If you want a little good news in your publication each week, consider
the 400-word print version of "In the Middle." The weekly column is
available to any news outlet.
.
Its three-year run in Aberdeen, South Dakota, showed it to be
a consistent, reader-pleasing feature. Although I know of no surveys
that specifically assessed the column's readership, "Helen's article"
was mentioned by several respondents in informal surveys conducted by
the editorial page editor. Many readers told me they read the column
first, or second (after the obituaries). One reporter told me he thought
my page was the best page in the paper every week (I shared it with
columnist John Rosemond, a column for senior citizens, and the weekly
travel feature).
My best fans, it seemed, were mothers, old ladies and nuns.
However, letters to the paper and to me, along with casual comments
heard around town, showed that the column appealled to both sexes and
all ages. One father told me his 9-year-old daughter read the Sunday
column "religiously."
Now in its second year in the Pacific Sunday News, the column is again
finding a loyal and diverse readership that includes Guam’s many
cultural groups--Chamorros, Filipinos, Asians, and statesiders. Many
readers say they read the column first on Sundays (now it’s often on the
same page as the obituaries!).
“In the Middle” is an uplifting, entertaining, family friendly column.
It doesn’t solve--and rarely comments on--the great matters of the
world. It’s just a warm fuzzy for a world that’s getting ever colder.
Here's what readers have written:
“I love the writing style.” --D.S. former writing professor, University
of Guam --J.M., Aberdeen,
S.D.
“I always looked forward to your column onSundays, as you were able to
take common things and make them sound so utterly important. You
reminded me each week to take time to notice the small things in the
different areas of life...” -- L.M., Redfield, S.D.
"I wish to thank you for your wonderful column in the
American News. My wife and I look forward to it every
Sunday. ... Your positive attitude and love of life are very
evident in your writing." --J.M., Aberdeen, S.D.
"You've helped me through some rough times and made
me smile when I needed to most. You'd write about your
Mom when I was losing mine. You'd write about
miscarriages when I had gone through two. You'd give
hope when I needed it."--V.A., Redfield, S.D.
"Thank you for the wonderful, enlightening, refreshing,
insightful, inspirational column from Helen Middlebrooke.
Aberdeen is truly blessed and fortunate to benefit from
someone that can provide a unique, down-to-earth
perspective that gives hope." --from a postcard sent
anonymously.
"I'm writing to tell you how very much I enjoy your
Sunday column. It's so refreshing to be able to read about
the joys and trials of motherhood." --S.K., Aberdeen, S.D.
"I find your column humorous and very insightful."
--S.A., Aberdeen, S.D.
"Although we've not met, I feel as though I know you
through reading your column... It has been delightful--both
making me laugh and cry. You seem to be a mother of
reality, whose heart is in the right place, who places
a high value on family, parenting and upholding moral values
amidst a crumbling world."
--K.M., Aberdeen, S.D.
"I read your first column and have been an 'addict' ever since. ... Your
words painted a portrait for me each week. It made me feel like there's
hope for our families. I made a point of sharing your column with people
that needed to see it." --K.A., Aberdeen, S.D.
"I am writing to applaud 'In the Middle' ... I know I am not alone when
I say that this is how I start my Sunday morning. I have the privilege
of working with dozens of women and have discovered that Helen's ability
to take a page from her life, smooth out the wrinkles and use it to put
our lives in a better perspective touches almost all of us.
A room full of strangers can become friends in a matter of moments when
someone mention's 'Helen's article.' .... " --J.W., from a Letter to the
Editor, Jan. 1999.
"In the Middle" is well written and well received. And it's worthy of
the small space you'll give it every week.
|
