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Perseverance is a hallmark of creative individuals. No matter what field of endeavor, the creative personality is relentless in pursuit of his or her personal vision. Screenwriting calls upon such dedication to the task at hand. Scripts unfinished cannot be marketed. Writers devoted to craft go the distance from initial concept through countless drafts. You cannot succeed without such single-mindedness.
Yet it's equally important in the creative process to occasionally know when to let go. When it's productive to abandon a project and move forward to something more fruitful. What are some reasons for letting go?
Perhaps you have a strong concept-but at some point in the process, you determine that you don't yet have the life experience and/or craft to master the subject. This is sometimes the case with a young writer. It doesn't mean your effort is wasted, however. Most writers have projects filed away that, for whatever the reason, they felt the subject got the best of them.
Returning to such a work after two to three years or more can prove enlightening. Writing problems that seemed insurmountable no longer appear so daunting. New insights appear quickly. And now, with greater command of craft or more insight into human nature, the project is worth resurrecting.
Another reason to let go is completely practical. Suppose you learn another writer is at work on a topic or concept similar to yours? Perhaps it's already well along in the development process. (This is especially relevant in the bio-pic or "inspired by a true story" genres.) Yes-you can forge ahead. But perhaps it's wise to put that script aside. Work on another idea while waiting to see if the project in development ever makes it to the screen. If not, then at some point, it might make sense to return to the subject.
Can you see where this is going? Successful writers are more than "one script wonders." They have multiple concepts in various stages of completion. So if-for whatever the reason-you determine the time is not ripe for a specific story, there's plenty of others begging for your attention.
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