Write On!

Some groups have a newsletter that is used to communicate group news, advertise group events and maybe keep the members up to date on the latest happenings in the their area of interest.  It’s the newsletter editor’s job to keep the publication full of interesting and useful articles.

As Chronicler (the SCA version of the newsletter editor) of my local group finding these articles is the biggest challenge of the job.  Sure I cut and paste events from the main SCA website, solicit creative works form the local bards; it’s the rest of the blank pages that’s the challenge.

So I write this missive to ask members of reenactment groups to help your newsletter editor out by submitting articles.  Have a favorite movie about your time period?  Write a review.  It doesn’t matter if it was released 50 years ago.  DVDs and other media have given new life to the oldies but goodies and some younger members of your group who may never have seen the film may seek it out at the library.

Been to a castle in Europe?  A Civil War battlefield?  Write about it!

If you’re an officer of your organization, write a report for publication.  This is especially true if you’re the local chapter’s president.  Keep your group informed of the state of the group, changes in the national policy (if applicable) and don’t forget that a word of encouragement or praise is always welcomed.

If you’re a cook submit a recipe or hints on what foods to pack for a day at the fair or in the field, or popular foods during your time period.

Sewers can write about fashions of the time period or what type of fabrics wear well.

Those involved in the martial arts can write about choosing the weapon best for you, caring for weapons…

I could go on with suggested topics.

The bottom line is that the newsletter is your newsletter and it needs you to succeed.  Don’t be shy about approaching your newsletter editor about your article ideas.

Write On!