Forward Motion for Writers

Hi all.
A little about myself. I am male, just south of 60 years old and go by climber44.
I have always loved writing, mostly soft s/f (research was my bugaboo, which left hard s/f out).
Back in the OLD days (pre-PC) I even submitted a number of stories to various sci-fi magazines. Other than one official rejection slip, they were (probably appropriately) ignored.
I have decided that it's time to start writing again, and have a number of what I think are decent ideas for longer (dare I say, novel length) stories.
The one I am currently working on has 12 chapters outlined, writing has begun on the first chapter, and I am working on character development, and the finer details (such as a love interest, etc.).
Sadly, I am finding that it isn't coming quite as easily as it once did (5 re-writes just to get the beginning of the first chapter the way I like).
Once I get more written, I will probably be submitting it for review by those of you who are interested (be harsh please, I can take it (maybe)).
I would also be interested in discussions with writers with more of a science background about a much harder sci-fi story I have in mind. Possibly even a co-author if you like my writing style, and of course, if I like yours.
I'm sure you will all be hearing more from me in the near future, and any suggestions on ways to meet people of similar interests and styles will be gratefully accepted.
I'm glad to be here, and hope to talk with all of you soon.