B&A: Are there any published authors on here that...?

Marian, there are published who visit this section from time to time. I'm published if being paid for fiction, non fiction and poetry and having it appear online or in print counts, and my work has appeared in anthologies, but suspect that isn't really what you are looking for. A good place to start would be to investigate whether there are any writers who live in your area and if they would be willing to talk to you. Your local library may be able to help you with this. (I know my local one has a section devoted to local authors and they sometimes offer writing classes.) Otherwise, is there a writers centre in your area? If so, they may be able to put you in touch with an author. Alternatively, consider contacting one of your favourite authors via their website or blog.