I started writing a year ago, prompted by this huge disappointment over a novel I read that was so good yet ... the Author just went POOF. I can understand when a novel doesn't get finished, or dropped, because of 'Life' and/or not enough readers commenting.
But don't ghost your readers.
Put a note, say dropped or something. It's fine. Upsetting maybe, but can be understood. But when the last words were 'will be back' and then POOF. It's like breaking up without closure. In fact, a lot of novels back then suffered such fate.
So, I then wrote partly to vent frustrations and partly to finally do what I had always wanted to do but did not dare. I wanted to write a story till the end, and promised myself if I have readers, I would not abandon them.
It was never meant to be a long novel. Just 80 chapters because I was sure it'd not be read. Comments were sparse but there was this ONE reader that was literally my pillar of support. Just knowing, and seeing the comments fueled me. The first two months were basically me writing for that one reader alone.
Readers commenting really gives an Author the desire and drive to continue.
One year later, the first novel has ended (900+ chapters) and second novel just started. I do NOT get enough income from this (unlike how I hear some Authors earn thousands per month). I continue writing not for the money (though the additional income, little as it is, is always a bonus) but because I have formed some connection / love / whatever you call it with my readers (through the novel and discord).
Do I get Author's block? Yes.
Do I get tired? Yes.
Do they ask for mass release? Sometimes, but I ignore it i.e. if I can, I give. If I can't, I don't.
At the end of the day, spurning chapters daily has become a habit for me now and it serves two purposes. Keeps the readers happy and I am more disciplined.
At the end of the day. What is your purpose for writing? If you focus on ranking etc, it may drain you when it does not reach that. If it's more of 'wanting to write and spread joy' - and sharing it with someone (even though it is only one person), it becomes worth it.
The rest is a bonus.
Ignore the bad, cherish the good.
That's how I survive and not go crazy. /heh