In 1999 I decided I wanted to get serious about my writing.  I wanted to learn the craft and the business of writing and publishing. The first thing I did was go on a writer’s retreat.  I had the opportunity to meet and work with a great writing mentor (Emily Hanlon) and I was off on a new adventure.

The other writer’s at the retreat recommended reading material by Julia Cameron, Natalie Goldberg, Writer’s Digest and Writer’s Market (to name a few).  They also talked about the value of a writer’s group, so I set out to find the ones in my area.  There were two and I visited them both.  I felt more comfortable with one than the other so I made it a habit to attend their monthly meetings, I didn’t have enough time to devote to both. 

They had small critique groups, annual writer’s workshops with agents and publishing experts, contests, and monthly tips on the mechanics of writing well.  Over time I became a board member, newsletter editor, and eventually president of the organization.  It was a blast! These people “got me” and knew just what I was going through to get where I wanted to go. No one understands writers like other writers, believe me. If you write a specific genre you may want to do a Google search for national organizations that have a local chapter in your area, too (i.e. romance, sci-fi, fantasy, mystery, etc.).

So, if you’re a writer, check out your local writers groups, they are well worth the time.