There is no question that the digital universe has changed a writer’s life completely from writer’s even a decade or two ago. But are all of these changes positive changes? Well, many things have been much improved given the digital universe that we live in. We can form critique groups without leaving the comforts of our own homes. We could have writing friends and partners on the Internet and really excel. We can have chats and discussions on the Internet as well, either on Google or Yahoo. But is spending that much time in front of a computer a good thing? I think it depends on the person. If you are a younger person, perhaps you should try and get together with REAL people once in a while. If you are a social person, the same holds true. But what if you are an introvert and you LOVE your alone time? Should you worry about spending that much time in front of your computer? Well, psychologists would say ‘yes’. We all have to worry about becoming too isolated and secluded. And writers are most prone to having this happen because their work is very solitary. No one, at least I haven’t met anyone, can write with another person close by. We tend to work alone, with closed doors, in closed quarters. And that is part of what it means to be a writer. No surprises there. But what is that totally healthy? Is it okay to simply communicate with other people on the internet to the exclusion of seeing anyone in person? Well, I would have to say no. Most of us need to have some social contacts. We need to get out and see people once in a while. And yes, for some of us, it is a GOOD IDEA to form a REAL (IN PERSON) critique group. But for some of us, it is okay to have online critique groups. So, decide what you need fellow writers and follow your needs. We are all very different as writers. But don’t just suppress what you need. Determine what you DO need and bring it about because, given the digital age, we actually have a choice as to how to proceed. ~ Happy Writing ~ Irene