The written universe can seem like a cold, unfriendly place to new writers. At first, it is difficult to find other writers, and we wonder if we are alone in the universe. When we finally are able to see across the void, we discover writing groups in our local area.

We are not alone. We are part of a vast cosmos of authors much like us, some far more advanced and others less so.

At times, we wonder if our star will ever shine as brightly as theirs.

We attend groups and submit our best work. In the beginning, we feel bombarded with reprimands, x-rays highlighting our beloved narrative’s flaws.

• Show it, don’t tell it.
• Simplify, simplify.
• Don’t write so many long sentences.
• Don’t be vague—get to the point.
• Don’t use “ten-dollar words.”
• Cut the modifiers—they muck up your narrative.

These comments are painful but necessary. This knowledge enables us…