Writers: Are you alone?

I am a member of a writing group in my town. It started off with six people when I joined and has grown to about 15 due to exposure through the media and flyers in the bookstore and library. I love being a part of this group (see my discussion regarding urging writers to join a group). We all write different genres, we only give positive feedback and we motivate each other to keep at it. We also help each other with ideas and editing. I was in the process of writing my first book when I joined. I finished it and moved on to a second one. I have learned so much in the last three years that I now know I will have to go back and do some major editing on the first book. As far as being published is concerned, I have signed up to receive a newsletter from various writing websites, includinb writersdigest.com. They give you resources and articles on how to find an agent and/or publisher. I have been noting agents as I find them whom I believe to be compatible with my type of writing. Unless you plan to self-publish or publish on demand (lulu) then you really need an agent for fiction. Publisher won't even look at your manuscripts. Non-fiction is another story. You can submit an outline to a publisher before you even write the book. Within our group we have also had opportunities to meet with published authors for critiquing, seminars and workshops. These have proven very helpful. So as much as being a writer is a lonely life, that is really only the writing side of it. You have to get out there and meet other writers, published authors, publishers and agents. You need to network. I found out that my uncle's wife's niece is a published author of children's stories. I have been in constant contact with her and she has given me the name of her agent. It helps to know people and you won't FIND people sitting at home at your computer 24/7. Good luck!

I haven't met many writers in person, but have met a multitude of writers online. As a matter of fact, I'm leading my second story/writing class online. If I wanted to meet up with real life writers, I would check with the library to see if they have lists of area writers or notices of book clubs and so forth. Of course, that could be difficult in a small community. At least with an online community, you do get feedback and suggestions from peers. Hmmm...I guess I might be a lonely writer too in terms of having real life peers.