Tumbleweeds Article Submission Guidelines

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Tumbleweeds exists to foster community among people in the Santa Fe area who care about children and families. Our writers share stories, news, opinions and practical ideas about raising children and supporting a healthy community for families. Even after shifting to a digital format in Summer 2020, with a reach that now extends around the world, our focus is on articles anchored in Santa Fe and northern New Mexico.

We release digital issues four times a year (Spring – March 1; Summer – June 1; Fall – Sept. 1; Winter – Dec. 1), with news briefs and short articles in between. 

We look for articles grounded in the writer’s personal experience and expertise. Some of our writers are professional writers; most are parents, teachers or others who have experiences they want to share. Our editing process is a very respectful one, centered on helping you communicate your story clearly without losing your personal voice and feeling. 

Suggestions:

• Be personal. How did you feel when your child got the measles, fought with another child or started special education classes? What do you tell your children when they ask about your divorce? What has worked for you as a parent, teacher, grandparent or friend of a child – and what hasn’t? How have you changed? What has changed you? Share your feelings challenges and changes, not just advice. 
• Be specific. If you want to encourage reading with young children, describe the routines you’ve adopted to make reading a part of your family life. If you want to encourage children to spend time outdoors, tell us about, say, a favorite creek or trail in the Santa Fe National Forest that you visit with your kids and what it means to your family. 
• Be local. Tell readers about the people and organizations that have made a difference for your family or class. Where do you turn for support or to meet other parents? What resources do you use with your children? We only accept articles written by people who live in Santa Fe or northern New Mexico, or who have other strong ties here, because we want articles to speak to our local community.
• Be helpful. Where relevant, include the books, videos, organizations and websites that have been particularly useful. We’d love to know the ones you actually use, the ones you’d recommend to a friend, whether or not they are the acclaimed “best in the field.” Of course, some digital resources may not be local, but wherever possible we want to share local resources with new parents and those new to the area. 

On occasion we present controversial topics in a pro/con format, but there some topics that we will not accept, including those that encourage use of illegal substances or practices, or corporal punishment.

Your experiences are an asset to our community, and we’d love to help you share them with Tumbleweeds readers. Feel free to call to discuss your idea or ask us to read a draft. 
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Length: Generally, 1000-1200 words for articles, 250-350 for news briefs. 
Photos: Always appreciated, anywhere from three to 10. Be sure to include a headshot of yourself for your bio.

Deadlines: 
Spring issue: Feb. 1 (launch date: March 1) 
    Summer: May 1 (launch date: June 1)
    Fall: Aug 1 (launch date: Sept. 1)
    Winter: Nov. 1 (launch date: Dec. 1)

Finally … surprises are fun, but please call or email if you are planning to submit an article, so we can plan accordingly! 
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Claudette & “Team Tumbleweeds”

Contact the Editor