Hello and Welcome!
Well done on having that story published - they say the first one is always the hardest

(I'm not familiar with Beginnings Magazine - what sort of magazine is it?)
Good to meet someone who's been though Long Ridge too. There have been a few people posting here every now and then asking about it, so if the question gets asked again, it'll be good to know there's someone here who can give an informed opinion.
And on your comments about getting started writing - I'm completely with you on that one. So many people long to write, but just never get around to it. Hopefully places like this forum will help encourage these folk.
Anyway, as I said, welcome to the forum. Hope to see you around.