I've written several things for myself and various companies that I've worked for, but writing has always been my passion and I'm wondering how exactly one just jumps into the career.

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With the web at your finger tips I would recommend starting a blog. This will help you practice your writing while receiving feedback on your work. This form really leaves you with many options since a blog has no restrictions. However where you go from there really depends on what kind of writing you want to do. Contacting local newspapers and trying to get editorials is also a great way to jump start a freelance writing career. You could also contact current blogs that are successful and see if they are in need of writers. Just remember it's one fo the most under-appreciated careers and most likely your paycheck won't increase.