My two bits on the struggle, not directed at you, but the industry — certain writers are convinced that they’re doing the hardest thing in the world, to the point where they equate it with some honorable deed, like curing cancer, or circum-navigating the globe when we thought the world was flat.

I’d equate my writing experience more to going to a barber to get some blood drained — a sharp poke and then dizziness, stumbling away to hopefully feel better, lol.

“Avoid the World of Warcraft. Seriously though, the best piece of advice I can think of this early in my career would be perseverance and to hone your craft. If you don’t have relatives or friends in this industry, as I didn’t, it’s a very difficult industry to break into. First and foremost, hone your craft. There’s not a waiter or postal clerk in Los Angeles who isn’t writing a screenplay. Everyone thinks they can, but the truth of the matter is, it’s an art. As such, you need to train, educate yourself, read psychology, and devote your life to telling stories. But that doesn’t guarantee you success. That’s where the perseverance comes in. You are going to hear a thousand “No’s” on your way up. Take them in stride, but don’t give up. It only takes one “yes”. You have to be like Rocky Balboa. In his pictures, he’s not the best fighter. He’s not the strongest. But his heart and ability to take hits and not give up is what gets him through it all. And you are going to take hits. Just don’t go down. To paraphrase Joseph Campbell, follow your bliss, and you’ll find yourself on a track of life that seemed to be there the entire time. Fortune cookie advice maybe, but it’s what got me this far.’ By John Todd, Award Winning Screenwriter

Does the three Ps apply?

Parent’s money!
Pot of gold from grand parents!
Partying with the right crowd and marrying an agent!!!!!!!