Turning “No” into “Yes”

Received this email from writer Janna Gummo yesterday:

Hi Scott,

I just wanted to send you a little note of appreciation.

I just finished writing my first feature script.

I have to admit I was certain you were going to pick me to Go on the Quest with you and I was a touch heartbroken you didn’t.

It has been at least four months since I read the logline I sent you and when I re-read it, I knew in a heartbeat why you didn’t pick me. Even though my idea and concept was solid and I knew that. Everytime I speak it, I know the concept and idea is solid.

Thank you for NOT choosing me. I really do mean that as a compliment.

I committed to myself that I was going to write it anyways without you, be one of the few that writes it and sells it etc. etc. and then I procrastinated and waited and then a dear friend basically told me to get my ass in gear or he was going to write the script for me.

That moved me.

I suddenly out of fear of it being taken away I began to write a story I had outlined for 18–24 months. The story whose logline I was so sure you were going to pick. The story I wanted so desperately to tell but felt I needed someone to hold my hand through it.

I have to tell you. Even though the dialogue is crap and I know I need to rewrite the story.
It’s magic to know that it is done.

Your NO, gave me the courage to figure out that:

YES, I can do this on my own.
That YES, the screenwriting certificate I’ve already earned IS enough to start and that
YES, I do need to brush up on my logline skills.

You empowered me in a way that I didn’t think was possible. And I am so so so grateful for that.

I still would love to learn from you.
I still would love for you to read my work and provide insights. etc.etc.etc.
I think that any writer worth their salt would want that.

But your No, taught me that my ability to write comes from me (and God, I digress this is not about religion) and not from me needing to be validated, taught or handheld through the process.

So from the bottom of my little writer heart.

THANK YOU!

I did it!

All my best,
Janna Gummo

Congratulations, Janna! And what a great object lesson as the ability to turn a “No” into a “Yes” is an invaluable skill-set for writers. Let’s face it: Each of us will confront hundreds of “No’s” in our professional life. We must learn how to cope with those experiences. My basic advice: Give yourself 24 hours to be as bummed out as you need to be, then start in on a project. This is basically what Janna did.

Janna follows me primarily through Twitter, clicking to the blog when she sees items of particular interest. I asked if she had used Go On Your Own Quest as a structure within which to write this draft. She said no, she did it on her own, although she did read the daily GOYOQ tips.

Hey, whatever I can do here to help writers to write — and hopefully write better — that makes me happy.

It occurs to me some of the folks who have participated in the Go On Your Own Quest initiative might be finishing up their first drafts. If so, please drop me an email with a report. I’ll certainly consider posting your comments on the blog.

Again congrats to Janna!

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