We had the good fortune of connecting with Brian Ruberry and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Brian, what habits do you feel helped you succeed?
Perseverance. It took me 40 years to sell a script. Basically, 40 years of rejection. But every rejection was motivation to prove them wrong. The majority of writers face years of rejection. The ones who succeed are not necessarily the most talented, but the ones who keep going in the face of diversity.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
Screenwriting is an incredibly competitive business, particularly if you don’t live in LA (like me!). But all it takes is one person who believes in you. So the trick is to survive the 50 people who tell you “no” until you find the one person to say “yes.”

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I live in Maryland just outside of Washington, DC. I love hiking with friends on the Billy Goat Trail along the C&O Canal near Great Falls Park. Lots of scrambling over rocks with breathtaking views of the Potomac River. It’s hard to believe you’re less than 10 miles outside Washington. Afterwards, we’d go to the Irish Inn at Glen Echo for a pint and to hear live Irish music. Or we’d stop by the beer garden at Old Angler’s Inn – pricey to dine in but the beer garden outdoors is super casual (lots of hikers) with moderately-priced hot dogs and hamburgers on the bbq.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My wife, Helen, never doubted me. Even when I cut back on my 9-5 job to focus on writing, she supported me.

Instagram: brianruberry

Linkedin: Brian Ruberry

Twitter: @bruberry

Image Credits
For movie posters, credit Reel One Entertainment

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