That was a wise move.
I'm considering entering the publishing arena... but after I truly feel I've mastered the craft. There are a few mountains to still conquer! I've been encouraged by amazing, utterly amazing people. Dr Barry Spurr (author, Usyd - poetry, literature, etc) asked to see my work, so yay, I hope I get good comments. And the judge of the Broadway Poetry Prize, Elizabeth Webby, said she was really impressed with my work. So it is these comments that have been continuously encouraging me to write, write, and write.
Also meeting crazily famous poets, and recieving their encouragements and advice, has pushed me along.
I'm going to keep my mind open though, publishing is a very tough, scrutinising industry - and so it should be. So much, that it is frightening. But that's reality. To break the barriers and get published ( I mean majorly published, not the communtiy magazine) is VERY difficult.
Don't ever give up!