CONTESTS,  For my recent workshops I have been offering printouts of contests for members, and urging them to enter as many as possible.  Yes, there is an entry fee (usually $5 to $10) but placing even last or getting an honorable mention  in a national contest not only makes you an "award-winning author" it sparks your own drive to submit more often–and submit to paying markets.  A year ago I submitted a short story to a "literary journal."  The editor said he "loved" the story and wanted to publish it in their 2007 issue of the journal.  No pay, I learned, belatedly, but "flattery" won me over and I said yes to editor.  Later I submitted the same story to a mid-West contest for which the editors were glad to have alread-pyblished pieces.  The one-page of single space critique I received was something of a surprise.  The reader "took the story apart."  She (he?) felt the heroine was not properly motivated, that the setting wasn't clear, etc. etc..   Lesson here:  All readers have different tastes and different standards of judgement.  Do not take the judgement of one editor as gospel.  Seriously consider all points made, but keep writing, be your own severe critic, BUT keep submitting and submitting.  That is the way we learn and progress.  Nothing gets judged good or bad or is paid for if it stays hidden in your computer files or your file drawer.

Good luck with your writing, and keep in touch. –Willma