It’s simple—start a writing group!

Creating a writing group is easy part, but creating a functioning and beneficial writing group can be quite a task.

Writing groups are age-old sessions where writers obtain helpful evaluations for their works. Nowadays, though, writing groups seem to be a fad, and for many a status symbol reassuring them of their writerdom. Don’t create a writing group simply for sake of saying, “I belong to a writing group”. Create or join a group because of numerous benefits that come along with them.

Keep Number of Members Limited. You don’t want just one other person in this group. So shoot for 3 or more members. On other hand, you don’t want to have 30 people in group either. Try approximately 8-10 members. If one person leaves group, replace that person with a new recruit. Keep same standards for all members. Make it standard that members can only join by an invite. Allowing your group to be very exclusive brings group more pride.

Select Randomly. It’s okay to have a friend in this group, but you chose to create this writing group for unbiased opinions. So don’t allow ALL members to be your best friends in which you see on a daily basis. Perhaps one member is 18 yrs old, while other is 35. Keeping age, sex, ethnicity, and educational levels of your group will allow a diverse critique—which is ultimately what you’re seeking. A diverse group will only make you and group much stronger.

However, all your work is stored away, hidden from public eye on a black little disk.

You have one mission: Getting published.

“How do I get published?” you finally question at end of e-mail.

At times, I ask myself same question.

Is this mission impossible? To many, it seems that way. If you stick with me, I’ll make publishing process slightly simpler.

On this mission, you’ll need three things: Goals, Guidance, and Persistence.

An unmentioned New York City college (as well as other schools, I’m sure) offered a course on “How to Get Published”. Various bigwigs from major publishing houses in New York City were guest speakers on many occasions.

A writer-friend of mine felt it would be a great opportunity to network and finally understand how to get her works published in magazines, and various books. I was hesitant, and suspicious of course’s objectives, so I didn’t follow friend’s lead. I was far from disappointed about my decision. You’ll soon discover why.

Getting published isn’t as hard as you think. But, when you’re a beginning writer getting published seems as difficult as James Bond jet-skiing along River Thames with five barges heading his way.

As a beginning writer, I feel, main priority should be getting your name out there in public’s eye. Understand that, at times, you’ll have to accept free issues instead of cash payment. Before you consider publishing though, you should reassure yourself a rejection slip won’t lower your self-esteem and cause you to never pick up a pen, or stroke another key at your keyboard. Hey, trust me, rejections happen to everyone! Here are a few suggestions to better your chances of getting published:

Write, Write, Write. This is obvious one. You need to write all time. Too many writers say, “I have a novel about . . .” And novel sounds spectacular. But, when I ask if I can read it, offer suggestions, writers finally admit, “Oh . . . I haven’t started on it . . . But title of it is . . .” I despise working with an enthusiastic, talented writer who simply won’t write. Don’t waste your breath! Whatever you do—write your work first, and then speak about it so you won’t look/feel like a fool.