Illustrators: I have discovered and added Sherry Rogers to my blog list: http://sherryrogers.blogspot/ She shares a lot of helpful information on
how she does her art. Never give up on creating your art for children's
books and magazines. If you don't have time to create a picture book
dummy, create a magazine one-page. If you write poetry; write one
where you can add your illustrations. This will help you to continue
or have something to submit to an art director of a magazine or
publishing house.

Reading different artist or writer's blogs you will learn life is not
perfect and we all have our problems. But, even a little at a time
will help us achieve our goals.
Don't waste your creative energy on the negative.