Great work pushing on with the writing and getting something out there, in spite of the doubts! I know, it's not always easy. It's a good thing to get the balance right as well, as far as proper sleep goes... Another thing that's not always easy to but vitally important. Looking to the positives.
Those slash pines you're talking about... if you're thinking about cutting them down, what about instead of terraced garden beds you make hügelkultur beds? They could be done in rows much the same way as terracing a slope to capture and retain water with the added benefits from the breaking down organic matter within...
Just an idea anyway! I enjoyed reading your post, thanks very much