Interesting question.
I wouldn’t write a screenplay – I would write a ‘memoir’ of sorts to share my life experiences with my children and grandchildren. However, one of the life lessons I would pass along I have learned from screenwriting -- the three Ps.

Persistence.

Persistence.

Persistence.

Keep Writing!

What I write now. Isn't that the point, to always be working on something you want to write?

Of course, I'd quit my job and write full-time (and then some).

Scott,
Just saw your comment on my Dangerous Screenwriter blog, thank you for checking it out & I'm glad you think there's some value there for other aspiring writers. I take my career aspirations very seriously and want to share any insights I have with other up & comers in the hopes we all can help each other navigate this crazy, ridiculous, yet rewarding-beyond-all-measure maze!
Write on,
Alain Dominic
Dangerous Screenwriter; Space Monkey.

What would I write?

Crikey, scary question. I'd probably focus on that next novel.

It's something to ponder, I must say.

Deep question and a touch unnerving. (Great story about Burgess by the way.) There are a lot of novels I would like to write, but I don't think they would necessarily be commercially viable, and so I keep telling myself I will work on them after I get something of a more commercial nature published. But after this post about Burgess and the previous one on Chuck Palahniuk, I'm beginning to wonder if I shouldn't write the stuff I really want to write, and not the stuff I think I have a better chance of selling.

not to be a downer, but once the giant certainty of your own oblivion is blinking in your face merely getting through the day is an epic achievement. the game instantly changes. tinkering w/ your spec script loses its immediate meaning

If I only had one year...I wouldn't write at all. I mean, as much as I love writing, I would feel as though there wouldn't be as though there would be a point, even if it was just for my sake.

If I knew I had one year left, I would drop out of school and spend time with my family, and ask that they use the money set aside for my college tuition to let me travel.

And if I knew I only had one year left, I would petition Damon Lindelof and Carlton Cue, on my dying breath, to let me know how Lost ends, because I wouldn't be there to see it...and because they are the reasons why I decided to write in the first place.

If I only had a year to write, I'd FINISH the story I'm working on now. IF that was done, I THINK I'd try to adapt the epic fantasy novel I wrote '95 - 2002 into a two part script. What I'm writing now lends itself VERY NICELY to doing just that.

If I had a year to life I would try to spend more time with my brother, his wife and their little baby boy, Brycen. I would do everyting in my power to make sure that Brycen was set up for good things in his life, as my brother works in a Fred Myer deli, and his wife is a cashier at a gass station that's being bought-out.

If I only had a year to live I think I'd sing more too. I'd play more praise and worship music, and get in touch with God more. THAT'S what really matter. 'Cuz this life isn't all there is, one day or one year. Where do you plan on being once this life ends?

Deep end of pool question.

- E.C. Henry from Bonney Lake, WA

Great post Scott. Burgess taught my mother - and she always told us this story..

Like Nicholas, I probably wouldn't write at all - well maybe not until the last week...