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.
We are social animals and need to meet and talk with other people. Isolation is that thing some of us need for a bit of balance. Might as well do some writing or the eyes can get a bit starey.
Dining table, laptop, sorted.
I once wrote some ideas down in my small handbag-notebook in a café when on my own (better that than the eyes thing). Suddenly the waiting staff started to be strangely pleasant, and watched me from the serving counter. I think they thought I was a food inspector. Writing between mouthfuls is a bit silly.
We're all different - I like to write in silence, in my own space at the top of the house, and I don't mind my own company. After all, you're never really alone as a writer - think of your cast list!
I know of an American author who goes every day to her local coffee shop and writes there for hours. That wouldn't work for me. I don't drink coffee, for one thing.
Other people write with the TV on, or music playing.
Is writing what you really want to do, or is it a dream you've outgrown? Could you be a part-time author? If you long for social input, and you don't get it, that is going to show itself in your writing.
I think you feel left out. Everyone else can talk about what they did at the office or wherever, and who said what at lunch; it all sounds so much more interesting than staying at home scribbling into the silence, doesn't it? What's more, they're earning their own money, and regularly. These days, that counts for something in its own right.
Until you are published, there's no glamour; you're just someone who stays at home and writes. Win the Booker, and you're the famous prize-winning author of a unique piece of work. Well, without the staying at home to write part, you aren't going to get to the Booker part.
Maybe you don't want to?
Have you tried writing non--fiction - articles for magazines, letters, anything to get your name in print? That way you'd have something to contribute to the conversation beyond 'Yes, I'm still on Chapter 10.' You'd be able to say, 'Did you see my article in XYZ mag?' There's more to writing than fiction.
Instead of looking for work, change your own work. Try other things. Challenge yourself. Do your research and find an outlet that suits you, and go for it. What have you got to lose?
Good luck!
Lorraine