Fellow hopeful, maybe even sucessfull  writers,

I realise I am years away from making any kind of living from writing, though I am passionate.  Right now I'm working on a few scripts and 1 terrible novel! But yet I still write away most of my afternoons.  I guess what I'm asking is, should I continue to spend a lot of my time on this pipe-dream of becoming a writer; or focus on my mediocre day-job and spend my time looking for a girlfriend with cataracts bad enough to fall for me?

Any, or no opinion on this would be hugely appreciated.  Thanks.

Very funny.  

Seriously, however, if you have to write, you have to write and no one is going to sway your opinion any other way.

I've probably written everyday for over 30 years. No matter if it's screenwriting, journal writing, scribbling in your favorite notebook....it is just an outlet for me.

Do you become nostalgic...mesmerized...when you walk into Staples of Office max and walk down the notebook or paper isle? I do.....perhaps I'm weird...

But did you know writing enhances executive brain functioning, it can help us heal emotionally and physically(there are noted studies), it builds self confidence, offers opportunities for exploration, writing accesses a part of your brain that we don't always use....the list goes on and on...but for me...to write is to live.

So, you are never wasting time writing or dreaming. What would we become without dreams? Not a pretty site! My advice to you--

--WRITE ON....and don't quit dreaming! Anything can happen! And if it doesn't, you will still have benefitted so greatly from the journey it will be worth it!

:) PY

Until last year I had never written anything, other than business reports etc I can't imagine a life without it now.

However, whether it is a replacement for a job, a salary etc is a different matter. Everyone will have their own strategy and history is littered with improvised genius' but, for me, a sense of realism keeps me feel calmer.

I think with me, it was always watching these movies and saying"Holy crap, this fucking sucks! I could write a script ten times better than this!" But when I did, it sucked ten times more than 'that'. But it really did become fun and I enjoy writing a lot because it's something nearly anyone can do, so my advice is keep on writing! Maybe you'll write a killer script and share some of your fame with me? ::)

Writing for me, first and foremost, is about the personal rewards.
I put ideas on the page because they help me in some way keep on.
And sharing an entertaining story with a nice message makes me feel good.
If something I create makes someone feel good, that works for me. :D

That being said, you can't totally subjugate your personal life to write on spec.
Maintain your survival and your connection to the world that inspires your writing.
Find out why YOU need to write and integrate into the other important things.

SS is a great resource if you contribute right back with active members.
It gives you what you put in. Good luck!

Keep writing and rewriting!

Regards,
E.D.

I write be pause it's pretty much all I've got. There are certainly worse pursuits to spend your time on, though...

Quoted from pale yellow Do you become nostalgic...mesmerized...when you walk into Staples or Office max and walk down the notebook or paper isle?

YES!!  I thought I was the only one.  I even get excited in Wal-greens' or Family Dollar's crappy aisle.  Every time I buy a notebook, it feels like Christmas.  I can't wait to fill it up.

And yes, I'm weird, too.

Quoted from rc1107 YES!!  I thought I was the only one.  I even get excited in Wal-greens' or Family Dollar's crappy aisle.  Every time I buy a notebook, it feels like Christmas.  I can't wait to fill it up. And yes, I'm weird, too.

Glad I'm not alone! :) I love a new notebook. I have so many around here it's crazy. All colors...all sizes...and favorite pens! I have two magic pens! :)

My advice, keep at it. I mean why not? It doesn't matter if what you write ever gets to the big screen. Your still creating something, art. And that will last for a very, very long time.

P.S. hi def cameras exist now that enable almost anyone to make a motion picture quality film you can make yourself. Folks here do it quite often.

I think some people write in the hope they sometime 'make it'.  Personally I'm of the opinion, write if you enjoy it and if that 'phone call' comes, it's a bonus.  My advice then is, if you're passionate about writing, keep doing it but don't be too upset if your only fans are us at Simplyscripts lol.

Quoted from DaleTrett Fellow hopeful, maybe even sucessfull  writers, I realise I am years away from making any kind of living from writing, though I am passionate.  Right now I'm working on a few scripts and 1 terrible novel! But yet I still write away most of my afternoons.  I guess what I'm asking is, should I continue to spend a lot of my time on this pipe-dream of becoming a writer; or focus on my mediocre day-job and spend my time looking for a girlfriend with cataracts bad enough to fall for me? Any, or no opinion on this would be hugely appreciated.  Thanks.

dude, do you enjoy the dream? if you enjoy being able to dream of success, then it's worth it man - in my opinion.

even the dream of a california beach house and the income to enjoy it, even that's something. you give up on the writing, are you giving up on the dream?

The way I see it, if you love writing, keep at it. There is no way I'd ever give it up, whether I choose it as a career, or not. Writing gives me something to look forward to, each day. Without it, I'm just an average person leading an average life.

If you love doing something, why stop? You don't have to pursue a career with it, but you don't have to give up on it either.

Just my 2 cents.

Dan

i wish i had that problem..... i spend more time staring at a blank white page....

Write for you, not because you want to make it big someday.  You can make time for girls, work, and writing.  You don't have to choose.  But if you write simply because you want to be successful, and not because you love it, I doubt you'll ever be very good.

Luckily, it looks like you love writing.  So why don't you keep doing it and living life?  You can have both. :D

I stared at a blank screen for YEARS, not kidding. I blamed work.  My job requires me to be away from home for months at a time and I never got past the blank screen.

I was to concerned with everything being perfect before I pressed a key. Then one day I wrote something. My biggest problem was that I cared to much about trying to make a name for myself, but when you let go of your ego, creativity will never leave your side.

Thank you for your replies.  Some funny, some inspirational.  

I wouldn't say it was about 'making it', I'm worried that I'll be stuck in a career for the rest of my pathetic life that I don't enjoy!  I couldn't think of anything worse!

You're all right.  I should write to enjoy it.  It doesn't matter if anyone sees what I do or not.

Thank yo all!  Keep up all the amazing writing!!

Quoted from oJOHNNYoNUTSo I stared at a blank screen for YEARS, not kidding. I blamed work.  My job requires me to be away from home for months at a time and I never got past the blank screen. I was to concerned with everything being perfect before I pressed a key. Then one day I wrote something. My biggest problem was that I cared to much about trying to make a name for myself, but when you let go of your ego, creativity will never leave your side.

i only have my own lack of originality/creativity to blame. finding a good story that has meaning....and then being able to execute it with my limited writing ability... that is where i struggle. i dont worry too much about perfection.....only because when it comes to writing i still dont even know what i dont know. i leave perfection to the professionals. i just do the best i can and try to learn as i go.

Quoted from DaleTrett spend my time looking for a girlfriend with cataracts bad enough to fall for me?

Hey Daletrett, maybe you should be writing comedy's !!!!

My motto that I write by is :-

          STRIVE FOR PERFECTION, AND ACHIEVE FAME.
          STRIVE FOR FAME AND ACHIEVE NOTHING.

This is my own quote and it means a lot to me, write for yourself and aim to be the best writer that you can be, If you keep trying to improve yourself and have a passion then the rest will follow.

As you mentioned you are passionate about it, so keep doing it part time and fund the hobby with your day job.

Regards Alex

I was a bright kid. The kind of kid that people thought would rise above the crowd. My dream was to be Prime Minister. Went to school, got two university degrees.

Well, then life got in the way. One thing leads to another and I have a monotonous job that someone right out of high school could do. Eff this.

I just want to have an achievement. Selling a screenplay would do it for me. I think I've got what it takes. Might take a while, but I'm game. Don't need millions, but to be able to go back to the reunion and say, "yeah, sold a screenplay." Would mean the kid who had so much promise early on, didn't totally fall in the crapper.

Quoted from pmailhot I just want to have an achievement. Selling a screenplay would do it for me. I think I've got what it takes. Might take a while, but I'm game. Don't need millions, but to be able to go back to the reunion and say, "yeah, sold a screenplay." Would mean the kid who had so much promise early on, didn't totally fall in the crapper.

Hey Paul,

I know how you feel.
Told myself I'll go back for a reunion if I can make it good here in town.
But as fas as they're concerned, I'm a twenty year question mark! LOL

Regards,
E.D.

Quoted from pmailhot I just want to have an achievement. Selling a screenplay would do it for me. I think I've got what it takes. Might take a while, but I'm game. Don't need millions, but to be able to go back to the reunion and say, "yeah, sold a screenplay." Would mean the kid who had so much promise early on, didn't totally fall in the crapper.

Hell. Yes. :D I am SO with you there Paul.

If you are a creative type, you need to create.  It doesn't matter how successful you are, if you are not creating you won't be happy. However being broke, and in a bad relationship won't make you a better writer, just a bitter one.  

Good luck

RJ

Quoted from rjbrown7 However being broke, and in a bad relationship won't make you a better writer, just a bitter one.

How true!!!!!