until they happen!

Many times, a key component to realizing dreams is persistently knocking on doors, even when no one answers or, if they do, quickly closes the door.  Yes, we’ve all experienced rejection in some form, especially as artists.  In my writing endeavors, I’ve tapped on several doors with screenplays via cold calls, query letters, pitch fests, one-on-one meetings with interested producers, and script submissions through myself or my attorney. I’ve signed option agreements, releases, and worked with producers to get a script to a saleable status. So many of these open doors never got beyond lightly treading beyond the thresholds. And, periodically, I’ve gone on hiatus from screenwriting which bordered on giving up. But one thing I don’t give up on is making new connections and building relationships.

As a grant writer for a nonprofit organization, I’ve learned to cherish my funding contacts, notably in the corporate and foundation world.  And it’s not in any obsequious manner. I truly like spending time with them and discussing our agency’s mission of feeding, clothing, and sheltering the homeless and poor. I believe my contacts are caring people that want to make a difference in the community. They are my friends, and it’s not all about the funding, although we know it’s a central part of the relationship. But that’s okay, because we understand our respective roles and we all want the organization to succeed in accomplishing its mission.

I wish I had the same level of trust and understanding of the film industry. I’d like to believe that we’re all pulling for each other and cheering on the success of our colleagues. But the relationships are a bit different. As screenwriters and other industry types, we vie for success in a business that’s based on success, and the competition is fierce even with the all consuming desire for more content.  You are as good as your last success and it’s easy to fall off the mark or enter oblivion.  The “How To Succeed” seminars, webinars, workshops, blogs, you name it, are endless and flood my email daily. Of course, that’s my doing, since I subscribe to umpteen blogs, articles, etc. to hear advice or lessons based on experience from the front lines.  And I still knock on doors, but try to find the right ones that are in line with my hopes and dreams. I do believe that one of those closed doors will open to a new frontier in my career as a screenwriter.

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Sometimes the open door is really about meeting others and forming friendships in the world of artists, writers, and dreamers. Some of those meeting grounds will involve individuals that will remain on my personal journey for a lifetime, some a venture or crossroad, and others with observances on what to do and what not to do. They are all meaningful.

But the first door I need to open is the one that leads to trust, faith and a belief in my God-given talents. That door stays open and continues to stay connected to my spirit and the heart of creativity. It’s the interior door. No one else sees it, but my spirit.  I open it every day by writing in a journal and asking for Divine inspiration.

May the doors open to your success and lead to meaningful relationships, learning  opportunities, and belief in why you stand there knocking! Happy adventures await those who take on challenges and risks, and, most importantly, persevere!!

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