It's been an interesting couple of weeks with submissions.
White Gold is, via family favours, it's on its way to a producer of period drama & whoever else my fabulous 2nd cousin (twice removed) can think of. A fantastic writing buddy, Jane Eden (http://theagency.co.uk/the-clients/jane-eden/) has passed on Special Unit to a producer, Hayley McKenzie has sent SU to 2 prod co's, White Gold to another. Another Prod Co also has SU, while a contact from London Screenwriter Festival's #Pitchfest has read Special Unit and, though it's not for them, invited more tv ideas.
So... Traction! A small but growing database of production companies and producers who have opened the door on my scripts. The years of bashing my head on a brick wall has created a chink! 

This year I've taken a punt on the Beeb's writersroom, which I've 'nearly' won previously (apparently!), and I think I'll go for C4's scheme too later this month... plus the usual competitions for a bit of excitement, rather than expectation of work..

Re Agents... Interesting article here on the 'sellingyourscreenplay' website about getting an agent - yes, to try, but actually not to stress too much as they mightn't be a huge help! They certainly aren't able (or willing) to help until you're ready, which means of a standard where you can create and recreate solid work - and take criticisms. 
Still, I'm mining firstwriter.com presently, building up my database of contacts. I note the advice that even companies with a no-contact policy are worth a punt, so I'm in the process of refining my query letter/emails and sending out requests. Generally a weekend job for me, in the wee small hours when I should be fast asleep.
Also, Jane has also got me an intro with an agent so who knows!

So I'm not there, but my steps to date:

• Training, specifically 2Phils weekend, where I learnt loads and met some fabulous people..
• Raindance - evening classes, weekend classes & workshops ... where I met my talented writing partner, Delphine.
• London Screenwriter's Festival, which gave me education, encouragement and, best of all, Script Angel and many, many more writing friends. These friends who are helping me open doors, and I hope vice-versa
• Competitions (a handy list here)- to open doors and put a little something on my cv. I owe my IMDb profile to my Page Awards win
• Script Angel editorial / mentor services - did I already mention Hayley? I think so! And again below...
• AND hours and hours and hours and hours of writing.
  
• More hours of writing, every single day of the year

Ultimately, I'm truly blessed to be a natural optimist. The vast majority of the time, I genuinely believe that if you work hard enough, you can achieve anything. Still, there are slumps when I think "I'll never succeed, I'm rubbish" - which is where Hayley comes in. I've just finished a 6 month program with Hayley, but I restart in Jan to get my next tv series buff.
Hayley is a wonderful combination of gentle support, kick-arse critique and an adrenalin shot of positivity that I can fall back on to keep me going.
​Keep at it!

It's that time of year again. I ordered my ticket pretty much straight after the last LSF so I've had a year to prepare.
I've submitted to the Actor's Table Read... I don't fancy any of the script labs this year though... perhaps Euroscript when it opens, but mainly the speaker's session.
This will be my 3rd year... I'm open minded about a 4th because I feel a bit like there's only so many times you can hear about writer's 'breaks'. Will I learn anything new this year? My mentor, the utterly fabulous Hayley McKenzie has a slot this year, which will be great.

I'll get to see some buddies and meet new people, because it's 'All About Networking, Darling'. The organisers are lovely too, it remains really good value for money and it's been fantastic the last 2 years. 
I dunno, we'll see - watch this space! 

Meanwhile, I've finished another tv series (see Special Unit) and have a treatment for a 3rd so I'll have plenty to pitch at the Pitch Fest AND, in fairness, last year's Pitch attendees have responded to contacts and left the door open to submissions, which is true gold dust.