For a first try I have to say you've done a fantastic job. 1st or not it really is great. I've been photographing for almost 20 years now and I still haven't gotten an acceptable image and here you get a darned good one on your first try.
As far as suggestions go, I don't know what to advise on. Mother nature is unpredictable at best so any good shots are a gift from the Gods. Keep up the good work and maybe you can teach me how to get one too.

It's a good shot. It would have been better if the lightning bolt was placed a little larger in the picture, and maybe up a little more, but like Michael said, that's pretty much impossible to plan out. The only real way to get good lightning is if they sky is just rocking with it, and you just take a random shot a few times, you're bound to get something. Otherwise, you just have to know it's coming before it comes and snap the shutter at the right moment.

Good shot there Marietha,

Is that your camera I see exploding at the bottom of the pic? Good job.

You see - this is what happens when you stick a metal rod up and carry your camera during a storm... As for the image, I really like it. I'm a weather nut anyway - you did a good job.

Fantastic photo !! Well done Marietha !!! The storms are the only thing I dont miss :-)

Keep them coming

Auline

Hello Marietha...Great first time lightning picture....Distant lightning is not as bright, and this will necessitate increased exposure (smaller f-numbers). Many telephoto lenses are relatively slow and may not be able to get a proper exposure even when the shutter is set at its maximum aperture size (lowest f-number) .....Try and get a little bit of a horizon in your picture to make the image more dramatic....All the best...Mick.

Great photo. Will make a fabulous desktop.

Good job Marietha! I'm guessing a 20 to 30 second exposure on bulb setting before it zapped this good one? The lightning is very sharp.