Well its funny isn't it how the people who deny my obvious truths are always GUESTS.

Yes use the open mic nights. they will increase your ability and confidence. I'd say - do amateur dramatics. Learn to perform.

When you have got that together - you can make a living. Then try some proper professional gigs. It the route I took. Eventually you will write music that gets published and maybe even a hit song. Then you can make a living performing your hit song.

Because I had an ill wife to take care of - I couldn't tour doing my hit song. But apart from that i can tell it works.

However - don't look to the folkscene. Its full of sneering bastards like bitter old fool who won't reveal their names, and when push comes to shove wouldn't give you the steam off their piss.

If you can perform - you CAN make it work. Learn - no one is out there doing you favours though.