33 years old. ESL. Nearing 10 years of NEETdom. I have recently latched onto the idea of writing a novel and downloaded a bunch of style guides, poetry books and philosophical books. Here's the thing, I am questioning my motivation. There's a part of me that wants to do this in order to make sense of my wasted life. The reasoning being "All my years of suffering would've been worth it if it leads me to write at least a decent novel". All my friends are in tech and have climbed the corporate ladder. This would at least set me apart from. It doesn't feel like a fully passionate reason to get into writing. Am I wearing my time? Should I pick up a different thing to focus on ? Or can This be a worthwhile hobby to pursue?Some people have told me to spend time on something that could help me get a job but I can't think of anything that would feel meaningful to me (also tbf I am not really in a position to be picky). Like I don't know if I can genuinely enjoy coding(this is often the most recommended) or some shit at this age.
>>25247110have you tried writing a few short stories first?>downloaded a bunch of style guides, poetry books and philosophical bookseach good novel you read will be worth ten style guides
>>25247113I haven't written any short stories. I wrote an erotica which I deleted out of shame. This is a recent obsession.
Going to sleep. Just saying this so that anons won't get offended if I don't respond immediately.
>>25247110>I am questioning my motivation You really just need to start writing. Let the style guides et al. come later when you have a concrete idea of what you want to write about. You firstly need to just build the habit of writing.
>>25247110Same here.
>>25247110Just try it, man. My first attempt at a novel got published. Maybe yours will, too. But know this: You need to pay attention to the small details. Don't be lazy with your writing. And as for your hopes of setting yourself apart from your friends with this: Don't hang your hat on that. Your friends will care a little bit, but it won't change how they view you much at all. It only impresses the new people you meet.
>>25248224Thanks man. Maybe I'll slowly pick it up.
>>25247110Bump.
>>25247110being delusional for something like this is subjectiveyou would only qualify as delusional if you start this and then very quickly find yourself unmotivated, lacking real progress, but keep telling yourself (and wasting time) that you'll get it doneyou should still try to get a regular job or skill too, if you're a NEET then you're going to have hours to spare. You aren't going to productively spend 14 hours a day working on a novel. It just isn't going to happen. Put a few hours towards exercise and basic self-care and trying to get a part time job.
>>25247144It's a slow board, threads are live until they fall off the catalog. You don't need to apologize>>25248224>My first attempt at a novel got published.Would love to hear more about this >>25247110You're being delusional but all great things started in delusion. It's worth pursuing. Worst-case scenario you've written a novel. Start with short stories, ditch the style guides, and read lots and lots of high-quality literature, the closer to contemporary the better. I'm rooting for you anon, I'm 27 and in a similar scenario
>>25249693you can use AI now, just set it to the editor you want. just dont have it write prose, only critique it
Get a part time job assuming you aren't in the USA
>>25249444>I'm rooting for you anon, I'm 27 and in a similar scenarioThanks man I appreciate it.>>25249964>>25249432I am a thirdie. Part times jobs won't even cover my travel costs. Looking for something that can earn a decent income.
>>25247110Write a short story and post it in this thread OP. It doesn't even have to be goodIf you can't do that you might as well just give up writing
>>25250481How long should be a short story?
>>25250481O.K I'll write a small story. If you read this thread again, promise me you'll give your thoughts on it
>>25250615Not that long, even a few paragraphs will suffice. What's important is getting into the motion of writing. It is one thing to think about writing, and another thing entirely to write. It is in execution of an idea where one moves from the fluid infinitude of possibility to the limitations of actuality. When a story, song, idea, image, etc. is taken from possibility and pushed into actuality, it gains concreteness, a reality that can be achieved no other way.>>25251484I will OP, if the thread is still up
I have a similar life to you op, im a neet hikkimori with schizophrenia. I used to wanted to be a painter, i would draw and paint, then that got tiring and cost a lot to buy supplies with what me being a poor fag.So around my mid 20s i decided to self study poetry. I am now 35 and have hundreds of poems in a file on my computer. I dont know what exactly do you want, you want fame and money? then quit, art isnt for you. You know even the most famous poets had day jobs, ts ellliott worked at a bank if i recall.You want to make art because you have the art in you and it has to get out, not because you think youll become rich or famous or youll show those friends you arent a loser.even if you somehow accomplish your art, you will be competing with better artists, and tv, and the internet, and video games, etcYou have to want to do this because it fucking hurts you on the inside not to get it out of you
