Oh my--so much to relate to here. My son is a crooner, loves the music of the 1920s-40s, pre-American songbook. Spends hours researching, rehearsing, finding the phrasing for each. Has a beautiful voice. His dad was a community guitar teacher who gigged, and me, like you, a writer with no big name.

Good to resist the cynicism! But it does take effort and awareness to reach for the joy in the labour we do.

Lots of love and peace to you. I do so enjoy your work and words, Jacqueline!