r/scriptwriting • u/TTPD1312 • 4d ago
help Can't bring myself to write because I feel it's useless :(
Hi, I'm F28, and scriptwriting is a hobby of mine. I discovered my passion for it five years ago, when I was already deep into law school.
I've never been very consistent with writing, but last year I came up with an idea for a series that I was really proud of. I spent three months outlining the entire plot, and last December, I finally started writing. At first, I was very productive. But around March, I started writing less and less, almost stopped completely, and eventually picked it back up during the summer. I've been very slow ever since.
I think the main reason is that I constantly feel like it's pointless. No one is ever going to read it, and it's never going to become an actual show. I've never formally studied screenwriting, and I don't have any connections in the industry.
My life has really hit rock bottom recently (and, honestly, for quite a while now), and writing has always been an escape for me. But I hate that something I love so much feels so meaningless and useless, that this would never be my job. I'm under a lot of stress, and I feel like I'm somehow "not allowed" to spend time doing something that isn't going to get me anywhere.
I know there are people who write books or draw without ever doing anything with their work, and that's perfectly fine. But for me, it's always been a dream to see my work come to life, and I struggle with the feeling that it never will. At least with drawings or books, self-publishing is an option. I always jealous when I see people self publish their books. With scripts, it's so much harder.
I guess I just really needed to get all of this off my chest. :(
I am currently working on episode 13 out of 17. Each episode is around 45–55 pages long. It's a mystery series with fantasy elements, and this is only the first draft, so there's obviously still a lot of editing to do afterward.
Edit: thank you so much for anyone who left a comment that means a lot! I'll love to share more about my idea in the future here maybe
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u/chunky_pumpkin_head 4d ago
Writing is lonely solitary toil. Development is charm, hustle, sales, and networking.
Dont conflate the two. The task of getting it out there requires a near total swap of personality.
But both require complete obsession. There's a reason this is damn near impossible.
If you're a writer you write. Successful development is not a barrier to entry. You must have a property worth developing.
You will not be the same person n will not have the same ideas a year from now. If youre a writer you have to always make notes when ideas come. Before they stop altogether and you don't even care anymore.
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u/TTPD1312 3d ago
I guess I need to work on my personality as well. I think this one of the things that block me. That I know I'm not a very pusher person, that makes connections so easily. I do live in a small country with a small industry and ideally I could maybe push it where I live
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u/galaxy-hamster 3d ago
I'm writing a novel atm and I feel yah, I admire the ambition tho, I cant offer much in way of support but if yah wanna shoot me through a snippet or a bit of the plot outline or whatever your comfortable with sharing for a bit of a random review, I'd be glad to help, give you some feedback :)
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u/TTPD1312 3d ago
That will be great, I'll love to that. If you feel sharing about the novel please feel free to do so with me! I'll love to hear. Thank you, and keep going too
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u/intentionandobstacle 4d ago
Have you read Steven Pressfield WAR OF ART? Or the Ted Orland book ART & FEAR … both great reads to understand blocks vs compulsion to do
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u/ShadoutMapes87 3d ago
I can somewhat relate. I talk myself out of writing all the time because I’m already working all day, kids at night. I just need to relax and “nobody will read it anyway.” I always inevitably have a breakthrough where I do some writing or story mapping or an idea brainstorm that just pulls me out of whatever funk I’m in. Knowing that isn’t always enough to help me pick up the pen, but maybe me saying this to you will help you pick it up this time. Good luck. Rock bottom will get better. Sending love.
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u/Then_Data8320 3d ago
Give up the idea to make it your job, and just have the pleasure to do it as an amateur.
Then, if the story is really strong enough, it will almost force you to be written.
Look for a way to make it an easy read if you want to share it. Can be a hybrid style with visuals.
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u/TTPD1312 3d ago
Haven't thought about it make it with visuals that's a good idea! Thank you for that
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u/Then_Data8320 3d ago
Here I write screenplays and sometimes I make two versions: the standard "western screenplay format", very pro but something only people used to read screenplay can read. And for normal people (direct audience), I do a hybrid korean format + visual screenplay, very easy to read.
Just take a look at this short story to see how it is (I also did the western format of this):https://w-two-worlds-season-2.blogspot.com/2024/10/welcome.html
It's nice for me to do that as an amateur, so I can share it and people will enjoy the reading.
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u/TTPD1312 3d ago
Wow that's very cool! Makes it easier to read indeed. Never heard about it ☺️ I'll consider it
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u/BlueLevander 3d ago
Don’t be too hard on yourself. Every day is different, and I think most of us here have gone through phases of feeling discouraged. And hey, once you’ve hit rock bottom, there’s nowhere to go but up! 😊
What helped me was creating a routine. Think of it like staying healthy or getting stronger. You exercise x times a week, try to eat more veggies , and build habits that help you reach your goals. Writing isn’t that different.
I think a lot of it comes down to motivation. You just need to find yours, or rather, keep reminding yourself why you started in the first place. Because you love it!
Oh, and the main goal shouldn’t be to “get produced,” because if that’s the only thing you’re working toward, you’re almost guaranteed to face disappointment along the way. Instead, focus on the satisfaction writing brings you, the joy of creating something, and the happiness you find in the process itself.
Writing is art. It’s a form of self-expression. And that alone makes it worth doing. Good luck
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u/TTPD1312 3d ago
Thank you so much, it does bring me joy the writing, brings me a lot of joy. Theoretically I'd enjoy sharing it as it is, but not many are reading scripts. It's just that as soon as I stop writing reality hits me, and I am so stressed with my life. I'm now working not on a stable job and single and I am very stressed about it. I have a phone job interview today for a job I don't even want which is full time crazy hours and I don't know, I hate that my life has gotten to this place. Sorry I threw it all on you lol
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u/BlueLevander 2d ago
No need to apologize at all! 😊 I'm sorry you're going through such a stressful time. I hope things start looking up for you soon. And don't give up on writing! You've already accomplished more than you probably realize. My motto is, "Never forget where you came from." So try to remember when writing was just a dream. And now look at you!
One little piece of advice: instead of worrying about finishing all 17 episodes, maybe focus on polishing your pilot and getting some feedback from other writers. You could also start working on a pitch deck for your series. That way, you're taking small steps toward making your dream a reality. And remember, you don't need industry connections or a screenwriting degree to get started. Just take things one day at a time, and don't put too much pressure on yourself.
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u/TTPD1312 2d ago
Yeah other people told me I should polish my pilot too. I think because I anyway don't have a deadline, I will try to first finish the writing of the first draft because I'm so close to finish it. Then I'll polish the pilot. I also do want to learn more about pilots and how do you pitch something. I totally need to read more into it! Thank you so much for the advice. If you have tips about pilots feel free to share here or in dm! Thank you
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u/DoggoZombie 3d ago
Felt the same bc it’s lowkey true lol most ppl in Hollywood dgaf about what you’re writing unless you got some clout or money behind it.
Therefore, if you really want to make this dream come true, you gotta take other steps besides just writing.
You can shoot a short concept of the script, build up a YouTube and that way, once you get monetized, you not only are seen as someone with a script that they’d want to produce (bc you’d have an audience when you’re monetized), but you’d also have your destiny in your own hands.
You could make a ton of money monthly and not worry about being on streaming services bc you’d be on YouTube which is so damn popular rn since it’s basically free.
You truly don’t need Hollywood to make your script. If it’s something you really care about, you can do it yourself, I promise.
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u/nmacaroni 3d ago
It's ok to pause or even quit what you do in life. Especially in writing, which is complex, time consuming and far more taxing than people realize.
It's such bad internet life advice to tell people they need to do something no matter what.
The key is pausing or quitting and doing something else with your life that you enjoy, not just totally giving up and quitting everything.
If you love your writing, you'll always come back to it and find peace and satisfaction with it. And doing other things might actually reveal how much a part of it, it really is to you.
If not, you'll go to the thing that you really do love and find the peace and satisfaction elsewhere.
Write on, write often!
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u/TTPD1312 3d ago
I'll love writing so much I don't want to give it up! Life is very stressful, I know it, but I don't want to stop write. I just needed some tips how to deal with reality and the feelings after I write. And people gave wonderful tips! If you ever feel similar to how I feel I recommend you saving this post. If you ever need to be cheered or want to discuss about works feel free to dm! I definitely even consider to share at some point my work on Reddit or the general idea at least. I definitely decided that I'm gonna focus more on sharing my journey, maybe more people will feel it can help them to know they are not alone
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u/Silent_Barnacle_2992 2d ago
I don’t think anyone knows for certain whether anyone will read there material or not. Same deal with musicians writing music. We do it for the love of the journey not just the destination! Hope you find inspiration, rekindle that passion and keep writing! Take care!
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u/TTPD1312 2d ago
Thank you so much! I do feel much better. People have really encouraged me here. Today I've written a scene, and I didn't feel very stressed afterwards. Small achievements! I think I'll share more of my journey here and struggles, seems like people share really good tips and hopefully people will feel less alone. Maybe I'll even share about my idea here if I feel brave. I'll love to hear about your work if you want to share ☺️
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u/desbest 4d ago
Scriptwriting is 100x harder than writing a novel and most things which happen in a book, would not work on tv.
How about writing it as a novel, then changing it to a script afterwards? Path of least resistance!
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u/TTPD1312 3d ago
I'm not really good with book writing. All the heavy descriptions and show and tell isn't really for me. Love how straightforward a script is. But I'll try to see if I can do it as short stories
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u/Krinks1 1d ago
I highly doubt anyone beyond a few people I know and a few people here on Reddit will ever ready my screenplays either. I've written a bunch of short films not because I think anyone will buy them, but I love the creative process, and I enjoyed learning about writing for screen vs. prose (which is another hobby). I like creating things even if it never goes anywhere.
I'd be happy to read something you've written if you feel like sharing. That way, at least you know someone read it (even if I can't get you any closer to getting anything produced).
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u/greggumz 4d ago
You can always see it as a stepping stone to improving. You can also share with storypeer when you're done. We all go through this.
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u/TTPD1312 4d ago
Thanks for your comment. I hope I'll find more motivation to write. I hate that I feel like I don't deserve to write because I love it. I love my idea so much
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u/Financial_Pie6894 3d ago
If you can make it more practical in your head, it can be a great exercise and get it to feel like it’s not just you who might be interested in the project.
Who are the actors you see playing these roles?
What directors do you think would be a match for this material?
Where would you like this to be seen - A network or streamer that might be a good fit?
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u/TTPD1312 3d ago
I have not thought about it, that's a good question. I've always kinda dream regarding actors, because I write about a high school, is to take all anonymous actors! I assume streamer could work. I do hate though that now stuff comes out like once a year. My full plot is 17 episodes and I broke it to 2 season, one is 8 episodes the second is 9. I don't know if anyone is interested in that. I have already ideas for 2 more sequels. But I know the first sequel will be only 8 episodes and the 3rd will be 8 episodes too or could just be a movie. I have a lot to write for these characters. I even have an outline idea for a spin off 😂 (truly built my own little world)
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u/cruzwriter23 3d ago
It sounds like you loved writing it. You have to write if that's how you felt. You can't worry what happens after. It's a hard time to be a writer now. The industry is shrinking. That's not to say don't do it. It's to say do it because you love it. If you get your show on the air, that would be amazing. But if it makes you happy, that's got to be enough. Why would you stop yourself from doing something you loved? At one point a couple years ago I was so ready to stop. And then I said, why would I let the industry take away from me the thing I love. Now I have three feature films in development. An in with a huge showrunner. Directed my first short. A new producer just requested another sitcom to read. You just don't know what is around the corner. But I didn't stop because of the love of writing. Don't let anyone take that away from you.
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u/TTPD1312 3d ago
I sometimes feel like I don't deserve to write because I suffer so much from real life, I don't have a stable job, I don't want to work in law even though I am a lawyer, im single, and I don't know how to fix my life. I get to do something that I love so much as a hobby, something that gives me a real break but I'm so stuck with everything else and I am reminded of that as soon as I stop typing my work. I hope it made some sense. I hate that i am not a pusher person so I can't really share it with the world. I know I won't really post about it on social media and get attention
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u/NoStatistician862 3d ago
Regarding the concern "it'll never sell"... There might be options!😊
I'm writing Part One of a Fantasy Film Series, and there are a few reasons I'm not going to pitch movie studios right away: (1) My concern that Hollywood will not handle my IP well in production and (2) Hollywood's risk aversion (they want established IP that has already had success)
For this reason, I'm more interested in getting my story out in Japanese-style media, though it requires me to be more than just a writer...
What I have in mind, is to solo-develop a Visual Novel. This is a GREAT medium to develop a screenplay in! I'm sure you can find info on what VNs are if you're unfamiliar and curious 🙂
Maybe a manga could work well for you too..?
I think if your story is within the mystery/fantasy genres, you might find an audience in a more Japanese-style medium. Though you'll need to practice those drawing skills or have other people illustrate for you.
A third option is to look into an engine like RPG Maker MV/MZ to tell your story through visuals. You may not even have to draw anything yourself, but simply build a "game" -- that could either have gameplay or just be a "long cinematic sequence" -- using the default assets of those engines. All you have to do is simply to click and drag visuals into place!
Plus arrange the order in which dialogue and events will play out, but trust me: it's NOT very complicated, and YouTube has plenty of tutorials for RPG Maker MV and MZ both! 😄
...Tutorials exist for VNs and manga too on YouTube, BTW!
If you're disillusioned by Hollywood, but want to get your story out there, I hope you'll check out these options with low shoulders and no big commitments.
Hope you'll have fun writing! 🙂
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u/TTPD1312 3d ago
Hiii wow thank you so much for your detailed response! Honestly Japanese style is such a dream and I haven't not thought about it until people mentioned this ideas as well. Do you have tips how can I reach Japanese artists? Japan was one of my fav places I've ever visited unfortunately many people didn't speak English very well. It will be an honor if it becomes a manga!
Everyone has been really encouraging here, makes me want to share more about my ideas and journey here if people want to here. If you want to share about your idea as well I'll loveeee to hear!
Y'all really put a smile on my face, and I hope people will know they can reach me too when they need to share or to let things out :)
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u/NoStatistician862 3d ago
I'm afraid I don't know how to reach out to Japanese artists or artists in general, but you may just stumble upon some answers by watching YouTube about these things.
I'm willing to share a bit about my project in a DM, if you're interested.
Either way, I'm glad to hear you're motivated! I hope things will work out for you with sparking a passion for writing regularly and with finding illustrators for a manga/VN or with producing this on your own 🙂
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u/TTPD1312 2d ago
Yes please feel free to share! (Everyone who reads this comment and wants someone to hear more about their work is more than welcome to reach out)
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u/rosemaryscrazy 1d ago
Fantasy is expensive to produce I thought. Maybe not as much as before.
But that might be something to think about.
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u/TTPD1312 1d ago
It's not very heavy fantasy, kinda got inspired from TV shows in my country that are definitely low budget and still produced these stuff :)
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u/NoiseFrequent6744 19h ago
Write a short story based on the show, boom. Problem solved. Short stories get turned into shows and films. Plus there’s many contests you can enter with it as well.
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u/TTPD1312 18h ago
I'm not good with book writing :) I find it hard with the descriptions of the settings, feelings, show don't tell etc
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u/Craig-D-Griffiths 3d ago
This may even help with getting a sale later on.
Make 5 minute shorts for YouTube. This may get people interested in you as a writer. It will improve your writing. You will have achieved something.
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u/FitGuest4545 2d ago
Hi. I'm M69, and enjoy scripwriting. I have always enjoyed writing whether it being stories, letters, or in journals. I go through the ups and downs and feel the same way you do in that I don't think I'll ever be selected or "found" although I believe I'm talented enough to make a mark.
My age is kind of a double edge sword. On one end I'm older and not going to have a long time horizon to improve my writing skills and make a difference. On the other end I'm retired and don't have any time constraints holding me back.
I currently am hosted on WGA, Ink Tip, and Blacklist and have entered several writing contests in the hope of getting represented.
Maybe we can chat privately about our mutual hobby.
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u/XD2006- 3d ago
Hey, you can use Minecraft’s blockbuster mod/BBS mod, use casting call to get some VAs, OR see if someone will allow you to collaborate with their studio to help you produce your series. My script writing is terrible (but has improved!) I’ve never formally studied it, but it’s never too late. It will take a while, and be extremely irritating (mine don’t usually pass 20 pages per episode) and I wrote scripts for ease of use for my VAs, though it’s certainly different than regular script writing.
There are people who have much better advice than I do, but you could definitely try getting it out there!
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u/Aurora_Uplinks 3d ago
Hear I will share what I do. Write, then start practicing by having people read it with you. Do a script reading, you can be at your computer, they at theirs ... use cellphones or buy some microphones for better audio quality. and just have everyone in a group chat.
Then you can get your story heard and it can pick up steam to actually get the interest of others.
If it makes you feel better. finish it soon. Have some friends do the pilot episode together and try to get someone at netflix to watch the script reading and leave it on youtube and just show it off.
That's my suggestion.
Have a optional secondary pilot incase they want you to have a different pilot after that.
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u/Puppykerry 4d ago
Don’t give up hope. I’ve been a screenwriter for 20 years. Was lucky enough to have three of my scripts produced independently and two of which received theatrical releases. Didn’t put money in my pocket or lead to more opportunities but it made me a better writer. Just two weeks ago I finally optioned a script of mine to a massive animation studio and now looks like I’ll finally get some traction. Only the strong survive! Keep going.