Hey Authors and Playwriters!
This morning I've read RB's blog post about how playing it safe wont get us to where we are trying to go.
I completely agree with this one. When I first started writing many years ago, I thought I would be creating the next best seller, be paid a squillion and spend my remaining days locked in my office creating memorable books publishers would froth over. That was my safe plan.
Did that happen? No. Not it did not.
However, the path it lead me on is so much more rewarding, exciting and the plot twists have lead me right here. I'm now grateful for every rejection and industry 'no' because it lead me to source information myself (interviewing authors and creatives on my own Youtube channel), create a valuable network of industry professionals across publishing and film, diversely creating different forms of publishable content (I now write picture books, chapter books, novels, screenplays and I write for a magazine) AND I am now a proud lounge moderator sharing what I know to this amazing community.
So I didn't get what I originally 'ordered from the brochure' and I've never been more grateful. Will I ever play it safe? HARD NO! Have you had a moment like this?
Check out the blog post for yourself and drop a comment:
https://www.stage32.com/blog/coffee-content-stop-playing-it-safe-taking-...
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I love this, Lauren Hackney. It’s such a great reminder that sometimes the most fulfilling creative paths are the ones we never planned for. I’ve had similar moments where what I thought was a “detour” ended up being the very thing that opened new doors. It’s amazing how saying yes to the unexpected can lead to growth, connection, and opportunities we couldn’t have imagined.
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Ashley Renee Smith wishing you more 'yes' in the future - however they may look!
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Hi! Unfortunately, I have nothing to boast about. I haven't achieved any success, and there haven't been any reevaluations. I'm just trying to survive in Russia, where the entire system forces people to engage in physical labor to make the rich and the oligarchs richer, rather than focusing on self-development and creativity.
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I’m starting to think I’ll never break into the film industry.
Even though I’ve received great feedback, the story keeps getting rejected — mostly because it would require a high budget to bring to life.
I think I’m slowly reaching that phase where I stop trying and just move on, without thinking about film anymore.
But maybe that is playing it safe?
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Arthur Charpentier I'm sorry it's challenging times for you - but I do appreciate you making some time to connect with this community and share what you have to say. I hope no matter what the circumstance, that you remain creative. If it's part of who you are then you need to feed that part of your soul. Thank you for always stopping by and commenting - I understand if it's tough some weeks.
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@sanna I think redefine what you think is success. My version of success is showing up when I'm shot down. Showing up and creating what I think is important when everyone else thinks it's garbage. I've made no money in this industry and my magazine gig pays minimum wage. It's not what I expected either. But I'm exactly like you - I've had no success in the film industry but I'm not stopping because I'm not advancing. I'm connecting with others like you and you never know where this both could take us #amiright?! Take a break and breathe - but don't quit. Quitting is permanent.
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Lauren Hackney Thank you for the good advice — maybe that will do me some good.
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@Lauren Hackney, Thank you so much for your words of support. I believe that only by going through difficulties can one gain valuable experience that helps in creativity. Unfortunately, life in Russia does not promote creativity for ordinary people.