They say the first step is admitting you have a problem. So here goes...

I'm afraid to show people my screenplays.

I've never been able to articulate why but I definitely avoid it at all costs. For the most part, I write for myself.  That's a fine theory but it also lends itself to procrastination. There's never a rush to finish a screenplay when you know it's destined to collect 'dust' on your hard drive.  (I rarely print out my screenplays)

About a year ago, I began questioning my dedication to the craft. I was still obsessed with screenwriting but I wrote more blog posts than script pages.  When I did write screenplays, they were usually shorts.

So I challenged myself to stop writing shorts and finish a new feature length script. I succeeded and never felt more passionate about screenwriting.  However, only a few close friends have read it to this day.

It was around that time I created The Screenwriting Spark.  A site built to inspire the aspiring.  While I hope it's inspired screenwriters who have discovered the resources there, I also managed to inspire myself in a big way.  I couldn't believe I actually questioned myself in the first place.  I love screenwriting.

As I began collecting resources, I rediscovered my love of STUDYING the art of screenwriting.   I started crafting original posts of my own and even began writing guest posts for ScreenCraft like: Is It Time To Show Someone Your Screenplay? 5 Ways To Know You're Ready

When I finished writing that post I realized, there are times I do not follow my own advice.  Look at it this way, if someone who has never written a screenplay asked you for advice, what would you say?  You wouldn't want to steer them down the wrong road would you?

• You would tell them to sit down and write as often as possible. Avoid procrastination at all costs.
• You would tell them to select every word carefully and develop every character & moment.
• You would tell them to be passionate and dedicate themselves to their story.
• You would tell them to write.
• You would tell them to study, learn & never stop improving.
• You would tell them to never stop writing.
• You would tell them to put themselves out there.
• You would tell them to write.

Now take a step back and ask yourself how many times you've procrastinated. Or finished a first draft which quickly became a final draft without any rewrites.   I'm afraid to show people my screenplays.  But since my interest reignited, I've been writing more every day.  I'm constantly reminding myself of the lost days I could have been writing.  Days I regret.

A new feature length screenplay idea emerged about 5 months ago.  This time, I intend to follow my own advice and show someone my work.  I can’t wait to create something I can be proud of. Something I believe in. Something entertaining. A story worth telling.

Jason McKinnon is a ScreenCraft guest contributor.  He is the creator of The Screenwriting Spark.