I joined the Writers' Forum way back in 2006. With one thing and another, and with real life getting in the way, my screenwriting always suffered. But now...

In May this year, I approached my 55th birthday and asked myself what I really wanted. I looked at the new job 'd just started (four days in as a sawyer), looked at my hands and I knew the time had come... To take some of the pension pot, hole up in my flat, write the screenplay that I'd been plotting for two years, and get it submitted.

FLEX is the result of that gamble. It's a 1 hour 50 minute screenplay based around the TT races. I can't write it any better than I have. It's ready for the annual submission to the BBC.

This is the big one for me. No more messing around. Second screenplay already started, but if this is my pinnacle, I'll be proud of what I've just achieved.

Thanks to everybody over the years for all the laughs and advice. Much appreciated. Daryl (MC)

Warmest congratulations, Daryl.  Right now, you've achieved something most people only dream of.  If it has legs, there's no knowing how far it can run.  But even if the luck isn't with you, you have the satisfaction of knowing it was the best work you're capable of, at least for now.  I wish you every success.  Whatever happens, keep writing.  It's your best life, and you've earned it.   

Thanks Jo. I've been a cinephile for decades. I can't do anything else now to make it better. The time to let it go is now. I have learned loads this time around. The second screenplay already runs at 105 pages (spot on for its genre) in the first draft. I feel alive right now. Maybe it's because the kids have all gone <3

Daryl, I wish you luck.  Because no matter how good it is luck does play a part.

As Jo said, you've done something most people only dream of.  You've finished writing something and sent it off.

Congratulations on that alone.  Now we can look forward to you telling us in time it has been accepted, and eventually screened as well.

Good man.

Gyppo

Quote from: Gyppo on October 27, 2023, 03:25:24 AMDaryl, I wish you luck.  Because no matter how good it is luck does play a part.

As Jo said, you've done something most people only dream of.  You've finished writing something and sent it off.

Congratulations on that alone.  Now we can look forward to you telling us in time it has been accepted, and eventually screened as well.

Good man.

Gyppo

I can't wait to come back and tell you the news either way. I'm a happy man either way.

Nice one Daryl, all the best.

Thanks, V

MC, that is simply awesome. I admire your tenacity and am a bit jealous of your courage. I wish you the best. May the writing gods be with you. I can't wait for the post that tells of the next good news.

Quote from: Spell Chick on November 08, 2023, 03:22:15 PMMC, that is simply awesome. I admire your tenacity and am a bit jealous of your courage. I wish you the best. May the writing gods be with you. I can't wait for the post that tells of the next good news.

I wouldn't call it courage. It's more a case of I no longer give a s**t. I'm not expecting to be picked, so anything is a bonus. The route forward is so woke, that I would have to be unbelievably diverse in so many way to fit in with what they are looking for. And then there's the writing.... Onwards and downwards :)

Quote from: Spell Chick on November 08, 2023, 03:22:15 PMMC, that is simply awesome. I admire your tenacity and am a bit jealous of your courage. I wish you the best. May the writing gods be with you. I can't wait for the post that tells of the next good news.

I will definitely report back with whatever happens next. The results may be of use to somebody here, even if not for me.

I should hear a 'yes' or 'no' by the end of this week.

Fingers crossed.  But if it's no (it won't be, but if) just think of all the great writers whose company that puts you in.

Fingers crossed here too.  Which makes it a bastard to type
but what the hell, it's in a good cause  ;-)

Gyppo

Thanks.
.
There is another screenplay to go. I've been very productive on my year off.

It was a NO at this time. But I'm undeterred. Most acceptances try 4-5 times. Felt a bit down for around 15 minutes, but soon perked up when I let all the facts settle in - 15 places up for grabs out of 4643.

A good learning curve. Onwards and upwards.

MC