Writing an Inspirational or Self-Help Article

"The key to writing art of living articles is to write an article that will make a difference in someone's life -- to provide the reader with something to hold on to and take away into her own life." 

(Michelle Ruberg, Writer's Digest Handbook of Magazine Article Writing at http://www.amazon.ca/Writers-Handbook-Magazine-Article-Writing/dp/1582973342)

According to Michelle Ruberg, there are four types of art of living articles:

1.  Inspiration

The inspirational article uses life events to entice readers, to make them feel connected.  Angela Adair Hoy writes inspirational articles in her popular column "News from the Home Office", part of her newsletter Writersweekly.com. One example is her story "How Small is Bangor, Maine?  Well, I'll tell ya..."

2.  Faith 

Twenty-five years ago, the circulation of faith and religious magazines was down.  However, since 9/11 and the war in Iraq, the demand for such magazines has increased.  Michelle Ruberg says that Americans remain predominantly Christian and that 6 out of 10 Americans reports attending church on at least a semi-regular basis.  The journal Commonweal (https://www.commonwealmagazine.org/) publishes articles which draw a link between worldly concerns and religious beliefs.  

3.  Self-help

Self-help articles provide help for those going through a similar experience to the author.  There is power in sharing your story, in showing others they are not alone.  These articles often include sidebars with interviews with experts, statistics, tables and charts.  Ladies Home Jounral (http://www.divinecaroline.com/ladies-home-journalfeatures) self-help stories about beauty/fashion, food/nutrition, home decor, parenting and current events.

4.  Personal Essay

The personal essay ties a personal experience with a universal truth.  Michelle Ruberg warns you not to "wander into the realm of the cliche" when writing the personal essay.  Rather, strike an emotional chord by using descriptive sentences and visual images.  Don't forget to choose a theme which ties the essay together.  You might pick a familiar object, phrase or song to be the centre of the piece and work your ideas around it.  Since it's a self-help topic, Michelle Ruberg suggests the Beatles' song "I Get By with a Little Help from my Friends".  More than 400 American magazines publish personal essays including Guideposts (www.guideposts.org) and The New York Times Magazine (http://www.nytimes.com/pages/magazine/index.html).

Note:  Here is my inspirational article from 2012 that I wrote for the Christian Courier about adoption and infertility called "Battling Infertility:  Three Couples Stories of Hope" at http://www.docstoc.com/docs/140255167/May-14_-2012-Issue-_2936---Christian-Courier.

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Merry Christmas Makes a Comeback

It was only about two years ago that I was shopping at No Frills and said Merry Christmas to the cashier, which sparked a conversation about the politically correct term "Happy Holidays".  She said that at Walmart, if an employee said "Merry Christmas", he or she could be fired!

As part of the politically correct campaign, Lowe's started selling "holiday trees".  Food Basics wished its shoppers a "Happy Diwali" but there was no mention of "Merry Christmas".  I noticed that Sear's had signs hanging in their stores which said "More Merry".  Where was the final, most important part, of that phrase?

It was such political correctness which ignited the "War on Christmas".  The American Family Association made a conscious effort to boycott stores which used the salutation "Happy Holidays". Others unofficially voted with their feet by shopping in stores which still supported "Christmas". Last year, I posted a list of Christmas friendly stores here in Brantford on Facebook.

After all, the majority of Americans identify with the Christian faith.  Similarly, over 60% of Canadians consider themselves Christian.  Shouldn't we call a spade, a spade?

The large American retailers must have started feeling the crunch.  This year, they have made a deliberate effort to bring back "Merry Christmas".  Walmart, Walgreen's, Macy's and Kohl's have all embraced the salutation.  Lowe's is once again selling "Christmas trees".  Food Basics wished its shoppers "Merry Christmas" this year in its leaflets.

Whereas in 2005, only 20% of large American stores were using the phrase "Merry Christmas", this year that number is up to 80%.  As the large stores embrace Christmas, the small stores will follow suit.

Even politicians are getting in on the act such as British Columbia MP Nina Grewal, who, despite being a Muslim, encourages Christians to be proud of their traditions.  See the following clip: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bAd5ZVDhexY.

I am looking forward to next year when I hope to see even more "Merry Christmas" signs in store window fronts, hanging from store ceilings, in leaflets and catalogues, and online.  Long live Christmas!

For more information, visit http://news.nationalpost.com/2014/12/22/the-war-on-happy-holidays-begins-as-merry-christmas-makes-a-comeback/.

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