By Allison Lynn Flemming

Post #1 – The “Why” and “How” of Easter Writing

On April 5th, churches around the world celebrated the Resurrection! As writers, we can draw tremendous inspiration from writing about this glorious chapter of Christ’s story.

Over the past few years, I’ve had several pieces published about specific holidays, such as Christmas, Easter, and Thanksgiving. Writing about celebrations and holy days can be a great way to spark your creativity and meet the needs of publishers.

There are a few key points to consider when approaching holiday writing.

Writing in the actual season, or just after, is the best way to capture the mood of any holiday. Now is the time to brainstorm ideas and capture the feelings and memories of the season.

That said, publishers will want your pieces anywhere from six to twelve months before the actual holiday season. As always, read submission guidelines carefully!

Celebrations like Easter and Christmas are marked by Christians and non-Christians alike. Both sacred and secular traditions have value as subject matter.

For many churches, Easter isn’t a single day. Lent, Palm Sunday, Maundy Thursday, and Good Friday can all inspire unique writing projects.

Holiday themes are appropriate for any kind of writing! Next month, we’ll talk about where to find ideas, but first, let’s talk genre and format.

Here are few thoughts to get you started:

Fiction – Stories or Books

Literally any kind of story can be set in the Easter season! Imagine a romantic meet-cute where two lonely-hearts run into each other at the local Easter parade, or a WWII historical fiction where the characters experience the hope of the Resurrection while bombs destroy their city. And don’t forget young readers! Storylines both sacred and playful can fill fun and educational children’s books.

How-to – Articles or Books

Instructional nonfiction gives us endless opportunities to share our knowledge of the playful and the practical. Crafters love discovering fresh designs for spring decorations. Encourage would-be gardeners with instructions on forcing hyacinth bulbs for late-winter cheer. Anyone planning Easter dinner would love to know the tips and tricks for your perfect glazed ham.

Bible Devotions and Resources

Church publishers need an annual supply of Easter resources, such as 365-day devotionals which need fresh reflections. Churches and small groups need Bible studies that explore the Easter story from different perspectives. Sunday schools crave updated and engaging programs.

With these resources, don’t forget to consider a wide target audience—men, women, teenagers, seniors, seekers, lifelong faithful, professionals, retirees, etc. Can you write in several languages? Do you have a background that allows you to write for a specific audience? For example, could you write a devotional book for runners, firefighters, or caregivers?

Spiritual Nonfiction –  Articles or Books

In addition to devotions and resources, there’s also a need for books that guide us through the spiritual journey of Easter. Family gatherings can highlight strained relationships, so pieces navigating these difficult waters are always necessary. Any spiritual topic, be it prayer, grace, hope, or redemption, can be examined in a nonfiction book. This is also a great genre for examining the history and expression of Easter, perhaps looking at international traditions, worship styles over the years, or the writings of the saints.

Creative Nonfiction – Stories or Books

Mine your memories and share your own experiences of Easter challenges and hope. These stories can be spiritual, deeply moving, or silly and fun! We’ll explore where to find these ideas in the next post.

Poetry

As with fiction, any kind of poem can tell an Easter story. Experiment with different forms to find the best way to express your subject matter. For example, you could write a haiku inspired by the rebirth of nature, a narrative poem from the perspective of Mary, or a funny ode to marshmallow Peeps!

Music

The Bible calls us to sing a new song, so write one! Dig through the Gospels for inspiration. What songs could you write for Ash Wednesday? Palm Sunday? Maundy Thursday? Consider writing a hymn for your congregation, a solo piece for yourself, or an SATB anthem for your choir.

Greeting Cards

Publishers need fresh greetings and verses for Easter and spring-themed greeting cards. Some want a fully structured poem and others simply want a few sincere lines of greeting. Be sure to read the submission guidelines carefully!

I hope this list has given you some inspiration to get started on your own Easter writing projects!

Now that you’ve chosen a genre or two, join me for the next post for a list of ideas and prompts.

by Allison Lynn Flemming

Singer, writer and worship leader, Allison Lynn Flemming, is drawn to the power of story to grow hearts and communities. Allison and her husband, Gerald Flemming, form the award-winning music duo, Infinitely More. Publications include Faith Today, 20+ Guideposts contributor, 16x Chicken Soup for the Soul contributor. www.InfinitelyMore.ca