How LondonSWF changed my life and career and why I am coming all the way from Australia again by Sally Pitts

I was fresh off the boat from Australia, when I came across the London Screenwriters’ Festival.

It was already 97% sold out. I didn’t have a job yet and with the Aussie dollar being a bit meh I was a little apprehensive about spending the dough…

BUT, this is what I’d come to London for – writing opportunities.

I’d finished my screenwriting course and moved to the other side of the pond, naively thinking I could work part-time and write part-time. Hahaha, well if I wanted to eat, I’d have to work full-time in London. Anyway I digress (as I tend to do).

I took a chance. I bought a ticket. And boy, am I glad I did!

My first LSF was so amazing. Apart from the incredible array of sessions during the festival, the chance to jump in and pitch plus the networking opportunities, I met writers who remain my close friends today. We support each other through our writing journeys- the set backs and the triumphs.

After the festival I was truly inspired. I’d started my writing journey in the UK.

In 2014 I attended the festival again. This time I wanted to focus more on the business aspects. I’d managed to get into a writing routine but I wasn’t putting myself ‘out there.’

However what I didn’t understand was that I was struggling with the notion that I could actually be a writer. The fact that I was writing already made me a writer (even though I wasn’t being paid). Side note- if you write consistently, you’re a writer. Getting paid doesn’t make you a writer.

Then I had a soul shaking epiphany during one of Chris’ sessions- I realised I’d listened to so many people tell me over the years I wasn’t good enough – that I believed them.

I was the one holding myself back – I didn’t think I could ever truly be a writer! This moment completely changed how I saw my dreams and what I was capable of.

Obviously the session didn’t cure my feelings of inadequacy completely. But I’ve learnt to jump in and feel the fear anyway!

Because at the end of the day there will always be critics. ALWAYS.

But the truly important thing is that if you want to write, you will. And you will want to write consistently. However if you don’t want to write almost every day, I really believe you should question if you want to write at all. Because it shouldn’t be a chore – it may not always be easy, but it should never be begrudged.

Writing should enrich your life.

Writing sure enhanced my life in the UK – it helped me through my bouts of homesickness, enabled me to share my crazy travel stories and allowed me to really begin to find my voice in this world.

I’ve since returned home (after the Queen kicked me out). And I’ve continued on my writer’s path – learning, reading, watching, submitting for grants and festivals, working with my wonderful mentor Hayley McKenzie and most importantly – WRITING.

Inch by inch I see myself progress as a writer, whether it’s through successful funding applications, making finals in writing comps or just when I show writing buddies my latest work.

However it’s not all sunshine and rainbows…

Until recently I thought I’d ‘make it’ when I got something produced. Which would mean that I couldn’t be happy until that time. So with every rejection I felt my heart break a little more. I questioned if I still wanted to be a writer. Could I continue if I never made it?

Of course I could. Did I think I was the only one who had ever been rejected!?

So I changed my mindset – I didn’t continue writing to prove myself. I continued writing for the pure joy I get from it. I continued because there’s absolutely nothing else I’d rather spend my life doing.

I made a professional commitment after LSF 2014. That I’d act like I was already a writer. Because you know what – I am. And this year when 2016 LSF rolls around I have no idea what I’ll learn.

But I do know that I’m super excited to return for more – MORE pitching, MORE sessions, MORE networking, MORE FUN.

As I type this article I can’t help but smile. I look at how far I’ve come in just a couple of years and I know my writing journey would’ve been so different if I hadn’t taken that chance and bought that golden ticket back in 2013.

It reminds me to always take a chance. Always.

Sally Pitts
Screenwriter

Sally studied acting at the Actors Workshop in Brisbane in 2004/05 where she graduated with an Advanced Diploma of Film, TV and Theatre. With an early passion for wanting to see females portrayed on screen in more diverse roles she started writing short films for herself to act in. This led to the creation of 4 short films, which have screened at various festivals. She decided to concentrate her energy on writing and studied at RMIT, graduating in 2012 with an Advanced Diploma of Professional Screenwriting. Since then she has traveled, worked in the UK for 2 years and continued to pursue her writing career.