by Linda Gilden @LindaGilden
One publishing word that comes to mind right now is the word “seasonal.” What does that mean to writers? Any piece of writing that is tied to a particular time of the year is considered seasonal.
Obviously, right now we think of Christmas articles and books. But now that the season is upon us, it is too late to think of submitting articles and books for this year. But we have also just celebrated Thanksgiving, and magazines love to get articles for holidays that people don’t write much about. Find a fresh new way to write about Thanksgiving, Christmas or other holidays and you will see how hungry magazines are for fresh voices.
The time to begin thinking about Christmas articles is in the spring and summer. Yes, April is a good time to put on the Christmas music, turn the air conditioner down low to put a chill in the air, and put on your thinking cap.
Market guides suggest six to twelve months ahead for “seasonal” articles. When summer has ended, it is time to put on your Easter bonnet and think about submitting articles for Easter. Look at the calendar for other “seasons.” Perhaps you can find one that is not as well-known yet celebrated that would pique an editor’s interest.
It is only the first half of December. You have plenty of time to write a seasonal blog. You could touch someone’s life and help him or her have the best Christmas ever. Do you have an hour or two today that you could use to submit to an online blog or even your own blog still waiting for Christmas material?
Christmas Words to Inspire Writers
Merry. We hear this word paired with Christmas this time of the year. And, indeed, we wish everyone a very Merry Christmas. Writers should also be merry. It’s biblical. “A merry heart doeth good like a medicine” (Proverbs 17:22). Writers should write from the overflow of their hearts, so a merry heart is a good thing for a writer.
Decorate. We scramble to bring out the trees, angels, and nativities that have lived all year in boxes in the attic. We want our homes to be warm and inviting. Whatever it takes for our writing to have the same warmth and invitation to partake should be included in every manuscript. It doesn’t mean multi-colored ink or confetti that pops out of each submission. But our writing should exude the quality of writing and excellent heartfelt message that makes readers want to stay with us.
Wreath. Wreaths come in all shapes and sizes. But they have one thing in common—they are all round. The shape is never ending and flows from one place to another. The publishing process sometimes seems never ending. But as you go from place to place on the circle, you are constantly learning and building relationships. If you work hard enough and don’t give up, at some point that manuscript or book you are working on will find its bow.
Jesus. After all, we are celebrating Jesus’ birth during the Christmas season. We sing songs, participate in plays, and get together with friends to celebrate this life-changing occasion.
How does this affect our writing? If we are writers who are believers, our job during the Christmas season is to continue the celebration of Jesus’ birth and let the message of His love shine through everything we write. Our job is to be missionaries in print and to show the world how much God loves us through the gift of His son. This is the greatest word of Christmas.
TWEETABLE
Thanks for your creative ideas, Linda. Merry Christmas!
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