That's a shame that family and friends didn't show more interest. I've been there. I was writing for regional publications and family members STILL wouldn't read what I wrote. Later on, they would mention a certain topic or personality in the area and I'd say, "Yes, I wrote about that in the (month) issue of (publication's name). You would have known that if you had read it."

Bottom line is if you love to write, write. Write for yourself. Your family isn't your audience. Your audience is out there, waiting for you to make your work available for them to read.

The bipolar blog that I've started is something that I would NEVER share with my family or friends, by the way. I'd rather write about what I'm going through without a face or name.

I'll find an audience, though, because there are so many of us out there.