Today I attended the monthly Saturday Writers' meeting, and I wasn't disappointed. While yes, we had a good speaker, an author who discussed queries and synopses, the best part was hanging around with other writers. When writers come together, the room just oozes creativity. Ideas drop from the ceiling. Inspiration is catchy. 

If you're the lone wolf writer type, I strongly suggest finding a time and a place to gather together with other writers. Maybe a critique group isn't your thing, but networking with your fellow scribes or even a cup of coffee with a writer friend can do wonders.

But don't go it alone. We writers need each other.

Lately I've found myself staring out the window, watching for signs of spring. The latest forecast predicts precipitation in the form of rain, then followed by sleet and snow, and frankly, I'm tired of it. Tired of winter.

So this morning I've got the tv turned to some cooking show, and I hear it--a bird singing. Faintly at first, but still there. One of those birds that sounds exactly like spring. I start thinking of robins and tulips and fragrant pink blossums on trees. It will get here soon, I tell myself. Spring is right around the corner.

Writing can be like that, too. So much effort. Writing. Revising. Taking the work to critique group. Finding a market. Rejection. Then searching for more markets and resending. Ugh! What a process. But remind yourself, writer, that spring is just around the corner. Your name in a byline. Readers who smile or laugh or cry when they read what you wrote. A modest check for your efforts.
 
Keep watching for spring.

I'm noticing a trend. As folks tighten their belts in response to the economy, fewer writers are entering contests. In all honesty, my entries have been down since last fall. But what writers need to consider is how fewer entries translates into better odds of winning.

In the past I have detailed the many benefits of entering contests--a deadline to finish a manuscript, feedback, a new piece of writing to start sending out, to name a few. With our Dead of Winter Contest, you have this opportunity. And the market for selling nonfiction is good--just consult the latest copy of Writer's Market, with over 3,500 market listings!

To date we've only received ten entries for our nonfiction contest. With fewer entries, the odds are in your favor!