A Note from the Heirloom Editor Barb Barnes
You don’t need a degree in journalism to write for the Heirloom. All you need is something to say of interest to HUUC congregants. Interest areas can include upcoming HUUC events or those events related to HUUC congregants and/or UU concerns, reports on previous similar events, opinions related to UU concerns, and now creative writing pieces addressing specified topics. Reduce any anxieties regarding topics, writing style, writing ability, or even available time hurtles to your publishing in the Heirloom via the following brief discussion and guidelines below.
If you don’t know how to get started, first consider your topic. The following link indicates the acceptable contents – https://huuc.net/website-and-heirloom-newsletter-content-policy/. If you are at all concerned about the suitability of something you are considering submitting, contact the Heirloom editor at:
If you feel you need guidance in putting together an article – then click on the following for a concise, clear guide on things to consider when putting together your article: https://huuc.net/website-and-heirloom-newsletter-submitters-guide. This link contains suggestions on rules/considerations for pictures, content (including style considerations), timing, and submission method.
To clarify some points covered in the above submitters guide link, plus, to save time and frustration, consider these guidelines:
- Assure that any graphic/photo you submit is copyright-free and supply the editor with a source to reference at the end of the article (e.g. website or image creator/photographer.) If you don’t have a graphic/photo, the editor will happily supply one.
- Anyone captured in a photo (other than from a copyright-free web source) must be identified with first and last names and have given their permission for the photo to be published.
- Any future events should clearly identify the event’s location and duration (e.g., 7:00- 8:30 p.m. on Saturday, January 25, 2025 in the HUUC Heritage Room.) Double-check the accuracy of the reported weekdays, dates, and times.
- Any acronyms (such as NATO) must be fully written out when first used in the article. After that identification, the letters only may be used.
If you don’t feel that you write well, don’t worry. It is the editor’s job to make you look like a great writer. Articles submitted three days minimum before the submission deadline can be tweaked to the author’s preference via a very friendly, judgment-free exchange of writing suggestions with the editor. (Earlier submissions are better for this process, especially for columns and essays.) Unfortunately, for articles submitted on deadline day, it may not be possible to have that exchange due to the volume of articles submitted right before deadline.
If you still don’t feel comfortable writing something or don’t have the time but feel you have something to announce, report, or say, don’t let that go without presentation. Contact the editor at the address presented above with the points you want to cover and the editor will start an article for you that you can then modify to your own voice, should you so desire.
If you don’t know when the monthly Heirloom submissions deadline occurs, it appears in the bottom banner of each Heirloom edition and is found on the HUUC website at https://huuc.net/heirloom-newsletter/ and clicking on the latest Heirloom newsletter link. The exact date each month “wobbles” a bit due to holidays and staff requirements, but it is generally near the 19th of the month. However, if you are on the HUUC-announcements Google group, approximately a week before deadline you will receive a reminder email. To receive these emails, contact the HUUC office at:
With all these suggestions, why are you not submitting articles to the Heirloom? It is easy to do, satisfying to see your words in print, and helps inform/bond the HUUC community. By all accounts, it is a win-win-win!
~Barb Barnes
Heirloom Editor
Image source: Heirloom Banner