Some good advice here and some things I don't share your perspective on...but then, I am not earning 7 figures. Not even 6. I'll certainly have some of these points marinating in my mind today.

I'm happy to be earning reasonably well only a couple of years into this whole thing. Most of that money comes from the "boring" SEO stuff you mentioned. It affords me the luxury of writing what inspires me on my own personal writing time. Since I'm a poet, I think that helps me to see things others don't take the time to see (or can't) see, and I think that's been my sweet spot. I have a relatively small following (around 5.5K) but they are loyal to my voice and they show up time and again to engage with me.

Thanks for sharing your thoughts, Tim. You certainly are one of those writers who are more "available" on a personal level, too. We get so wrapped up in monetizing that we forget sometimes that a simple "friend on FB" thing can elevate your connection to readers. You're that guy, and we love you for it.

Christina M. Ward