Get a novel buddy

Several months ago I connected with my novel buddy, Terry. We meet once a week to read and exchange hard copy of our Works in Progress (WIP).  It has been a tremendous help to both of us. Terry was writing the same novel for a long time and not getting very far. She's now written over 100 pages. I am working on a mystery set where I live and since Terry used to write for the local newspaper she has been an invaluable resource for ideas about the local culture and people.  She can also see character relationships better than I.  I can't emphacize enough how important it is to have a writing partner that you meet with on a weekly basis.