Define "Lifestyle" articles....

Cate · Aug 20, 2008

Ok. Here's the thing..........

I've been contacted by an editor about some very lucrative, high-profile writing work and asked to submit ideas for a new mag. She specifically asked for "lifestyle" article ideas.

Now I know what I would say a lifestyle piece is, but I'm wondering if I could get AW'ers to ring in on what they would define it as.

Thanks for your thoughts........

Southern_girl29 · Aug 20, 2008

I'm the editor of the Lifestyles section of the newspaper, and while I know it is a little different, I'm sure some things are similiar. I do stories about gardens in the area, flower shows, entertainment events, weddings and engagements (which I know is not included in a magazine but wedding or engagement theme articles would fit), stories about people who are doing interesting things in the community, etc. Hope this helps.

Cate · Aug 20, 2008

Thanks! That is helpful.

Anyone else have any thoughts?

escritora · Aug 20, 2008

Home decor, crafts (seasonal ideas, scrapbooking) trips (romantic getaways, three day weekends), money issues (taxes, career, retirement, investing)

Laurie PK · Aug 21, 2008

Health is a big part of a successful lifestyle, anything from nutrition to building a strong immune system to scents that make you happy!

Good luck with this new venture

very exciting.

Fern · Aug 21, 2008

Go to the websites of any large newspapers and check out the Lifestyle section to get an idea of the variety of subjects covered.

gettingby · Aug 21, 2008

Fluff pieces. I am not saying that in a bad way. Good luck.

CatMuse33 · Aug 22, 2008

When I hear "lifestyle," as a genre, I think "high-end..."

Home decorating, home & garden, vacations and travel, fashion, gourmet eating and luxury vehicles. <shrug> Don't know if that's a correct assessment... certainly, every income level has their own 'lifestyle' but I always think high-end luxury things.. things that enhance someone's lifestyle.

NeverEndingStory · Aug 25, 2008

As someone who regulary writes lifestyle articles, I can confirm that all of the "definitions" offered here are spot on. A lifestyle piece covers high-end items when the publication itself is high-end. If the pub is not high-end, lifestyle pieces tend to be more sarcastic, fun, downhome, or full of slang. Basically, lifestyle reflects whatever demographic the article is intended for. I've written lifestyle pieces on retirement issues for affluent baby boomers, luxury transportation options, and spa treatments, as well as pieces covering the best restaurants or bars in town, shopping for green fashions, and pole dancing for fitness.

CatMuse33 · Aug 25, 2008

My question now is, what is NOT lifestyle? LOL Hard, breaking news, I would assume?

And would service pieces (how-tos) fit in lifestyle if they spoke to the readers' lifestyle? (ie, how to upgrade to first-class, how to field-dress a deer?)

dawn

NeverEndingStory · Aug 25, 2008

When I summarize what I write I usually say something like, "I write business profiles and consumer-oriented lifestyle pieces on topics such as food/wine, health/fitness, fashion/beauty, and going green."

I figure the more hardcore topics like finance, construction and law fall under the "business profile" umbrella. I've written profiles on construction and lumber companies, law firms and banks, and even though one of my finance articles was all about maintaining a certain level of lifestyle in retirement, I am no expert in any of these areas. That said, I tend to shy away from mentioning them as bullet points. So for me, yes, lifestyle is anything that isn't hard hitting news. I'll leave that to the Diane Sawyers and Tom Brokaws of the world.

Cate · Aug 25, 2008

Thanks for all the feedback!

kilchrijum · Sep 20, 2009

Hi guys, Im a newbie. Nice to join this forum.

SouthernFriedJulie · Sep 20, 2009

Oh look! Sig spam!

Post reported.

wyntermoon · Sep 21, 2009

kilchrijum has been asked to remove the link.

Define "Lifestyle" articles....

Cate

Never Bored

Southern_girl29

Cate

Never Bored

escritora

.

Laurie PK

Fulltime blogger & freelance writer

Fern

practical experience, FTW

gettingby

CatMuse33

Just hitting send

NeverEndingStory

CatMuse33

Just hitting send

NeverEndingStory

Cate

Never Bored

kilchrijum

SouthernFriedJulie

Hidin' the bodies

wyntermoon