After that article, I wrote another one...it didn't do so well.

It made 10 cents.

Then I wrote another one.

It made 0 cents.

It gives some perspective to know that your start was the same as with anyone else; putting the best on the first post, getting heftily rewarded, but then facing the fact that a good introduction itself doesn't carry to good future payouts. It's a long grind, like you said, but it becomes much more pleasant if you manage to find a suitable corner on the Steemverse with the right kind of people. And Steemfest is an excellent way to get closer to the community! One of the best single things I've ever done, joining the one in Krakow!