I am really sad that this didn't work out. I know it's tough for writers, even good ones, to get buyers for their stuff, but seeing underused talent like this...it's hard to take even when I'm just watching.

If you had to go for a while, or for however long, to focus on real life even more, I think we would all understand. You always have my best wishes...including that I wish I could do more.

It's just very discouraging to see that kind of work, only to see that it doesn't sell. I mean, if my friend could do furry artwork with the same level of detail and dedication, he'd have commissions lined up to hell and back.

But anyway, its less of a concern now - as I am hoping to get a job soon before I am forced into bankruptcy... :P

In my experience, yes. Literacy is high enough that people think writing isn't difficult in the least, and moreover many lack the patience to sit and read things. They would rather browse a dozen images in the time it takes to read a few paragraphs. I only write for a hobby because of this. I've asked before if people were interested in commissions and been met with absolute silence, even from the people that usually responded positively to the stories I wrote to go along with my commissioned images. I should note my quoted price was lower even than your journal states, along with the similar statement that the price was negotiable, and still no takers.