SITE BEING UPDATED. THANKS FOR YOR PATIENCE.
It's almost as difficult -- and pointless -- for a writer to live in a vacuum as it is to try and breathe in one. I wouldn't recommend either.
Here are some sites to check out. I'm sure the mix will change, so check back from time to time.
First things first, though. If you want to contact me, try tewnew1@gmail.com.
Ready to dive into a world of writers and editors? http://forum.sfreader.com/default.html will deliver you to SF Reader's Forum site. You'll find information about markets, discussions on just about anything to do with speculative fiction and even a critique group (it's a restricted forum, but changes quarterly.) You can visit the SF Reader site as a guest, but I'd highly recommend membership -- it's free.
If you don't want to wait for an opening to the critique group (you'll probably have to "audition" by submitting some examples of your writing) there are other critique groups out there. Critters, http://www.critters.org/,
accepts anyone, but you have to critique stories in order to earn the right to have yours critiqued. Be prepared for a wide range in the quality of critiques, from cheerleading to cluelessness (and a lot of solid insights, too!)
Ready to dive into the wide world of selling your stories? Check out Ralan's, http://www.ralan.com/ and Duotrope, http://www.duotrope.com/ for some of the markets available. And remember, you can't sell if you don't circulate your stuff, so get it moving.
Foremost, you can amuse yourself for a long time by visiting writer and poet Steve Goble's Web site at www.stevegoble.com. Lots of gold in them thar pages!
Rogue Blades Entertainment is really busting out with anthologies and big plans. It's the brainchild of Jason Walz. The Web site is http: //www.roguebladesentertainment.com/index.htm and a neat little video is on You Tube at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mOWQDAYdQio.
Fantasy, science fiction and horror fans should appreciate what's going on in Bill Ward's head. Visit his site at http://billwardwriter.com/
Another writer's site you'll want to visit is that of S.C. Bryce. The link is http://www.scbryce.com/ An accomplished writer, S.C. also is the moderator of the SF Reader Forum's critique group (see above).
A more recent acquaintance is Nasrullah Anwar, a British writer. Check out what he's doing at http://trollking.co.uk/default.aspx . I met Nasrullah on the Critters forum. I think his site clearly shows his interest in, and dedication to, growing as a fantasy writer.