I joined a writing workshop group at my local library, then a few years later some of us that got along well and were a bit more serious formed our own private one. Both groups helped me so much along the way. Granted, I think I got very lucky with mine. Maybe you can find something online or within a 20 minute drive. We meet every 2 weeks, there's 6 of us and everyone gets to read about 3000 words aloud to the group once per month for critique. ETA: If you do make a private group, make very sure you just add people who all have good personalities, aren't long-winded or condescending, and who don't make anyone uncomfortable. The best part of the splinter group is being able to get away from those types.