In this episode of Take 10 with Craig, International Screenwriters' Association founder Craig James breaks down how to use screenwriting contests the smart way, not just as entries, but as tools for growth, feedback, and industry awareness.

Craig explains how ISA Connect's free contest waivers work, why deadlines can actually help you finish stronger drafts, and how contest results reveal whether your script is truly connecting with its first audience: the industry. Quarterfinals, semifinals, notes, rewrites—every outcome tells you something valuable if you know how to read the signals.

Drawing from his own experience submitting under a pen name for years, Craig shares why rewriting is the real work of screenwriting, how to evaluate feedback without losing your voice, and what it takes to push a script toward that elusive goal: becoming undeniable.

If you're a writer trying to understand where your work stands—and how to move it forward—this episode offers practical guidance, encouragement, and an honest look at the long game of storytelling.