Asked by Fran Larson ^(23,243)
Fran Larson 15 days 1 hour ago. (More question by this person)

When did you get your first real break in writing or how do you plan to get your first real break?

Please Share with us. We are all writers weather we are the author of a best seller or if we write articles, stories and poetry.

Answer from Teresa Ortiz ^(11,094)
Teresa Ortiz 13 days 20 hours ago. More questions answered by this person)
I got my first real break here on searchwarp when my article about the night I DIDN'T learn how to belly dance was chosen by Jean for the front page. I gained several fans and after that and I started getting hundreds of reads on my articles. (Thanks Jean!!)

It inspired me to continue writing and since that time, I have sold and continue to sell my in-depth bible studies to local womens groups with great feedback and they continue to spread the word. We just have to keep pressing on by writing from our hearts and accepting tough critiques and have an open mind to change our style when needed.

Comment from Fran Larson ^(23,243) 13 days 19 hours ago.
Teresa, thank you so much for sharing and for your encouragement. I am happy that you are selling your work and that you have so many fans. God Bless.

Answer from Lisa Barker ⁽⁵⁶⁾ 10 days 15 hours ago. More questions answered by this person)
I got my first break when an agriculture magazine accepted my first article.

Later I got to be a community columnist for my local paper for a year.

Then, I started up a humor column and syndicated it online and in print building off the first chances.

Start somewhere and then work your way up. I still am. It's lots of fun and there's a lot to learn.

Comment from Fran Larson ^(23,243) 10 days 14 hours ago.
Thanks for more encouragement. I applaud your success. Lisa. Do you still have your humor column?

Answer from Marijo Phelps ^(2,847)
Marijo Phelps 6 days 16 hours ago. More questions answered by this person)
   Selected as Best Answer!   
I began posting online a bit over a year ago (after having a poem published at age 4 (mom was involved for sure) and one way back in the 70s.... I am now thrilled to have thousands and thousands of reads... one website even keeps track of how many people print and reprint my pieces - that tells me they liked it well enough to print it out. I have posted all my work as "free to share" and it has been used on several dozen websites that I know of and many that I don't (google your piece and you might be surprised to see who has posted it!)

At this point, if I ever get a check for writing - well, that would be the cherry on top! My goal is to help people laugh, challenge people to think about eternal things, encourage people in the Lord and share struggles so they will know that they are not alone in their fight. And to have those who don't believe take a look at where they are in life and maybe ask a question or two. A friend told me the other day she was hesitant to post her writing online because she heard that some will take your piece and claim it for their own. I told her for the thousands of "reads" wouldn't it be better to risk that than to write and have it sit in a desk drawer - she agreed. I also have picked up a couple of good friends online through our mutual writing. This is a break! I don't want a publisher taking my baby and mutilating it either. Some things yes, Words from the Lord, no. ETC. Does that make sense?

Comment from Fran Larson ^(23,243) 4 days 17 hours ago.
Yes, Marijo it makes a whole lot of sense. I admire you for what you are doing. I like to write, but unlike you, I would like to make some money from it. I am more selfish than you are. I'm sure all of your work will change the hearts and minds of many people.