Hotels & Magazines Prompt
Words on Wednesdays - Writing Prompts to Kick that Block to the Curb
Lots of smallish things make me happy. Staying at hotels and reading magazines are two. Not that I indulge in either one too often.
Magazines (sadly) seem to be headed for extinction thanks to the endless content in our feeds. Hotels are expensive and it’s just not practical to live in one all the time. I do wonder what that would be like – full-time hotel living, like Eloise of the children’s books.
Would I get bored?
Would I find myself longing for a new view from my window?
Would I tire of my bed being magically made up each day? Fresh towels without having to do laundry?
I’m not likely to find out how I would feel as a full-timer in a hotel, but for now, a night or two in a hotel is a delight.
You might guess by the photo that I was in a hotel room as I wrote this. Said hotel was in Red Deer, so not exactly the most thrilling destination, but that also means my quite nice room and king-size bed did not come along with a hefty price tag.
Feel free to write about a memorable hotel room stay, but where I’m actually going with my ramble is to the magazines on my bed.
When I do indulge in a magazine purchase, I read them from cover to cover – ads and all. I love all the sections – the scintillating table of contents, the letter from the editor, the short newsy bits up front, the photos, the feature-length articles…
Back in the day when there was a tear-out card from which you could select the advertisers from whom you wished to receive mail – well, guess who wound up on more mailing lists than you can count? And then what joy to receive glossy brochures in the mail featuring brochures for everything from fancy cruises to horse tack.
Like many writers, I got my start writing for magazines. I still study the masthead to glean clues about which editor may be receptive to a pitch. I check to see roughly how many words are in a short feature, a long one.
Does the writer take the photos? How many photos are expected to accompany a profile piece? How many freelancers contribute to each issue?
These days, blogs and online publications have pushed magazines to the side, but these online publishing opportunities have also flung the doors wide open when it comes to where you might wish to share your words.
PROMPTS
What was your favourite magazine in days gone by? Is it still in print? Available online?
Consider dissecting a copy from cover to cover and then submit an article for publication (note – many magazines prefer a pitch for longer content but like to see complete shorter pieces right from the start).
These days, writing guidelines are all online, so no need to send off a SASE with a request for guidelines, but it helps if you are already a reader or subscriber. Chances are, you’ll be familiar with the kinds of pieces the magazine is likely to publish.
Even if you have no interest in writing for print publications, consider picking up a few from the thrift store for reference. Dissect each section and then emulate the format for your next blog post (or Substack newsletter). Take note of the punchy headlines, sub-headers, and snappy lead sentences. Note how the writers use captions to share additional information. Practice taking photos to accompany your writing (our phones are magical – put them to work!)
Writing for magazines or writing in a magazine style for an online post are two possible directions you could take this prompt.
You could also write a non-fiction piece about a favourite magazine or place a copy of Better Homes and Gardens in the hands of your main character, a convicted drug lord who is spending the rest of his life behind bars.
Or, choose your own adventure! Follow those words wherever they may take you. 😊
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