Hello, AC, and apologies for the delayed response. I’m not a great one with tips and such. In over four years of writing here I haven’t really hit any big numbers, but by dint of publishing often and reading several of my fellow writers’ pieces daily, I’ve built up a decent audience.
Write what interests you. If you’re up for it, try to write daily and publish two to three stories a week.
Don’t be too put off by any negative comments. Right now the narrative of Bad Russia/Good Ukraine has been so pounded by the media in the US that people react without thinking or bothering to educate themselves.
As to the partner program troubles, I’m not in any position to offer help.
I look forward to more of your work.