James- Thanks for all of this. It's really great. I'm reading several pages of posts a day until I'm done. I'll take breaks if information needs time to marinate. But this is really fabulous! I see that you recommend joining a critique group or writer's workshop. In my town, there is a writer's group but it is for Christian writers. I have nothing against Christian writing, but it's not what I write. I went to it for a while and it was very beneficial. There were three or four ladies out of maybe ten that are published authors (though not widely). But honestly, most had not kept up with the "information super highway."
Anyway- there is not a group that really fits my needs here in town. It is an artsy town so I know there are writers out there. Do you think I should try to start a group? If so, can you tell me what things would be important for me to do, or think about in setting it up? It's a scary proposition for me, but I'd be willing to do it.
Thanks again, James. ~Karen