well he always wrote. he worked at the post office for 25 years to be able to pay rent to have a place to write. so good luck on your new path, and don't try to copy him. You will fail. Write for you. Go for it. It's one thing to have heros/inspiration, but another entirely to try and write like them. Not trying to sound critical, but as a sometimes writer myself that studied literature, it is just sound advice.... be well.