Thank you - I read somewhere that 40% of new books is slebs and only about 5% unknown authors. I feel quite positive about it - nice stuff back from a couple of agents so feels less bad than just std no thanks letter.

writewords is one big writers group - a rather lovely soup of the published and unpublished, the newbie and the old timer.
And it has the added advantage of being available throughout the day and night.

I've checked in this morning and someone has posted a link to Tracey Chevalier on Radio 4 this morning, blaming the sleb writing culture for undermining the publishing industry.
Now that will kick off for sure.
Similarly, I see someone had posted their work up, and a number of us will crit it this week.

And I don't own the site or anything - that's not why I recommend it so much .

That's a good idea Bernie - I want to avoid going in cold to a writing group online; at least I'd have the mumsnet background thing - think more about your idea!
Thank you Litchick - I have often read your advice on other friends, and been a bit more perked up! It's hard round here - no creative writing courses and no writers group.

Please, please do not give up.
Rejections from agents are part of the industry and to be shrugged off like dandruff.

It is a very difficult time to be subbing at the moment. The publishing industry is in melt down and the main houses are buying little new stuff, both fro, nw writers, but also from established ones. Many a writer who has had some 'success' have had their latest knocked back.
Obviously all this filters down to the agents who are only taking on stuff they feel has a good chance of selling ( which is not the same thing as 'good' ). Everyone is being super cautious and picky.

It really helps to be around like minded folk and I would heartily recommend www.writewords.org which is a writers community and also the great blogs strictlywriting and thisitchofwriting where the camaraderie is fabulous.

Funnily enough I was thinking the same thing overnight. Those of us who are writing could each set up a blog, then those who are "in the know" could read it and critique, whilst the rest of us who are not quite at that stage yet could say nice, cosy, warm things about the writing. It would be rather scary but no less useful.

I have set up a blog as I am currently doing exercises out of a book to try and strengthen my writing muscles. It gives me back up in case my pc gives out under all the creative pressure (irony emoticon) whilst giving me ideas and the beginnings of future stories.

You did so well those years ago, the skill is still there. There are other writing on groups on line who critique (one of which has well known authors advising). Not sure what they are but they have been noted on previous threads.

Haha. (At thought of anyone looking up to me) I started off good - won a cple of short story competitions, wrote a bit for local paper, but that is 15 years ago. Over the years I've tried bits and pieces, but I wish there was a writers group or something where I cd talk to people who understand the whole thing about writing. I'm waiting to hear from Cornerstones about how to send my stuff to them so in a bit of limbo now! Maybe I should set up a writers' group round here?

Keep at it Grumpy, don't give up. I need someone to look up to

Thank you - I was expecting rejections tbh because you kind of read so much about it. I think I'm a bit stuck now - positive responses but not a taker iyswim? I am going to try cornerstones I think - emailed but waiting for a reply.

The rejections tend to go with the territory, sadly.

If it's any consolation I had literally hundreds before my first novel was published. I still get them occasionally, too.

Sometimes it helps to put that work aside and get on with a fresh project. It doesn't mean you're giving up on it. My 'second' novel was actually the first I ever wrote. I went back to it after my 'first' was published.

Are you a member of an online writers' forum? I have found them very useful. I actually belong to a US one but there are some UK-based ones which are supposed to be excellent. Writewords or something like that is the one I'm thinking of.

Thanks - I found writing short stories really difficult so good luck. I think there is such a defeatist amount of publicity (no new writers get published/ slush piles etc) that I feel a bit like giving up. The agent was very kind and gave me some feedback (good and negative) so I have something to work with. It's hard having no writing background in the family/ friends as there's not really anyone to talk to.