1) One thing that’s always struck me about writers is a general lack of awareness as to the infrastructure of the business. Every time I’ve entered a new medium (say, comics), I’ve reached out to experts. I wanted to understand the system by which they created (& made a living)..

2) Study not just the art of masters, but their systems. If you don’t know the habits of mind, practice, and security that have helped others succeed — you’re not a pioneer, you’re unstudied and likely precious.

3) Academia has many merits for the writer looking for a support system, but (I'm speaking generally -- I know there are exceptions), it's overwhelmingly considered the only option, in part because it actively discourages any discussion of how to pay your bills.