Hi @strangegravy. I agree. It worked out well in the end! And this has been a very interesting conversation!
For our writing group, we admit new members if they have the goal to publish, and are willing to commit to a monthly workshop schedule. We write one story each month, critique one another's writing, make edits to our stories based on feedback and submit a second draft. This helps us all to prepare our writing to submit to mainstream publications. If that matches your goals, please stop in and you will be greeted by the group.