You have described exactly why I decided to get a physics degree rather than pursue a career in any of various arts - for which I am otherwise much more suited. I don't think people realize what guts it takes to be hung out on the clothesline of one's own talent and marketing capacity.

It's also the current conversation at my house, now that I have a high tech job (instead of teaching or painting or writing or sculpting for a living.) We're slowly deciding if/when my husband should dust off his design degree and get out of high-tech, and back into fine knifemaking and other design/creation work. The cringe factor of other people's reaction may be a big part of the decision, unfortunately.

My defensive strategy to combat the "RU publisht? Rilly?" is to mention the company who published my novel when I tell them about the novel.