Breaking In

As the start of another week looms, how about a little dose of optimism? Here's a list of one-time Hollywood outsiders who hit gold their first (or almost their first) time out, penning passion projects that jumpstarted enduring careers:

1. Michael Arndt, Little Miss Sunshine
2. Sylvester Stallone, Rocky
3. Matt Damon & Ben Affleck, Good Will Hunting
4. Nia Vardalos, My Big Fat Greek Wedding
5. Ed Burns, The Brothers McMullen
6. Jon Favreau, Swingers
7. Billy Bob Thornton, Sling Blade
8. James Cameron, The Terminator
9. Zac Braff, Garden State
10. Diablo Cody, Juno
11. Tyler Marceca, The Disciple Program
12. Shane Black, Lethal Weapon

That's just a partial list. It proves that it can be done, so stay positive and keep writing.