First off, Best of Luck! I understand your government feelings, I avoid any government body as much as possible.

Best opinion I can offer, Is you are obviously good at writing, You have the experience. Work on a project you have already or do another one in your spare time, and Maybe put together a Partially Illustrated Novel (keeps cost down) and try self publishing with a Ebook, and limited run or print on demand service.

In the meantime do what you gotta do. I know how you feel, I was working as a general contractor here, self employed, 40-50 hour weeks etc. Took me 10 years to get a system and 2 years of creating spare time to get my businesses up and running.

Regardless You just have to believe in what you're going to do, keep your chin up and keep on truckin.

I'm sure loads of people here, Myself included would be happy to give any work you produce a bump online and off.

May you live long and prosper. (and dont eat the yellow snow)