Kathleen, Queen of the Desert

Originally published in LLL US Western Division’s Connections #92, November/December 2001

When a Leader reads an essay in a parenting journal, an airline in-flight magazine, or a chapter in a book, she may think, “Wow! What a great idea for a La Leche League publication!” Original topics for LLL articles can sometimes be elusive, and very often these non-LLL sources can provide an interesting basis or general outline for a piece in an ALL or an article for Connections or LEAVEN. Even just a simple title like “Three Ways to Improve Your Home Office” might encourage you to snap out of writer’s bloc and get your own article written. These are some things to consider:

• Ask yourself if this topic is relevant to women in their role as Leaders and LLL administrators. Articles about time management techniques, stress relievers, and managing home offices might have points that would have relevance for all Leaders.

• Mention why this piece struck you as important.

• Credit the original author, title, and publication somewhere in the beginning of your article.

• Edit for a positive, respectful tone. You may need to remove sarcastic humor or harsh directives (such as, “Shut the door so your toddler won’t disturb phone calls”).

• Rewrite business (or other) jargon that may require more standard wording.

• Mine this non-LLL piece for all of its ideas. Might there be several articles here, not just one?

• Develop, flesh out, and add relevant anecdotes and examples with an LLL flavor.

• Note “Adapted for (publication name) by (your name)” at the end of your article.

• Include a copy of the original article with your adaptation when you submit to an editor, taking care to include the magazine or book’s publication identification.

• Use direct quotes accurately and sparingly. Quoting a single paragraph does not require permission from the copyright holder.