I think the answer is simple and these thoughts and insecurities plague most writers. Most of us write because we have to. It's a need that has to be expressed. Don't worry about what other people think, why do you care. As long as you're taking care of business in other areas of your life, go for it. Unless of course you're a rich dilletante, in which case you've got nothing to lose at all and should have more time to go for it. Just write, and post, repeat.

Hey Fenigus,
     I'm in the same boat as you.  My family never believed in me.  They said to me before I left for Hollywood in 92 that they knew I'd be back.

And I did give up on my writing, for 25 years, almost (more like 24).

And you know what?  It's troubled me for years.  I know I have good ideas.  I've been told that.  But, getting them down, that's hard.

If it was easy, everyone would do it.  After all, it's the "life" right?  Sit down at a typewriter (computer now) and write a story.  

Except it's hard work.  Far harder then a normal job.  Being self employed is the hardest thing you can do.  Being self-employed as a writer is by far super hard.

My advice:  NEVER give up.  You have one life.  even if you are sure you come back (I do), you won't be you.  The new you won't have the same passions as this you b/c you are now.  Don't let go of now.  

I thought I could do it at any time.  You know what?  I could wake up tomorrow and be paralyzed from the neck down b/c of my crushed spinal cord.  Life is precious.  

Write and get better.  That is key.  Write because you love to write.  Write because you are passionate about it.  Write b/c you want others to share your ideas.  The ONLY way that happens is if you write.

And, in time, if you get published or sold and a movie comes out of it, great.  If not, and it takes 10 years, 20 years, 30 until you write that one that sells, then others will look back.  What was garbage one day might be gold the next.  Or if a genre takes off in Hollywood, they might find you.

But, unless you write, it will go to someone else who faced the same demons you have right now, and he said, I don't fucking care what someone else told me."  

No one knows the future.  Write for the love of it.  In your spare time.  Get better.  Read, help others, and let the future play itself out.

This site has been amazing.  Tap into the resources and the people.  I have met so many friendly people, and Libby (sorry, couldn't resist   yes, she's very kind  )
and this site is the best thing I have done in years.  

Good luck
Dan