Hear! Hear! I’m retired, and I’m of an old geezer age living only on a social security fixed income. I’m barely getting by but I always pay my $5 membership because the money I get back from my published stories pays for my membership with no pain to the wallet! I also get a lot of free support and mentoring in reading other writer’s story and interacting with them. This improves my writing to make more money to pay the living expenses. It’s all gain and no pain! You can’t ask for a better deal. The rule in life is that you have to give something to get something. Of course, my wife reminds me of that frequently! Bravo for your story, Vanessa! Thanks.