Those of us who have access to writers’ workshops/conventions/critique groups sometimes forget that not everyone is so lucky. Those first two can be expensive and it’s sometimes difficult to find a good critique group. That’s one of the reasons I started the Write_Workshop yahoo group was to give free access to writers all over the world to tool that would help them be successful.
It’s worked. We have over 1500 members on the workshop and 200 of those have gone on to be published by major houses. That’s something I’m proud of and it makes me feel like we’re doing something right. The idea for the workshop came about when I had success with my first book “Charmed & Dangerous.” I’m a fairly nice person and people were coming out the woodwork asking me to read their manuscripts. I couldn’t do it and stay sane.
But I wanted to help in some way.
I’d had some amazing mentors, which is why I had found success so fast. I wanted to do the same for other people. To give them an inside look at the business, and to give them those all-important tools I talked about. The Write_Workshop was born in August of 2006. The Workshop provides craft classes, and I also bring in editors and agents.
I tell you all of this because as a writer, no matter what level you are at, sometimes you need some help. That’s one of the many reasons the Internet is such an amazing tool for writers.Need to know how to write a synopsis? You can find a multitude of resources online. The same goes for how to get an agent or finding out specifics about certain publishers. I can’t think of a single question that can’t be answered online. Though, you do need to be careful about the people giving the advice. ALWAYS check their credentials.
There are so many online classes these days it can make your head spin. Some of them cost a lot of money, and you should be careful where you spend your funds. RWA (Romance Writers of America) has hundreds of chapters all over the place. They can be a great resource even if you don’t write romance. Many of the classes they sponsor are good for all writers, and they usually strive to get the best instructors. For example I’m teaching my FAST DRAFT and REVISION HELL classes for the OCCRWA (http://www.occrwa.org/onlineclassFeb10.html). Those are an inexpensive way to give yourself a kick in the pants if you’ve been dragging your feet with your latest manuscript. But there are tons of classes like that given by various chapters. You just need to check online.
Blogs can also be helpful. I learn stuff from THIS blog all the time from my fellow writers. The same goes for the http://witchychicks.blogspot.com/
If you’re interested in joining the Write_Workshop you can subscribe here: Write_Workshop-subscribe@yahoogroups.com. That’s a free resources, and on the separate chat loop you can ask questions and there are 800 people there to help you.
Best of luck on your journey. Remember, even though you may feel alone, you aren’t. We’re out there and we want to help. 
p.s. Take Me If You Dare is out this month. Please pick up a copy and help a writer out.
