Every writing guru, when speaking to new writers, will share this one bit of sage advice: Find and join a local writers' group. I had held off for years, unsure of myself, unsure of agendas, unsure of what I could give and gain from association with other writers.
I've always been a bit of a loner, as many writers seem to be, and I've always been my own worst critic. Perhaps I could call it my McFly mindset (Back to the Future, 1985). What if I submitted my work and they didn't like it? What if they said it was no good? I didn't think I could take that kind of rejection.
Finally deciding nothing good ever happens without risk, I contacted the Chattanooga writers' guild. I've been attending local meetings since February, and, as said by Robert Frost in "The Road Not Taken", that has made all the difference.
As a member of both the Chattanooga writer's guild and the Georgia writer's association, I've gained access to a wealth of knowledge, experience, and training. My only question is why I waited so long.
Far from pundit or guru, I have only one bit of advice to give to anyone thinking about writing. Find and join a local writers' group. It will make all the difference.