I've been scouring the web for good writing groups, and from what I've been reading, this site seems one of the best.
I noticed a few others here from Oregon, which tends to put me at ease.
*waves to the Oregonians*

Actually, I think there's already a thread for this, so the moderator (Kathleen . . . she rocks!) will prolly post a notice here in a moment and/or move this thread to the right place. Other than that . . . greetings!

Never read anything by Card? Well, I think all would agree that one of his definitive works is 'Ender's Game'. If you're a sci-fi buff, you'll love it. Everything else is also worth reading, but that book'll hook you on OSC!

As for joining groups, I think on the main site (not the forums) there's a form you can fill out to apply to a writing group. Our moderator (a.k.a. KDW) will put you in a group of people with like interests once enough have applied. (up to a month or so, but it can be quicker) I'm in my first one now and they're very cool. Don't know if they're just for sci-fi/fantasy, but I would imagine you could find a group for straight contemporary fiction too. You'll just have to see.

From Tigard myself, the right shoe of Portland.

I shall have to try OSC. Sounds like he actually adds some religion to his writing. That's a plus from my perspective.

Is there actually a form to fill out when joining groups? I can't seem to find a form anywhere on the site. I found some info on the groups but no instructions for joining. Anyone willing to post a link to such a form?

http://www.hatrack.com/writers/writers/index.shtml <-- info about writers groups. Read this if you haven't yet before you join.

I lived in Hillsboro for a year, and Vancouver, WA for 20. That's why I say I'm close enough to an Oregonian. Went to high-school in Beaverton at Catlin Gabel. I live in Idaho now. :-( Far from my homeland.

Tigard's not bad, but I never got out that way much . . . I mostly stuck to the east-side 'cept for that year in Hillsboro.