It’s hard doing this work. There’s little reward for it, much sorrow, overdue bills, but the freedom afforded can’t be beat unless there’s money involved. But each dollar slowly chips away at your freedom and individuality; this is why highly paid executives are pretty stiff and interchangeable on a personal level.
You wish there were some accolades to this, some fame, even just an income. Freebies maybe? No? You really just have to be in it for yourself; for your own enjoyment.
No, this can’t be more than a side project; at least for me. I’m in awe of those who make a living writing; I pride myself on the art too but I don’t know if I’d ever come to make it profitable.