The award-winning author's tips on writing groups and networking: "Witty, insightful and generous . . . a must-read for anyone who wants to write" (Judy Blume). When Hilma Wolitzer finished writing her first short story, she had no idea what to do next. She didn't trust her family members to give honest critiques, and most of her friends--though they tried to be helpful--knew little about writing fiction. But her creative life changed when she attended a local writing workshop and discovered the joys of working within an artistic community.   Since good workshops and conferences are often expensive or difficult to find, Wolitzer provides a guide to building a workshop of your own. With dedication and drive, an informal writer's group can become as useful as any college course--and much more fun. Wolitzer shows how to build a group, how to make it effective, and how to keep going when a member hits a snag. She also offers solid advice on many aspects of writing and publishing fiction. Writing may be a solitary occupation, but in the company of writers, it never needs to be lonely.   This ebook features an illustrated biography of Hilma Wolitzer, including rare photos and never-before-seen documents from the author's personal collection.