I know that in many ways I am very, very lucky. I have the time and space to write, I have written a novel, a play several short stories and poetry. Only the play has been entered into a competition and I haven't sent anything else off yet, not sure why. But my problem is I miss people!! I start each day job hunting and then think 'hang on, aren't you meant to be a writer!' I'm just not sure I can stand the isolation!! I have a good many friends, a husband and a good social life but it's the day-time when everyone else is busy in the real world that gets me. There! I feel better already - but it would be good to hear about other people's experiences.
I haven't time just now to read the other replies, so might repeat things that others have said. I think that if you have a social life evenings, you're doing alright. If you're writing and you're happy with what you write (everything relative), you're a lucky person. Consider the stock market broker, sitting in a little cubicle for hours every day, surrounded by hundreds of others. The occasional remark to a neighbouring worker. Lunch ordered in and eaten while on the phone. (I've never done this and never been anywhere near: I'm just going by the novels and films ;P). Which of you is more isolated? Would you care to change places? Would you LIKE an ulcer?
How about changing places with ME? 1000m up a mountain, with a total of 6 neighbours, most of whom are male chauvinist bachelors (sexist comments and jokes, etc., otherwise how can anybody be sure that they're "real" men?); no Internet or mains electricity; 1/2 km walk to fetch water; a minimum of 30 min. walk to the nearest place where you can leave a car (not that I've got one, but if we swap, you could bring yours); alternatively a 2-hour walk to the nearest village (with a local reputation for close-mindedness) - coming back home with the shopping takes longer, being uphill.
Mind you, I don't know whether I'd get on with your husband...
Thanks for those replies Lorraine Barbara and Victoria. Yes I am a sociable person I worked as a Careers Adviser for many years and loved meeting new people all day long and helping them, but it is absolutely right that one we get into a book the time flies as my characters keep me company!. Absolutely right as well that the ONLY way to write is to sit and write!! I am just coming out of longish period of recovery from having a knee replaced (horrid don't want to get the other one done!) and have been really low, couldn't read, couldn't concentrate on anything refuse to watch TV so have spent a LOT of time staring into space and hoping my friends would call me (trouble is they are all at work). Feeling really really happy that at last the brain fog is lifting, I can put my thoughts into some kind of order, I can hold the weight of a book in my hands again and I have just finished a short story. I am interested in writing non -fiction I have a Degree in Politics and current affairs interest me a lot especially politics so I am looking at where I might send some stuff off. Oh, and I'm going to go back to the local writing group meeting - I went to one ages ago but found it a bit un-interesting but these things often take time don't they? Anyway thanks again people xx
I can't write in public at all and need isolation for the task. I did stay at home for years as my kids were growing up and dealt with the isolation well enough, as long as I spent a few mornings a week doing something else out in the world with people.
In the end I had to find work, did so, and can't imagine ever stopping so I'm very much a part-time writer these days. (Oh look, an Oxford comma. I just answered another question saying I almost never use them and there one is!) I've returned to study because, as much as I love writing, I'm quite a divided soul and always need to be more than one thing to be happy. My new direction is a branch of healthcare which will have me meeting a new person every 30-40 minutes of the day, so completely the opposite of isolation. I'm hoping my hobby will compliment my day job (and vice versa) satisfying all my needs.