You finish a screenplay after months—maybe years.

You’ve done your best. Your family members pat you on the back. Your friends are impressed. For a moment, you believe it.

Then you show it to people who actually do this for a living.

Oh my…

Comments include: “The second act drags.” “I didn’t feel the stakes.” “We’ve seen this a lot before.” “The script needs a lot of work.”

Or worse: “Thanks for sharing.”

Let’s be honest—feedback can rattle you. It can hurt. Not just the script… you.

Here’s the truth: This is where most writers stop. Not because they can’t write— because they can’t absorb the criticism. Hobbies are not supposed to include criticism.

What I’ve learned:

• Feedback is about what’s missing, not what’s written.
• The best comments are the ones that sting.
• Not all comments matter—but some matter a lot.
• If it’s a hobby for you, then you are not truly in the ‘business.’

Every script I’ve written—Homegrown, Dutch Treat, The Cayuga Pact, Wolf Trap—has gone through this. None of them were truly finished when I thought they were. Rewrites, more rewrites and engaged ($$$) script doctors necessarilybecome part of the process.

Finishing is an accomplishment. Rewriting is the profession. Getting a movie produced is the business.

And if you’re someone who responds to topical, grounded, character-driven stories, I’m continuing to develop Homegrown and always open to a thoughtful conversation – pitch deck available…

— Tim