I'm writing a screenplay based on a play by Shakespeare. I have tonnes of other ideas as well, including a documentary, television series, a novel, short stories, other ideas for mainstream scripts. A prof friend keeps bugging me to apply to a phd programme as I have a neat idea for a dissertation.
But the first project is the one I'm married to. I've given up a lot to pursue it. I left any chance of a career in the financial world and got a job as mailman so I can support this obsession. I've quit and passed on relationships as they interfere with my work. I'm too selfish right now. I don't go out as much anymore. I never wanted to do this. I fought it for so long.
I hardly see my friends as I spend most of my time alone working. Some days, it just sucks. It's like being in a relationship with yourself and all you want to do is get a divorce. Other days, it's exhilarating. I get a body rush when I finally figure out a scene. Drama's a fucking bitch. I spent four months this winter examining the ontological foundations of drama with regards to the stage compared to the screen. I now know I'm on the right course. At the time, I had no clue what I was doing. I was just staring at a wall all day, everyday. Sometimes the words that come out are just scribbled down puke. You just have to keep barfing it up until it comes out right.
Tribe has helped a lot though. It keeps the aloneness from turning into loneliness. I fuck around on here, see what works (and mostly) what doesn't. Who knew editors were so important? A good internet rant keeps you sane. My posts are much less now as my project grows.
It's like coming out when you say to people you want to be a writer. Some will cut you down. They always ask the same question, "So,... how many pages have you written?" But I've found lots of encouragement along the way. You find other people on the same path or friends of people who know somebody who's done it. I met a composer at work who gave a great piece of advise,
"Never, ever tell people what your project is about until it's finished or else your idea loses it's power."