The most important thing is that you could declare yourself by selling the first script (even if the film turned out to be not so successful). You managed to enter the industry so it is a victory. My congratulations! )

«I decided if people are going to get paid for lackluster horror films, it might as well be me» — I agree.) Watching bad but commercially successful movies gives you a great inspiration to write something better. Also watching bad movies is an excellent lesson of how not to write/shot. Sometimes an analysis of a bad film could give you more experience than watching a good one.))

Thanks for your post — it is both inspirational and realistic.