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uberinquisitive · 07-18-2008, 07:40 AM

I worked a cushy corporate job abroad. I quit in Jan. 2007. I didn't want to, but after my fiancé killed himself, I didn't want to stay in that country.

Within 10 days of his suicide, I moved thousands of miles back home. I lost all my money, my career, the life I had built. I was suicidal, in deep trauma and distress.

My family lovingly brought me back to life. They have provided me some financial support, and my cousin and her roommate allow me to stay on their couch for free.

The silver lining to this personal tragedy: by losing everything, I had nothing to lose. I had always dreamed of writing, but never saw it as a practical choice.

Well, I had no money in the bank, I was living on credit cards, and was in no mental state to work. I figured, "might as well write. I can't get any more poor."

It's been approx 1 year since I started my writing journey. However, all of 2007 and the beginnings of 2008 were spent in recovery. So, it's only been the past 5 months where I've really had enough mental space to truly pursue writing.

I. SCREENWRITING - CURRENT FOCUS

I've written 2 screenplays (first draft). I'm starting a 3rd screenplay and outlining a 4th screenplay. Not bad for 5 months.

The goal is to have 3 bomb-diggety, polished screenplays under my belt before November. Because in November, I'm pitching to 3 production companies (at an industry convention).

In between, there are a lot of screenwriting contests. There is a big one coming up on Sept. 2.

I'm also writing a 60-page TV script, in order to try and win some prestigious TV writing fellowship. The deadlines are July 25 and August 8 - obviously, I'm using these forums to procrastinate!

I should start marketing myself now as a new screenwriter, via a blog. The website is set up.

II. EROTIC STORIES

I also have started almost 20 erotic stories for my internet business (selling erotic e-books). However, they are not even midway finished.

I've put the internet business on hold while I focus on the screenwriting.

III. SHORT LITERARY FICTION

I somehow managed to also do some short story writing and enter a contest.

I'm also putting this on hiatus, although I have about 5 short stories (written during 2007) that I should be polishing and crafting.

----

Of course, I have A LOT of "I suck!" moments. I cry a lot. I have a lot of persisting personal problems and psychological trauma. I put a lot of pressure on myself.

And, I really do need to find a job in order to stay financially afloat. Sometimes, I'm really scared about the future.

But - I have my health, people who love me, and enough safety net so I never worry about starvation or homelessness. In the grand scheme of things, I'm damn lucky.

07-18-2008, 07:40 AM	#18 (permalink)
uberinquisitive Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Posts: 634	I worked a cushy corporate job abroad. I quit in Jan. 2007. I didn't want to, but after my fiancé killed himself, I didn't want to stay in that country. Within 10 days of his suicide, I moved thousands of miles back home. I lost all my money, my career, the life I had built. I was suicidal, in deep trauma and distress. My family lovingly brought me back to life. They have provided me some financial support, and my cousin and her roommate allow me to stay on their couch for free. The silver lining to this personal tragedy: by losing everything, I had nothing to lose. I had always dreamed of writing, but never saw it as a practical choice. Well, I had no money in the bank, I was living on credit cards, and was in no mental state to work. I figured, "might as well write. I can't get any more poor." It's been approx 1 year since I started my writing journey. However, all of 2007 and the beginnings of 2008 were spent in recovery. So, it's only been the past 5 months where I've really had enough mental space to truly pursue writing. I. SCREENWRITING - CURRENT FOCUS I've written 2 screenplays (first draft). I'm starting a 3rd screenplay and outlining a 4th screenplay. Not bad for 5 months. The goal is to have 3 bomb-diggety, polished screenplays under my belt before November. Because in November, I'm pitching to 3 production companies (at an industry convention). In between, there are a lot of screenwriting contests. There is a big one coming up on Sept. 2. I'm also writing a 60-page TV script, in order to try and win some prestigious TV writing fellowship. The deadlines are July 25 and August 8 - obviously, I'm using these forums to procrastinate! I should start marketing myself now as a new screenwriter, via a blog. The website is set up. II. EROTIC STORIES I also have started almost 20 erotic stories for my internet business (selling erotic e-books). However, they are not even midway finished. I've put the internet business on hold while I focus on the screenwriting. III. SHORT LITERARY FICTION I somehow managed to also do some short story writing and enter a contest. I'm also putting this on hiatus, although I have about 5 short stories (written during 2007) that I should be polishing and crafting. ---- Of course, I have A LOT of "I suck!" moments. I cry a lot. I have a lot of persisting personal problems and psychological trauma. I put a lot of pressure on myself. And, I really do need to find a job in order to stay financially afloat. Sometimes, I'm really scared about the future. But - I have my health, people who love me, and enough safety net so I never worry about starvation or homelessness. In the grand scheme of things, I'm damn lucky.