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‘TIS ALWAYS THE SEASON…FOR SOMETHING
by W.E. Reinka
The most common question writers get after “what sort of
writing do you do?” is “where do you get your ideas?”
I feed monthly features into two syndicates. Where do I
get my ideas? I start with the calendar. Good seasonal
articles are not only annual but, in a sense, perennial.
Write a good Father’s Day piece, and it remains ripe
for reprints year after year.
Adages that apply to general features also apply to holiday
features. Start with an engaging lead. Avoid the familiar.
Editors don’t want another reminiscence of the longed for,
but unexpected, Christmas present showing up under the tree.
Here are eight other Do’s and Don’ts.
1. Give Your Readers Credit
Don’t slow down your Columbus Day piece on an explanation
of Columbus’s role in history. Flag Day readers already
know that Betsy Ross sewed the first American flag. But
they probably don’t know that she quashed George Washington’s
suggestion that six-pointed stars might be easier to sew when
she deftly folded a piece of fabric and, snip snip, produced
a five-pointed star.
2. Micro to Macro/ Macro to Micro Leads
Remember that most features “start” in the second or third
paragraph. That Reader’s Digest throat-clearing staple, the
anecdotal lead, moves from the specific to general. Or try
turning things around as I did in my Veteran’s Day piece
which opens with a paragraph about how the increased
recognition of the sacrifices of minority squadrons has
changed the face of Veteran’s Day. Then my article narrows
its focus to single mother Lori Piestewa, the first female
Native American to die in combat on foreign soil. The story
of her heartbreaking heroism in Iraq honors all veterans.
3. New Angles on Old Holidays
Remember our friend Squanto from when we kindergartners we
dressed up as Pilgrims or Native Americans? Once I learned
that Squanto had visited Europe twice before the Pilgrims
ever saw Plymouth Rock, I knew more editors would gobble up
that idea than a reminiscence of Thanksgiving turkey aroma.
4. Ready, Fire, Aim
Our instructor at one of those get-rich-in-real-estate courses
advised due diligence in all transactions but said that
occasionally we had to grab opportunities, what he called
“Ready, Fire, Aim.” Likewise, if you’re inspired by this
year’s Independence Day fireworks, go home and get it down
for next year. Besides, it’s almost never too early to submit
a seasonal piece but it’s often too late. If you’re submitting
a holiday piece to what is for you a new market, shoot for
four or five months ahead.
5. Unofficial holidays
Look beyond the calendar’s red letter days. I’ve published
two articles on America’s biggest unofficial holiday, Super
Bowl Sunday. Last September I envied another writer’s piece
on National Talk Like a Pirate Day. The World Series, first
day of school and summer solstice are among the annual rites
that are grist for seasonal articles.
6. Anniversaries
Although they might not be candidates for annual reprints,
celebrate significant anniversaries. When The Beatles’ Sgt.
Pepper album turned forty, I hit the charts across the country
with “It Was Forty Years Ago Today” (that we first heard “It
was twenty years ago today…”). Last summer my piece on the
75th anniversary of the first drive-in movie proved to be a
blockbuster. Get ready for Lincoln. February marks his
bicentennial.
7. Months
If you’re a food writer, readers will relish your piece on
National Pickles Month. February is more than Valentine’s and
Presidents’ Day. It’s also Black History Month. March is
Women’s History Month.
8. No Harangues
During the last five years, I wrote only one article that
didn’t sell. It was a harangue. Hey, we’re all with you on
how Wal-Mart puts Santa out during swimsuit season or trick-
or-treaters who don’t bother with costumes. But save it.
Editors mark seasons with affirming pieces.
Writing prompt:
This July is the 40th anniversary of the first moonwalk.
BIO
W.E. Reinka is a regular contributor to print and electronic
publications nationwide.” E-mail
wereinka@ix.netcom.com
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