Reader Question: What do you do if nobody responds to an idea you’re passionate about?

Question from @SabinaGiado:

What do you do if nobody responds to an idea you’re passionate about?

One reason, of course, is that the idea you’re in love with just isn’t that good. But let’s assume it is good and break down this question into its component parts.

Nobody: Does this mean most people or literally nobody? Like 100% of the people who have heard the idea or read the script did not respond favorably? If it is the former, I don’t think that would persuade me to stop. If, however, it was every single person, especially if they were part of my reader’s network, that would definitely give me pause.

Responds: Does this mean responds without enthusiasm or demonstrably in a negative fashion? If the former, that would leave me some wiggle room. Maybe it’s more of a matter of my execution, rather than the idea itself. If the latter, I would certainly listen to the specifics of the critique. You can’t make a script better unless you are willing to address its liabilities. Besides it’s best to handle the negatives before you send out the material to the town. But if the response is universally negative and in a substantive way down to the very story concept, that could be problematic.

Idea: Does this mean the actual story conceit or the overall story itself? If it’s the former, you are talking about something fundamental to the story. If that is what’s raising people’s hackles, it may be a tough slog to success. On the other hand, if by idea you are referring to the overall story, that opens up a whole host of possibilities with regard to what could be wrong with the project, many of which could be fixable.

Passionate: Does this mean passionate or PASSIONATE? Is it a story you really like or is it one you are absolutely head over heels in love with? You see it, you get it, you know in your gut it is a good story. If the latter, then nothing else I’ve written up to this point matters one whit. Despite the opposition, you must push forward. Hell, some of the greatest achievements in the arts have derived from creatives who have been rejected again and again and again. To wit, check this out:

Do you know who Mr. Hewson is? None other than this guy:

That’s Bono and the rejection letter was about his band called U2.

Here’s the thing: You can’t know in advance whether your idea or script will absolutely translate into aesthetic let alone commercial success. But Bono and U2 would never have become… you know… BONO AND U2!!! — unless they had a fundamental belief in themselves, no matter the odds.

So if you are honest with yourself… and you truly, utterly believe your idea is a great one, then — as I said — you have to follow it through to the end.

Remember: It only takes one set of eyeballs to see a story and go, “I like it” to change your life.

CAVEAT: If you’re the type of person who can both generate a lot of story ideas and stack projects, then while you are pushing your Quixotic idea “nobody responds to,” try to come up with stories that offer Hollywood the line of least resistance in terms of a possible purchase. That way, you’re working multiple angles.

How about you, readers? What advice do you have for Sabina? Have you had a similar experience, pursuing a story idea or project that seemingly nobody responded to? What did you do?

See you in comments!

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