Just thought that I would stop in and say hello. I hope that your week is going well. Happy writing.

Amie:

The query critique thread I referred to is at the AbsoluteWrite forum:
http://www.absolutewrite.com/forums/index.php
You will need to join before you can get into the "share your work" threads. (Scroll down the page.) There you will find the Query & Synopsis thread. Read through some of the critiques before you post. People can be curt, but they are honest and truly wish for their fellow authors to succeed. That is what I like about writer communities. Writers really cheer for other writers.

As far as websites. If you want to keep it free and simple, I know a lot of people like wordpress:
http://wordpress.com/
I don't know it very well. But it is basically a blog-starting tool.

I use both GoDaddy & Typepad
http://godaddy.com/
http://www.typepad.com/
Both involve fees.

GoDaddy
Eventually you will want your domain name. Hopefully, if your last name isn't smith or jones, you can get your name Amielastname.com. Take a peak at GoDaddy to get an idea of the costs. It depends upon how many features you choose. But I do know that you will get access to a website template if you do not wish to design your own website.

Typepad (and Wordpress)
Are good if you want to start a blog. I'm not quite as savvy as some in personalizing my blog, but typepad has dozens of combinations of templates to create a unique look. I presume wordpress is similar.

If you want more freedom than templates, and you're willing to take a stab at learning HTML, the following tutorial is very good. It is for using a free HTML software called NVU. This is the best "tutorial for computer dummies" I've come across.
http://www.thesitewizard.com/gettingstarted/nvu1.shtml
(I now see he says that NVU is no longer available and directs the reader to another free software. I don't have experience with the new one, but I know this guy writes excellent tutorials.)

If you have any further questions, give me a shout. Some of this stuff is overwhelming, I know. My advice is to take it one step at a time. Decide what your priority is (cleaning up your query, starting a website or a blog, etc.) and focus on that.

Good luck! Welcome to the land of on-line writer's communities.

-Meira

Thanks for your reply to my thread. I would love to hear the other websites you know about that could help.

Thanks Jean If all goes well, it's scheduled for Mar 16, 2009. That seems like forever, but I think once I get into the editing phase it will feel like no time at all.

I read an excerpt of your book on your website. Sounds very nice, let me know when it's released!