Is there that distinct a line between precious and thriving? I am just starting to get my lyrics out there and hoping someone will pick up on them. I often find it hard to critique others' work because I'm sure that they had their reason for writing what they wrote just as I had mine.

Of course, getting started can often be a matter of money. I got one demo cut recently, but because I haven't been working that much ever since I had a fall last year, the cost of making a lot of them is prohibiitive. The one I had done cost me around $180, and when things like rent and food take up so much, there is little left over. Am trying now to find out if there are grants available for such purpose. I know banks are standoffish about loans these days, and I can understand that.

There may be a very fine line here. I knew a lady who had an old-fashioned candy store not far from where I live. She didn't have much of a budget for product, and now her store is closed.