Writers don't have to be popular as such.....I think it's what makes us (or me anyway) need to write....we have a strong voice and a head filled with unusual ideas.....the controversy is as fantastic as it is annoying.....an awesome dichotomy.
I think of Oscar Wilde.....I think Dorian Gray was one of the greatest inspirations I had....the power of creativity is so alluring. Even if it does tend to go hand in had with crazy.