Screenwriting : How many of you do this full-time? by Evelyne Gauthier

I have filled "screenwriter" as my full-time occupation/job on my tax forms for just one year.

I wish I could say this was a full-time job. With a family and full-time job and other obligations, I use any free moment to work at my craft. It can be a struggle, because I feel I'm letting the creative part of my brain down.

James Welday, I can certainly relate.

Screenwriting is my main job now, although it's morphed more into filmmaking as a whole. My actual time writing is probably something like two months a year while everything else is producer stuff.

The more practiced and confident you become at it, the faster you can turn around a production ready script that will attract valuable talent.

I'm "lucky" in that I don't have many other distractions and the freedom to work 80hr weeks but then I made the decision to live lean and make compromises in other areas of my life.

I was also freelancing from home in a different industry when I was spec writing and trying to break in. As I moved onto assignments, I phased the old work out.

The jump is a scary one though and it's wise to have a backup plan and keep screenwriting as a side gig until you're sure it's sustainable.

Just recently moved to fulltime but I had to take a couple of years to get all debt paid off and build savings first. If you can’t do it yet, just work toward it and be patient. Also when I doubt my decision, I search and noticed there’s lots of parttime remote positions advertised these days. Giving myself 12 months first. Hang in there, form a plan!

Adam, yeah... finding the balance is not easy. It's a constant struggle. I also schedule some time for creative work and some time just to relax. I nearly went through a burn-out by writing several novels in a short amount of time. So I don't want to go through that again. Julia, I have to admit I'm not sure if I would want to write full time, because when it becomes your only livelihood, it can cause of certain pressure and can take the fun out of creating. I think my ideal scenario would be 50% writing and 50% work. Maybe one day... CJ, yeah, even though I have published several novels and know a few basics about storytelling, I'm still learning about screenwriting, and it's a long process for now. I suppose that my next scripts won't take as much time. Thanks for all tour answers. I really appreciate it. :)

Cara, yes, our choices can certainly have a cost. Since I have a family (1 spouse & 2 kids), my choices impact everyone, so let's just say I cannot take this lightly. ;) But I will just keep going, and I don't plan on giving up soon. ;)

I am full-time with two toddlers, and even without other work commitments I struggle to find time for my writing. I'm also a person who is always prioritizing others and has a hard time asking for help and prioritizing myself. You're right, it's exhausting. But if I don't put in the work I'm not going to find success! It's a hard balance to strike.

I only write 2-4 hours per day with Sundays as a make-up day, although I'm implementing a monthly weekend write-athon 'cause sometimes I just need the blinders. Having a regular time of day helps, having an accountability group helps, having someone asking to read your script helps a TON! There's a book I've been using to help guide my smaller portions of time: The Coffee Break Screenwriter: Writing Your Script 10 Minutes at a Time. It's a great way to feel the impact of those small victories on the way to completing your project.

A few years back, I retired (twice) from a high stress cooperate career in a non film environment. Time spent in the film world really was my 'vacation' time. I took up serious writing as 'just something to do' but it has grown and morphed into production, directing and teaching. Film has become all.

Barry... very funny! :D Jenny, oooh... I can certainly understand that. When I had my kids, I practically stopped writing for 5-6 years. Back then, with lack of sleep and energy, my brain was like mush. I was also prioritizing others too much. It's not easy, but the kids will grow up. :) Keep going, it will pay off eventually. Karen, wow, nice schedule! Having someone asking to read your script certainly helps a lot! I have another support group every Saturday evening, and it helps so much! I try to take a little time every evening if possible. I wasted too much time already in the last years. Doug, being retired must give much more time, right? James, good luck to you. :)

I am currently managing a data team in the intelligence realm. I write because it is the thing that I enjoy more than anything else.

Yes it makes some cash. But I would do it for free, as most of us do.

Full time/Double time. 8-10 hours a day on others' projects, 8-10 hours a day on mine.

Writing full time is just another job...uve got bosses, deadlines, stresses and underpayment...many writers moonlight as well...the real magic comes from aside...I'd reckon having a writing as a side interest probably helped me through all these years in the full time occupation's jungle...

I have a full time day job as a project manager, the skills carry over when I do film something though, so that's nice at least

We know a writer/playwright who's won an Emmy, Obie & Tony awards, and he still teaches part time at a university. It's a flexible job paying 6-figure annual salary, free tuition for his kids, and healthcare. Peace of mind steady income when you got a family and monthly mortgage bills.

@James LOL I write as often as possible, the purge for me is a momentary respite and there's always more shit around the corner.

I have a full-time job and my own small business, plus chasing my twins around the house and homeschool. I basically write at 4 am or midnight.

I don't feel so alone anymore. :D Thank you so much, everyone! I was really wondering...

@Amara - when are you making THAT into a film?! LOL Seriously, add one compelling inciting incident, and you've got yourself a winner script right there, pulled from your current struggle. Not a sermon, just a thought ;-)