Why do you write? Page 2

I like the creative process of it. I regret that I didn't start sooner, spending as I did, my younger years trying to be a musician.

Don't know about others but I always really enjoy completing something and after that it's on to the next thing, with the previous thing having to sink or swim on its own merits.

It would be great to make a living out of writing (not in a JK Rowling way although that would obviously be fab) - just enough to get by on really.

However as SlagA says, I too feel compelled to write and even when I'm pissed off I find that putting something down gives solace and usually gives me a much needed lift.

I have to admit I'm writing for success. I'm already an entertainment journalist, so does that mean writing is my forte? Most of the time I hate the writing proccess, but like others, I feel compelled to write, and have done so for many years. I wrote my first screenplay when I was 13. At the time it was just a fun thing to do, but now I crave the success and I don't intend on giving up until I get it - however long it takes.

The biggest problem for me is my lack of confidence, and it's only being told by certain people that I definitely "have the ability" that I've managed to keep going.

Is anyone else on the same rollercoaster me?

I think I can write comedy ...I don't think I can write comedy ... I'm feeling really confident ... I'm feeling totally unconfident ... I'm sure I'm improving ... I'm sure I'm shite ... something good's going to happen ... nothing good's EVER going to happen ...I'm going to be a success ... I'm going to be a failure.

I feel sick, but I still don't want to get off this ride.

I sometimes think things would be a whole lot easier with a writing partner. It must be great to be able to sit down together and make each other laugh. At least that way you know you've got something. Anyone who's in a partnership want to dispel that myth?

Writing is my outlet and my only considerable talent other than shadow puppetry, but I am not going to make money doing that am I? If Doc Brown and Marty told me I'd never make it in the writing business, I'd force them to take me Back To The Future (had to get the film title in) so I could take all the best sitcoms and write them myself in advance.

Quote: Rustle T Davis @ July 22, 2007, 11:28 AM

I sometimes think things would be a whole lot easier with a writing partner. It must be great to be able to sit down together and make each other laugh. At least that way you know you've got something. Anyone who's in a partnership want to dispel that myth?

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I've often wandered what it would be like to have a writing partner. That's part of the reason I'm always signing up for the team writing projects on this site such as the devil's blurb. After saying that, my main goal is to make it by myself. There's a great feeling when you've accomplished something and it's all your own work.

I would always like too write because it's the not knowing that keeps me going... I look at some of my mates and their whole life seems mapped out... if i knew what my life was going to be like i'd bloody well freak out... writing helps the way I think about the future... the unexpectedness of it all... the challenge of not knowing when...how or even if i'll make it... if i could see my life all worked out then to me it seems not worth while doing anything... it's just one long and winding road... without any explanation and that's why i do it... if i wanted ease and security and a ready made plan i'd have become another forgoten statistic...living to survive on a monthly wage...two point three kids and a dog named Raffels...and a mortgage paid at the end of my life... so there... writing for me is about the not knowing... and the challenge

Does anyone else think the lifestyle is appealing then?

The whole - not working 9-5 doing something boring and being able to sit about in your pants writing and then drinking coffee with other creatives?

Can anyone here truthfully say the thought of having to work for the rest of your lives, as opposed to writing, is appealing? Is anyone in the mindset of 'I'm going to write for a living!' or do you have a (sensible?) part of your brain going 'You'll probably work in a bank, like your dad'?

The lifestyle is precisely what I like the idea of. I blame it on reading blogs of people who write full time. They're like students really. But 40 years old.
Excellent.

Quote: zooo @ July 22, 2007, 5:18 PM

The lifestyle is precisely what I like the idea of. I blame it on reading blogs of people who write full time. They're like students really. But 40 years old.
Excellent.

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That's spot on.

Actually, good thread idea - perhaps someone could sticky up a thread of writer's blog for us to read, I like looking at those.

Maybe someone more important on here could start one?

Basically what Martin said... I don't get how people do it for fun, I know Charley does it for fun and I have to admit I write down jokes that I could probably never use but I would still like to see it going somewhere.

Quote: paul watson @ July 22, 2007, 6:03 PM

Basically what Martin said... I don't get how people do it for fun, I know Charley does it for fun and I have to admit I write down jokes that I could probably never use but I would still like to see it going somewhere.

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Yeah, I agree. I love writing, but having been set on a career in writing for years now, I can't even contemplate doing something else.

Also, I play the piano for fun and know that I will never get anywhere musically - because deep down I know that I will never be as good as the likes of Ben Folds or Mike Barson (a nice contrast) but with writing I feel I could be as good or go as far as the people I look up to.

I don't think that's big-headed, and I don't think people should be scared of saying 'Yes, I want to write for the telly, and yes I think I will'.

One day I'll read something I've written and think it's great - the next I can read the same thing and think it's crap.

It's basically confidence and encouragement.

I don't necessary want to make millions - just survive doing what I like doing but at the moment I've got massive debts to clear and have to do my writing in my spare time!

Team or partnership work helps to stop you procrastinating. It's not just your writing at stake so it does help to encourage each other.

I like writing full time but boy do you get down when the rejection letters come... it hits you a million times more when writing is all you have... I admit i like the idea of not working but i also miss out on a lot of stuff... mainly all the new electronic gadgets and being able to go on holiday... it is also very lonely writing by myself... it may seem a nice idea not working a 9--5 but you don't interact with people and ideas are harder to come by... but i like it on whole and would'nt go back to England and become something i'd regret in later life... if you can mix both work and writing together and don't feel that one is being let down then that is brill... but always remember that one day you will get there because if you don't then what's the point...unless you do actually write for an expression of who you are and enjoy the hobby side of it... so write how you wanna and how much you wanna... because everyones thoughts and perceptions aint the same

Just imagine that maybe you won't be a success in your lifetime but in future you may be studied in English GCSE's.

The ideas come and I have to get 'em down. That simple. Good thread.

Quote: Seefacts @ July 22, 2007, 5:22 PM

That's spot on.

Actually, good thread idea - perhaps someone could sticky up a thread of writer's blog for us to read, I like looking at those.

Maybe someone more important on here could start one?

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Richard Herring's blog is really good, he doesn't always talk about writing, and he's mainly a stand-up, but he is currently writing a sitcom for Channel 4 so it's quite useful and also very funny. www.richardherring.com/warmingup

Quote: earman2009 @ July 22, 2007, 12:44 PM

I've often wandered what it would be like to have a writing partner. That's part of the reason I'm always signing up for the team writing projects on this site such as the devil's blurb. After saying that, my main goal is to make it by myself. There's a great feeling when you've accomplished something and it's all your own work.

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I write with someone else and it's great because you can push each other to your best. Whereas when I use to write on my own I didn't notice my mistakes as much, but when you are both going over it you can see each others mistakes. Plus brainstorming is much easier.