Reasons a Writer Needs to Start Thinking about the Holidays Now

by Linda Gilden @LindaGilden

Even though it is just the end of the summer, it’s a great time to gather your holiday thoughts for your writing projects.

Most magazines begin several months ahead if not more. So this month would be a good time to make your list of possible article ideas for this year’s holiday season.

Thanksgiving articles are especially welcome. As authors, some of us tend to skip that holiday because it seems Christmas articles might be more desirable. But most magazines, both print and online, love to have a new, fresh Thanksgiving article to share with their readers. In order to have the greatest chance of success with submissions, try to think of a new angle to approach the holiday. In other words, instead of writing “How the Pilgrims got to America,” why not research and profile one of the most influential travelers on the Mayflower. Or instead of writing about “The First Thanksgiving Menu,” write about a current menu. “A Menu for all Ages,” and include Thanksgiving favorites to all ages.

Christmas articles can follow the same rule—find a fresh and new approach to share with your readers. Perhaps you could find a jolly fellow who plays Santa every year and one year a special child pointed him to God and changed his life. Or instead of writing “My Favorite Christmas Present Ever” you could write “The Best Christmas Gift You can Give.” Or compile a list that gives your reader a sampling of gifts that will change your life in a positive way. This might include gifts of time or special words. If you want to make your article interesting to a larger group of people, use the round up format and ask one Christmas-related question to five or six celebrities or others. Make sure to vary the demographics of those you ask. Maybe you have a favorite Christmas article you have saved for years or a Christmas poem and your article could be about why it meant so much to you.

Ideas abound and often come to mind when you are least expecting them. But if you put on some Christmas music, set a decoration or two beside your computer, and let your idea stream run through your mind, in no time you will have a great list of ideas from which to write holiday articles.

Whatever your idea, these are special times that can point readers to think about God’s provision. Holiday articles are a great starting place for writing articles because everyone celebrates in unique and special ways.

Whatever your focus for this year’s holidays, be sure to share it with others. And Happy Thanksgiving! And Merry Christmas!

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Reasons a Writer Needs to Start Thinking about the Holidays Now, insight from @LindaGilden on @EdieMelson (Click to Tweet)

Linda Gilden has coauthored 11 books with 5 different coauthors and has #12 and #13 coming out in 2022, adding a new co-author to the list. She loves every one of her coauthors and enjoys collaborating on interesting projects with them. She also has written many books on her own and realizes what a treasure and blessing a good co-author is.

Featured Image: Photo by Danil Aksenov on Unsplash