When I first decided to join the 500, I was fairly new to the FaithWriters site. I wanted to become a FaithWriters 500 member for two main reasons. One, to receive the private messenger service and two, to support the wonderful Christian website I had found. I had no idea I would end up being the one supported and blessed.
A few short months after I joined the 500, I was notified that one of my stories was going to be featured on FaithWriters home page. I was excited, to say the least. At the time, I didn't realize that only 500 members were featured on the home page. When my story appeared, I got lots of wonderful reviews and congratulations, and I almost felt like a celebrity. The encouraging FaithWriters community was certainly not shy about giving out pats on the back.
Not too long after that, I had articles placed in the FaithWriters magazine (www.faithwritersmagazine.com). A writer must be a FaithWriters 500 member to have their articles used in the magazine. It was becoming apparent to me that my membership was affording me a lot more exposure than I had realized it would. It was my desire to minister to others through my writing as well as get my name in the public as a writer, and both of these things seemed to be happening.
One of the most exciting things that happened to me as a 500 member was receiving a private message inviting me to write for a brand new online Christian magazine. After contacting the editor, it looked like it was going to be a fit for both of us. Also, one publication found me through the free website that is offered with the 500 membership. The page was very easy to build, even for a grandmother who is as computer challenged as I am! Now there are several publications I contribute to, and it is all because I am a FaithWriters 500 member. Some of my stories, articles and poems are now published and I pray that they are making people smile or touching someone who needs a boost.
I would not have had the opportunity to get my work in the public eye if I hadn't become a FaithWriters 500 member. My dream is to just write and have my writing be a blessing to those who read my work. Because God has opened doors for me through my 500 membership, I am the one truly being blessed.
Read more articles by Betty Castleberry or search for articles on the same topic or others.
