Few of the great writers were educated to be writers. Becoming a writer that gets paid is mostly a self inflicted skill set. To me it is intent. If you dedicate a piece of your life to write with intent to get paid you become a pro, inexperienced maybe, but still a professional chasing a dream like the rest of us. There are thousands of writers on this site who write for the love of the process, but few who would turn down the money if offered. The 8% who make over a hundred are just writers who have practiced more than most others. If you want writing to pay for your life you will find a way.