travails of a budding cartoonists and more...

While I was preparing for *AT,JMET,FMS etc I would think that once I'd get an admit I'll use all me free time for cartooning. It was a noble thought - I'd always wanted to cartoon, been mesmerised by the skills of Bill Waterson, Ninan, Hank Ketcham and the likes. The only hitch was that I didn't have time and I figured out that I'll have plenty of it when I'll convert.
...and that is what is really happening now. I have all the time in the world but don't know where to start from or how to start. The problem is everytime I'm on my drawing board, I just cannot make my hands put out what I have in my head - its a problem of lack of skills. I've heard it comes with practice, so I am ready to wait...
When would the time come when I'll start a cartoon strip, get a cult following and a band of fans who would by my originals for millions of bucks $$$$$$$$$