I just want to say that we all use elements of our lives in our stories. I did with Once Upon The Stars, and I know many others have with their works. When I am in a full blown depression, I find it a lot easier to write with meaning than when I am say in a semi optomistic mood about life.
I have seen, and read, a lot of sci-fi shows and books in my life and I can tell you that some of the writing on this site rivals some of the best writing I have read from pubilished authors.
When it comes down to the core of the story, its the process of writing it that brings the joy, the reward is that people enjoy what you have written and want more. Starhawk, keep writing.
