WRITING 'ROUND THE CALENDAR

By Jean Wise

Do you know what today is? As I write in on November 10th, it is National Area Code Day. National Gingerbread House Day is also celebrated on this date. In addition, this date honors Marine Corp Day.

Did you know this was World Kindness Week? And the entire month of November claims groups from the National Peanut Butter Lovers Month to the National Alzheimer’s Disease Month to even Celebrate Empty Nesters Month!

In the United States we enjoy over ten official governmental holidays, yet other special day recognitions occur each day, week, and month. With the move to more of a global society, a rich collection of other country’s holidays await to be discovered.
Ideas abound in the calendar for writers! Let’s set a G.O. A. L. (gather, organize, approach and links) to write ‘round the calendar next year.

G – Gather
In 2009 I plan to create my own holiday idea calendar. Researching daily, weekly and monthly recognized dates, I plan to list those which I think have possibilities for articles. Of course I will have to narrow the number down to a reasonable amount, but think this calendar will be a valuable source of ideas for next year. I imagine that this resource will also open up new markets that I haven’t thought of before as a writer.
The major holidays of Thanksgiving and Christmas are fast approaching. Carry a notebook with you as you attend parties, shop, watch television, talk with friends and family or scan magazines. Make a list about what you realize you do NOT know and want to learn more about and use that as a basis for an article for the 2009 holiday season. Is there a new phrase or word or trend you’ve noticed that could be featured? Record your emotions during this time. Much has been written about holiday stress but perhaps your overwhelming feeling is joy and wonder.

O-Organize
After I list the dates that light my writer’s muse, the next step is planning ahead. Most magazines have a lead of a minimum of three months with a full six months much more realistic. My query letters need to be timely.
For example, July 30 is National Father-in-law Day, so that letter should be sent early in the year.
Newspapers work with a shorter advance time yet if I plan to present an idea for a feature article on fathers-in-law, I better plan on talking with the editor at least by spring.

A – Approach
As writers trying to find a unique approach to any topic is always a challenge. Picking a bizarre or unusual holiday provides an immediate distinction. Ideas such as Adopt a Rescued Guinea Pig Month, World Rattlesnake Round up Week, Stupid Guy Thing Day, and Napping Day (the day after the time change in spring) sends my imagination in all sorts of directions.
Do any holidays tie into current and local issues? The economy and the energy crisis are hot topics right now. How could we as writers incorporate these issues into National Biodiesel Day in March or August’s Simplify Your Life Week?
Can you connect a local event to a national recognition? I noticed last month several of our local towns had chili cook-off competitions. I later discovered that October is National Chili Month.
Do you have a special passion that tugs at your heart? Write an article about National Domestic Violence Prevention Month, National Day of Prayer or Safe Kids Week.
Tie a special day to a vacation destination. When we traveled out west this summer to many of our national parks, the story of John Muir and his passion to protect the land fascinated me. I recently found out that John Muir Day is April 21st.

L – Links
Internet search engines can lead the writer to many holiday ideas and details. Here are a few sites I found: www.brownielocks.com, www.earthcalendar.net and www.holidayinsights.com.
To find information about what happen on this day in history, check out the history channel at www.history.com. On November 10, 1969 Sesame Street first debuted on television. They will be celebrating 40 years of exciting children programming in 2009 and a great possibility for an article.

So let’s get our creative juices rolling and plan at least one holiday feature in 2009. Writing ‘round the calendar opens our minds to new ideas and markets and serves as a rich resource of possibilities.