Write a New Screenplay, As Martin Eden Waits for Discovery?

Jack London's Martin Eden, the screenplay, is still waiting for an option, representation from a connected film or television producer, agent or literary manager. I'm guessing the best scenario for a screenplay writer would be to have a producer, who was interested in developing the project contact the writer directly and offer an option deal. At least, it seems to me, that you would cut out much of the middle-man complication. Though even with the agent/manager scenario, at least you would have somebody, who's presumably connected to the insiders who is actively working to showcase your material.

I feel good about my screenplay, Martin Eden.  I am confident that it will sell one day.  Maybe this year, or maybe a few years down the road, but I have no doubt in its value, which is a nice place to be for a writer. I've never had second thoughts about my work.  I have faith in my work and know it is a great story that was adapted in a way that does engage readers and would make a wonderful and thoughtful film or television movie, given fair treatment.  I think the fact that Martin Eden placed so prominently in 4 international screenwriting competitions is testament enough to that end.

So I will wait patiently, much like both London and Eden. I will continue to market my work, blog about it, and enter it into other competitions in an effort to gain more exposure, readership and to keep my resume current.  I have entered Martin Eden in the CWA (Creative World Awards) Screenplay competition. Those results will begin posting the week of August 11, and hopefully I will have another good, and more recent placement or award under my belt to leverage.

In the mean time, I am giving serious thought to beginning a new screenplay project.  A college professor, from a University in Kansas, who'd been shopping for a writer had recently come across my profile on LinkedIn and contacted me last week.  He said he was impressed with my profile and that he's been looking for somebody to write a story that's been swimming around in his head for some time.  It sounds as though he had actually had a New York Times' bestselling author lined up to write a book on his concept, but it later fell through, due to publisher's concern for the writer's readership, by deviating out of their normal genre of work.

The ball is now in my court. I can call this man, listen to his ideas, and decide on a course.  It might be a good exercise for me, and will get me back in the saddle of screenwriting.  While at the same time, I will be creating something new to add to my credit, while Martin Eden waits for the time to sail...