Thread by @writergeekrhw

So... what’s the hardest part of #TVWriting, you ask? (You are a metaphorical construct, but whatevs) Is it the long hours? The pressure? The actual struggle to fill blank pages with perfect words? No. TBH, it’s the constant soul-crushing rejection. 1

For every TV show that makes it to air, there are dozens that were pitched, several shot. Stacks of scripts and pitches as high as the sky, each representing hundreds of hours of work. 2

And the closer you get to the win, the more bitter the disappointment of the loss. So for many in #TVWriting, the next few weeks are going to be rough. 3

And of course even if you’re on a show, everyone has notes. Your beautiful, painstakingly written pages will be criticized and shredded by execs, directors, other writers, actors. They will be put under a microscope, every flaw magnified. 4

And even after that, the show can flop, your episode can get eviscerated online. So if you’re set on a career in #TVWriting it’s important to know... it’s not personal. This happens to everyone. Everyone. 5

And you need to have good, healthy ways to deal with rejection. You need an MMA fighter’s ability to handle anguish. But without the ability to punch back. No screaming in the face of those rejecting your work. Because hey, you still want to work with them tomorrow. 6

Remember, rejection happens to us all. It’s not personal. Largely it’s not even reflective of the quality of your work. It’s opinion and market forces and personal taste. You can learn from it, grow from it, but don’t let it beat you down. 8

There is no 7. 7

So yeah, if you’re in this crazy business of show, be kind to yourself. Don’t beat yourself up over the inevitable NOs. Think of them as a sailor thinks of the harshness of the sea. 9

The chop and the unfavorable winds, the storms that blow, the waves that threaten, these are all things we accept as part of the endless blue we so love. We can do our best to navigate them, but they will always be with us. 10

So I wish you all clear skies and calm seas. When the inevitable storm comes, steady hand on the wheel. The sea doesn’t hate you. You’re good enough. But the waves come for us all. Sail on. #TVWriting 12

And if you’re a fellow traveler and you’re taking on water, drop me a line. I’ll be happy to buy you a beer (real or electronic) and trade stories until you’re ready to face the storms again. #TVWriting 13

PS: There’s no 11 either if you’re keeping score. 11

“Robert, we feel like you’re leaning into the sea metaphor too much. Please lose or pull back. Also, FFS, learn to count.” -Someone in the biz reading this thread, probably