I don't think writers - professional, successful writers - are jealous, self-loathing neurotics. I've been published for 60 years, and I've consequently met many other writers. We tend to move in the same circles and write for the same publications. And none of them ever struck me as those kind of people. On the other hand, people who weren't actually writers...

My late father was also a writer (journalist as well), and he certainly wasn't any of those things. So is my daughter, but she is only just starting out, although both her A levels and university professor told me that she should become a writer...

I also disagree. Writing isn't difficult. So I'm not quite sure why you are saying that.