As an avid reader on this site, I am probably as bad as anyone at pushing for the authors that I like to produce more, and for that I readily apologize. Like many people, I can be somewhat self centered at times, and not knowing what someone else may be going through only adds to that impression.

Having said that, the important thing in life is to keep your priorities straight. Years ago when I was much younger, I was required to read a book by a gentleman named Gayle Sayres - a professional football player (American football to those of you on the eastern side of the ocean) who had been involved in the death of his best friend, a team mate.

The book was titled I am Third - the reference being that my God is first, my friends and family second, and I am third.

I disagree with that somewhat in that my friends and family come first, and then I am second. God kind of filters in wherever - afterall, isn't God omnipresent? The key here is that nowhere in that list does it say anything about writing, or fans, or anything like that.

As already stated by others here, you need to take care of yourself and your family. When it's time, you will get back to your writing - but only you will know when that is. If you feel that someone like me is pressuring you, then just tell that person to back off. Either they will realize how callous they have been and reform their ways, or they are someone that you shouldn't concern yourself with anyway.

Here's hoping that everything comes together for you and that you find some understanding and help from the members of your family - or at least from friends.

Dallas