#126 Your First Isn't Your Worst

People that have made it and Hollywood like to occasionally tell you that the first story you create is your worse.  There is even an old saying that the first screenplay that you make belongs in a trunk somewhere, while you work on something new and better.

I don't buy it and neither should you. If someone said the greatest way to get to the water below, was to dive from a bridge, would you believe them?  Sure it may appear to make sense, but when you think about it, does it really make sense?  Why can't your first be amongst your best?
Whenever there is a rule or saying in the professional field, you should question it.

Why does it exist?  Why do people say it?  Does it apply to me?

You have to think for yourself and be willing to turn traditional convention on it's m*****f***ing head.  Nobody can truly say that your first screenplay is a P.O.S, until that story has proven to be unliked and unsellable, and ultimately that is decided by the two most important forces out there

...Those that produce/publish...

...and those that buy (consumers)...

Your first story may not be your best, but it cannot statistically be your worst.  If it is bad, then you need to spend as much time polishing it, until it shines so bright you can see it from space.  Don't accept that the rules of creative fiction that only serve to limit your perspective always apply.  Sure, there are some that do, but it is really a person-by-person, case-by-case scenario.

I mean really.  How stupid is it that your first story is only bad, because it is your first?  It may not have the polish or technique that comes from experience, but then again that isn't the what defines a good story.