I suggested in part one, that a small group will work. And it will - provided that the group "care" for each other - and work together for the betterment of all in the group.

One thing to do in such a group is encourage participation in Workshops and Competitions.

The workshops are not usually intimidating, though can be, but entering competitions can really be a challenge.

I try and enter one every three months - I had visions once of doing more but my writing "to do list" is already too big.

We find that sometimes when we enter the same competition, we can save on postage etc. One cheque might pay for twoor more entries etc. and we can wait for the results together.

There are of course times when you want to be writing alone - but a group can be very helpful.

With a small group there are probably few costs - but we've also found that we can keep a jar and throw a dollar each in each time. When the jar is full, the group can decide how to spend the money. It might be a dinner, or it might pay for all to attend a workshop, or even pay for a special guest to come and work with you all.

It's fun, and you will find your work improves.