Noticing Newbies

Hello, my name is Jennifer. I am new to this forum, though not to writing forums in general. It's only been about a year and a half since I joined my first writing forum and look forward to being part of this one. I am an author. Not really a published one, but I LOVE to write and have written many children's books as well as recently completing my sixth middle grade novel, just a couple of weeks ago. I recently did win second place in a short story contest for the Creative Writing Institute Inc. and will have that story published in an anthology in December.

My dream is to have novels published, though. I know it is a long road and takes a lot of work and rejection. That's why I'm here. Not so much for the rejection, but for the work and to help me develop my writing with all of you. (Which I know still means that I will experience tough critiques and rejection). But my skin is kinda thin, and I know it needs to thicken, so will you please help me? But gently? I can't wait to meet all of you.

Personal details are that I'm 40 years old, I have 4 children ranging from 9-20 and have been married for 20 years. I work at an elementary school during the day. My family is very supportive of my writing and I hope one day I make them proud.