Writers Wanted - Shirley S. Tye

Did I read it correctly? Yes, I did! The title Writers Wanted was in the spring 2000 church bulletin. The job description read; "someone who has interest and ability in writing articles, news stories and press releases on behalf of our congregation". That's my job! At that time, I wasn't a published writer but I believed I could do the job and I wanted to do the job. I raced into the pastor's office to express my interest in taking on those responsibilities.

That's how hope was sparked in me; hope that my writing would be published; and hope that, at least, small payments would flow my way. It also changed my view of my writing; I became serious about it; my writing was important; I took more writing and editing courses; and diligently searched for periodicals I thought might accept my work. At first the whole process seemed agonizingly slow. But in 2001, I had two articles published; one in a Christian magazine and the other in a newspaper. The pastor's wife and I started a church newsletter which was well received by the congregation. Then the following year, another article was printed in a Christian magazine and a short story was accepted for publication in a large writers' organization's anthology. By 2004, I was on my way when an editor placed my name on a list of regular freelance writers for a local magazine. I was given many assignments which I embraced with enthusiasm.

People wanted to read my articles. They were pleased with the work. I felt I had finally arrived as a true writer. And all because of a small ad in a church bulletin and a pastor willing to let a greenhorn tackle the writing job.