Writing for the Homeschool Market

First Published in October, 2003 Fellowscript Magazine

Writing for the Homeschooling Market
by Glynis M. Belec


Writing for a niche market is like sweet syrup to some. When a writer is an expert in a particular field, or if he/she has special insight into a subject, a healthy and lengthy editorial relationship can result.

More and more readers and consequently, periodicals, are looking for well-written articles on homeschooling.

Homeschooling, an alternative form of education, is on the rise. Some Parents, discouraged and disillusioned about the state of the school system, or for personal reasons, are opting to teach their children at home.

Because of this, both seasoned and potential home educators are looking for ideas. They are interested in reading articles on a wide range of topics including how to get started in homeschooling, various resource information, personal interviews with other homeschoolers, internet communications, cooking, crafts, socialization tips, recreational math, how to organize a convention, how to get the most out of a convention, where families can volunteer, simple-living family activities, inspirational and devotional encouragement – the list is endless.

Other readers are simply curious about this rapidly increasing option for educating children. They want to learn more about what is involved in homeschooling and how children manage to learn in a home environment. Is it statistically working?

It is not a pre-requisite for a writer to be a teacher or to have homeschooling experience – although it does help establish some credibility. What matters is that you are well informed and knowledgeable about the subject you present to an editor.

There are exclusive homeschool magazines whose focus is primarily home education while other periodicals look for well-written general articles on the subject. Here are some for your consideration:

1. Homeschooling Today - http://www.homeschoolingtoday.com/

2. Home Educator .com - http://www.homeeducator.com/FamilyTimes/submissions.htm

3. Home Education Magazine - http://www.homeedmag.com/write.html

4. Home School World - http://www.home-school.com/writers/

Grandmothers’ Necklace Set for May 1st Launch in Kitchener

Press Release


by Glynis M. Belec

When Patricia Anne Elford attended her first meeting of the Petawawa Grannies for Africa, she was compelled to do her part. Elford, a writer, editor and teacher, felt an immediate stirring to help the now estimated 15-18 million African children orphaned by AIDS and their caregiver grandmothers.

“I wanted to do something because the need was so great,” said Elford.

She referred to the immense task and responsibility that sub-Saharan grandmothers face in caring for their grandchildren. Not only have these brave, African grandmothers lost their own children to the pandemic of HIV/AIDS, but they face the rest of their lives wondering how to provide the basic necessities as they raise their grandchildren.

Elford decided to use her gifts and abilities as a writer to compile submitted stories into a book that would help raise funds for these quietly courageous grandmothers.

Grandmother’s Necklace, a collection of inspiring stories, is the outcome of Elford’s brainchild. This remarkable anthology includes writings by 61 authors from across Canada, the United States and Ireland. The book also contains narratives from five African grandmothers.

None of the anthology authors receive payment for their contribution. All profits from the sale of the book will go to the Stephen Lewis Foundation (SLF) www.stephenlewisfoundation.org/grandmothers.htm through the Petawawa Grannies. SLF is a registered charitable organization that funds grassroots efforts in sub-Saharan Africa to better the lives of the women and children there.

The Kitchener launch of Grandmothers’ Necklace will be held Saturday, May 1, 2010, from 2pm until 4 pm at St. Philip's Lutheran Church, 236 Woodhaven Road in Kitchener. Local author Carolyn Wilker, with the help of Listowel and Drayton authors, Ruth Smith-Meyer and Glynis Belec, is organizing and arranging for selected author readings and a time of celebration, refreshments and reflection. Refreshments will be provided by Omas Siskonas, the local chapter of Grandmothers to Grandmothers.

“We hear much about people in Third World nations and how they struggle,” says Wilker, “but rarely do we hear about those people—grandmothers, in this case— who work so hard to hold things together for their families.”

Wilker, as she contemplates the inconceivable tragedy that is sweeping Africa, joins with Smith-Meyer and Belec in saying that it feels good to [do our part] to help.

Smith-Meyer’s treasured relationship with her own grandmother inspires her to do what she can to foster and help other grandmothers.

“When I saw the request for submissions, I immediately felt compelled to do something for the grandmothers in Africa,” says Smith-Meyer. “I realized the difference between having [my] Grandmother as a "back-up" support and having her serve as a mother because my own was gone.”

Along with contributions by Wilker, Smith-Meyer and Belec, other award-winning contributors to Grandmothers’ Necklace include Phil Callaway, Kathleen Gibson, Judy Maddren, Patricia Elford, L. June Stevenson, and others.

For further information about the launch, e-mail gbelec@everus.ca or cari.edit@rogers.com or call (519) 570-9595