Brandy, you were very lucky to find the gigs so soon (even at rock bottom fees).
However, in your position, even if I were only doing it for a little recreation, my self-esteem would take a little knock at the thought that these clients had possibly only considered me because I was dirt cheap, and not because I was good. It is my belief that your self-esteem does not need any more knocks . . .
Even if you don't need the money, you should still charge a realistic rate, and I don't mean one that will price you out of the market, but one that will show that you are a serious contender in the writing world. If you continue at $5.00 an hour, you will simply attract people who will suck your talent dry, and claim credit for your work. Don't do it.
ETA: People who write on forums don't necessarily want to be writers. This really is a different "psychology". Who knows why we do it? It is certainly not for money. You could write a good blog about that. 
However, Upwork forum contributors did not join Upwork for the forum, but to make money at their different skills.
Sent a pm with resources to consider. Good luck. 
