I've wanted to ask this question for a long time. I feared the answers would be just too depressing to hear but I'd really like to know regardless.

Do you have a support system for you as a writer? Your family or spouse or significant other or group of friends who are understanding and support your efforts, even during those dark woe is me, I suck" times (regardless of if that statement comes out of your mouth or others)?

Who will listen to your yammering about something you're working on and perhaps help you work out the plot kinks? On an every day, if need be, basis? Who might willingly help walk you through learning writing techniques, regardless of how basic or complex?

Who encourages you as a writer, maybe even enthusiastically, every month, every week, and/or every day? Who's willing to discuss and explore both ends of the publishing pole (being published versus never getting published), and what either may mean in terms of personal and financial success, or lack thereof, further down the road?

Someone(s) who will take the time, no matter how long it takes, to sit down and listen to your fears and frustrations and help you work out some kind of writing plan going forward?

Who doesn't sigh and look bored if you accidently mention the w-r-i-t-i-n-g word?

If you can answer any of these questions favorably, hang on to that angel as tightly as you can, because that's what these people are. Angels. Angels who care.