No one should have to write alone. A group of writers meeting regularly to check progress, share secrets and celebrate milestones makes the process of joining words in sentences, paragraphs and stories, more productive - and more fun. But how do you find a group of like-minded scribes to nudge, educate and cheer?

The degrees of separation between you and your fellow writers are narrower than you might think. If, as the theory goes, there are only five degrees of separation between any given person and Kevin Bacon, then the separation between you and another motivated author is even smaller.

Following are four ways to make the connection that could change your literary life.

1. Ask your friends. I know this sounds obvious, but sometimes we are shy about announcing our desire to be a published author. Proclaim your intention to the world. Talk about your desire to host a group of writers to facilitate mutual publication. The woman who sits in the cubicle next to you may be a closet GAN (Great American Novelist). Your Batista may pen poems on his breaks. Your neighbor may be a blogger of epic proportions. You never know if you don't ask. Plus, verbalizing your desire to start the group will keep you focused and accountable. When asked at the next office party how your group is going you will be able to report your success.

2. Look for Hubs. Where do writers congregate? Coffee shops? Libraries? College campuses? Think about the type of writing you want to do and the type of people who would work well with your group style. Hang out there. Post notices on bulletin boards. Start conversations. This is a great way to focus your group and meet new people.

3. Use technology. Writers today will find making connections with fellow authors much easier thanks to innovations such as Twitter, Facebook, Meetup and Craigslist. So no excuses. Get online and find your perfect group or post an invitation that lets them find you. Remember, you don't have to be confined by geography. MasterMind Groups can Skype, conference call and chat their way to success. You just miss out on the homemade cookies at some pot luck meetings.

4. Just do it. In the end, you have to stop talking and posting about your group and just start meeting. Even if it is you and one friend. Set a date and start reporting, nudging, announcing and celebrating. The word will get out and soon Kevin will be calling you to see if he can join. Good luck and be sure to keep me updated on your progress.

Yours in Writing,
Promptmaster
JT Long