You can sit in your room pounding away on your computer all you want, but you won't publish a single word until you work with a quality editor, peer, or professional writer to polish your work.
Luckily, no matter if you live in a New York City studio or an cabin in Alaska, you can still find expert advice on the Internet. This MetaFilter thread entitled "What Single Book Is The Best Introduction To Your Field For Lay People" can teach you as much about research and writing as a graduate course.
Even better, social networking sites like Newsvine or LWOT Magazine's WriteMatch program can help you hook up with virtual writing buddies and polish your work into something you can publish.
If you do live in New York (or any big city) readings can help you find the community and writing professionals you need to meet. Tonight, for instance, I'll be at the KGB Bar in Manhattan for the The Best Creative Non-Fiction reading, grubbing for wisdom from some of the best writers in the magazine world.
Hey Jason, this is great advice. Having a mentor and being around like-minded people are both very important. The truth is that people with mentors are more likely to be successful because they have guidance from someone who has accomplished what they wish to accomplish, as well as having the accountability factor.
Posted by: Kimberlee Morrison | October 23, 2007 2:48 PM | Permalink to Comment