Thank God I'm old and retired. I write purely to write...SURE, absolutely, yes, yes, yes, I could use extra income but I can make do by continuing to live frugally. Writing can be hell - you described the hellishness beautifully - but I can't remember not wanting to be a writer. Meanwhile, when I'm not working with the Muse, I spend as much time as possible reading/clapping for other writers; I want to help THEM earn.