Using The Special Events of Summer To Inspire Ideas

Some suggestions to turn this season's activities into articles for publication.
Summertime supplies an almost endless list of things to stimulate your writing.

What things am I talking about?

Special Events - like -

Community outings
Church fairs
Outdoor concerts
Annual festivals
Non-profit fundraisers (walk-a-thons etc.)
Holiday celebrations
Weekend carnivals

Regular Attractions - like -

Amusement Parks
(Do they have new rides? new presentations? discounted or increased admission rates? etc...)

Camping Activities
(Are there new campgrounds in your community? Are their more people "camping out" as opposed to paying to stay in a hotel/motel? Why do people come to your state to camp? Where do people from your neighborhood go to camp? etc...)

Beach Trips
(Which beaches are folks from your area choosing for their vacation? Why? Will they rent a beachfront condo or camp by the bay? Has the cost of a beach vacation increased/decreased? What are their favorite activities at the beach? etc...)

Local Pools - Playgrounds - Libraries
(Are there new ones opening or old ones closing? Are there special activities for children? Do they offer new programs this year? etc...)

Sporting Events/Demonstrations
(Are there new golf courses? new recreation areas or attractions? new professional or children's sports organized this year? special days at the ocean, lake, river or community grounds when instruction or demonstration of sports like surfing, kayaking, jet skiing, or rollerblading will be offerred? etc...)

Take a look around your community and chances are you'll find something going on somewhere that could turn into a great feature story for your local newspaper, regional magazine or other publication.

Think about questions like:

  1. What are kids doing this summer?
  2. Did someone you know (or even you!) take a great vacation that you could turn into a feature travel story?
  3. What are teachers doing this summer?
  4. What's hot this summer in your town and what's not? (trends, places, styles etc...)
  5. How is the weather forecast looking this year? Sunnier/rainier than last year?
  6. Is anyone famous coming to town for a concert, a lecture, a book-signing, a performance, a special affair, a political event etc...?

The traditional fun of Summer can surely spark your writing!

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