The Chinese restaurant script got the standard “Just isn’t what I’m looking for” response from a producer.
Years of experience has taught me how to properly respond to this kind of situation.
“Well, that sucks. Okay. Moving on.”
Thus the struggle continues to gain a new foothold on this constant uphill climb. But I’m in it for the long haul.
Sure, it’s frustrating to get yet another “no” about a script, but getting upset about it won’t do me any good.
And what better way to get over it than by working on something else with the intent of making this one that much better? And there are plenty of something elses to keep me occupied.
A revamping of the outline of an older script continues, with pleasantly productive results (along with some phenomenal feedback on the logline). More insightful notes have come in for the comedy spec. Setting up a few more get-to-know-you meetings with other local writers*.
(*A meeting last week with one writer about her current project resulted in me being able to offer up some suggestions to another writer feeling frustrated about his. He, in turn, felt very encouraged with a renewed sense of hope, and was excited about some possible new avenues to try. I’m just happy to help.)
Hearing “thanks, but no thanks” still stings, but only for the briefest of moments. It’s taken a very long time for me to get to this point.
A few months ago, all that pressure I’d been putting on myself just went away. And I’m a lot better for it now.
And patient.
Success will happen when it happens.
But having it happen sooner rather than later would still be much appreciated.
Maximum Z 
I know you know this but it never hurts to hear it again. Sometimes it isn’t about the quality of the material at all but whether or not it clicks for the reader. In my current fundraising campaign, my biggest contributor told me that he connected with the story on so many levels that he felt compelled to get involved. When someone reads your Chinese restaurant script (which I know is good since I read it) or any other script of yours and they have that same level of connection–that’s when you make progress. It’s no better than the copy you sent the last reader but this time it fell into the right set of hands.
You need to move on. Not with the script but with who sees it.
At least that’s how I see it.
Thanks! Believe me, I have definitely moved on.
Your article explains beautifully why writers love the original “Rocky” movie.
you may quote me
“Been working a deal for two years only to find it fell apart. There’s no business often in show business, it’s a lot of hurry up and wait. That’s why I stay busy doing other things. That, and I don’t want to starve. As a WGA agent, I can’t charge for my time. So the ‘ouch’ for me, which I then have to pass on to my clients, bites royal.”
Barbara “Babz” Bitela, President SILVER BITELA AGENCY IMDb: https://pro-labs.imdb.com/company/co0300895
Agency access: Babzbuzz on facebook https://www.facebook.com/pages/BabzBuzz/193469337341492 916.723-2794
A sad but true fact of trying to get published . But your encouragement even further to me.
I keep hearing from people that you have to be willing to accept rejection, something which I will keep in mind as I start my marketing campaign and as I start querying.
Rejection is prevalent in this business. We all go through a lot of it before achieving success. Good luck!