For a beginning writer to make it, several things are important to keep in mind:
An editing/critique group is essential.
An honest critique is worth gold.
Don’t defend your writing. Ever.
Get serious.
Set regular hours.
Work hard.
Be real—write real.
I joined an ACW critique group upon Cec Murphey’s invitation. Cec and my mother started a critique group back in the 70’s. In 2001, I attended my first writer’s conference. I spotted him signing books at his table. Okay, God, if he’ll say anything encouraging to me, I’ll keep trying. Cec invited me to join his Atlanta editing group that day! Later he said, “Do you realize you have a flair for fiction?” I didn’t. A little bit of encouragment and tough editing makes a better writer.
I’m part of an online editing group called The Marble Shapers. Peggy Frezon, Susan Karas, Catherine Madera, Wanda Rosseland, StephanieThompson, B.J. Taylor , Mary Lou Reed and I bonded after winning the Guideposts Writers' Workshop in 2004. We named our group from Elizabeth Sherrill’s teaching. As a member of Guideposts staff, Mrs. Sherrill explained that good writing begins with a marble-like rock of information. The writer must carve away unnecessary stones to discover the hidden story.
DiAnn Mills is a dear friend, an author/speaker/teacher and a fantastic editor.
Fourteen Christian writers and I bonded together to form a blog for teenage girls. (Blog link listed on my writing page.) Some I've cyber met through the blog are Tricia Goyer, Suzie Eller at realteenfaith.com and Jenny B. Jones.