I once edited for a book on MacOSX, back in the *very* early days, but the publisher ended up going out of business and the project was canned, and I didn't get a cent out of it.
Aside from that, I like to write and have always dreamed of publishing a book. I mostly do sci-fi/fantasy drama, though I've also tried my hand at comedy, contemporary thriller and even a couple of fan-fictions.
A very helpful resource for me has been the writing course from "The Writers' School" which basically arrives in the form of a large box of books on various topics, including lots of useful references for historical and fantasy writing.
As for the financial side of it Chemistry_Geek, most writers don't earn much at all, but a few earn a LOT. Stephen King is worth $50M per year. JK Rowling made over $230M per year when Harry Potter was at its height and te movie rights were being traded. That said, I think you should only really write if you want to write something original that appeals to you and which you would be proud to publish.
Best of luck with your story, Chemistry Geek. It sounds most intriguing. I think I might read it some day over a side of farva beans and a nice chianti (licks lips and grins evilly at the perspex window, Hannibal Lecter style).
