I've been reflecting on an experience I had earlier this year, which I'd like to write about and shop around before consigning it to a blog post. Christianity Today seems to be a good fit, since they publish a variety of articles, including opinion pieces. I'm still getting familiar with their website and the voice/length. Meanwhile, I'd like to start working on a pitch, since they prefer that instead of taking unsolicited manuscripts. So, I was wondering if anyone has experience dealing with them?
Here's a brief synopsis of what happened:
Bret Cavenaugh's confirmation to the Supreme Court brought the abortion debate back into the limelight. Local radio stations began rehashing the story of Dr. Kermit Gosnell, who I had never heard of before (the film about his life was coming out soon). One such broadcast featured a talk from someone who observed the trial, and she described his crimes in lurid detail. The more I learned, the angrier (and nauseated) I became. By happenstance, my job at a state park required me to write up a new mock trial program. This meant that I had to learn a lot of legalese. I began watching real trial footage to see how things like objections and motions were handled. I stumbled upon footage of Jeffrey Dahmer's trial and thought, "Hey, isn't that the one who converted?" I then learned that the man who baptized him was still alive and had written a book about his experience. In reading the book, and investigating whether or not Dahmer himself was a sincere convert, I was able to come to terms with my anger and adapt a healthier, more compassionate perspective.
Doesn't sound like much of a story on paper, but the experience has stuck with me, so why not at least try?
As one who has never written non-fiction like this before in any capacity, I welcome suggestions.
Here's a brief synopsis of what happened:
Bret Cavenaugh's confirmation to the Supreme Court brought the abortion debate back into the limelight. Local radio stations began rehashing the story of Dr. Kermit Gosnell, who I had never heard of before (the film about his life was coming out soon). One such broadcast featured a talk from someone who observed the trial, and she described his crimes in lurid detail. The more I learned, the angrier (and nauseated) I became. By happenstance, my job at a state park required me to write up a new mock trial program. This meant that I had to learn a lot of legalese. I began watching real trial footage to see how things like objections and motions were handled. I stumbled upon footage of Jeffrey Dahmer's trial and thought, "Hey, isn't that the one who converted?" I then learned that the man who baptized him was still alive and had written a book about his experience. In reading the book, and investigating whether or not Dahmer himself was a sincere convert, I was able to come to terms with my anger and adapt a healthier, more compassionate perspective.
Doesn't sound like much of a story on paper, but the experience has stuck with me, so why not at least try?
As one who has never written non-fiction like this before in any capacity, I welcome suggestions.