I would be grateful if anyone had the time read a sample of my writing I have never shared my work before
My overriding question is can I write?
Would other people want to read my words?
Am I wasting my time?
I need honest answers
This excerpt is from the chapter 23 of a novel idea I am playing with, taken in the middle of a scene I appreciate it won't make sense...but can I write ?
As you haven't posted the promised sample of your writing it's not possible to answer your question!
Since you have got as far as chapter 23 of a novel - then obviously you can write, the question you need to ask is can you write well enough for a reader to want to read your work and can you convince a literary agent or a publisher to take you on or have you the confidence and the resources to self-publish.