Noticing Newbies

Recently had the good fortune of discovering this site. Thought it would be a good idea to join and benefit from having the feedback from others who enjoy the craft of writing. There seems to be a lot of stuff here I can benefit from. If anyone has recommendations on how to proceed in the most beneficial ways, please let me know.

I recently retired from my job and am serious about committing myself to writing and making a living at it. Now that my kids are grown,and my ex-wife decided to move to Florida, I have more than enough time and energy to devote to the craft. I don't want to be working in a vacuum and look forward to making some friends here, professionally or otherwise. I'd be open to meeting any other memebers who might be near my neck of the woods in Brooklyn. Please feel free to introduce yourself.