If you haven't yet joined a writer's organization, don't think about it anymore … just do it. For most writers who are serious about writing a romance, that means joining RWA (www.rwanational.org). Your local chapter will be where you'll meet other writers, find support and possible critique partners, learn more about your craft and the business in general, and be able to share your woes about rejection. The benefits are endless and even more so when you become a part of the group by volunteering. Don't stop looking just because you found RWA, though. Many different multigenre organizations also exist. Most writers find themselves joining a couple of writing groups, including some online guilds. Different clubs may offer different benefits and good writing advice is good writing advice, no matter what genre is being discussed.

While getting together with other writers, volunteering, e-mailing writing buddies, and chatting on the phone is a needed resource for authors, a writer should never lose focus of her goal of writing and completing her novels. Make sure you balance the volunteering and talking about writing with the actual process of writing. Becoming too involved with too many organizations can be harmful to your career. Remember, you joined the organization to become a better writer, not to become a better volunteer.

A good place to find writing organizations is in your own neighborhood — try your libraries, colleges, and bookstores. You may also try doing a Web search for key words like “writing organizations” and the name of your hometown. Don't forget, if you live in a rural area, online chapters of RWA, or other online writing organizations, are always as close as your computer.