Saturday, July 31, 2010

Writing Prompt: A Call For Manners

In a time when “plz” passes for “please” and “thx” for “thank you,” it’s no wonder that people’s use of manners and etiquette has become, well, abbreviated.

But some things are worth holding on to. (No passing gas at the kitchen table is one off the top of my head, thankyouverymuch.) So I ask, what piece of etiquette will you never forsake? And from where or whom did you learn it?

This could be a tribute to Grandma. A social commentary. A plea for reform. It’s up to you.

We all look forward to reading your work. Simply, e-mail: editor@hopscotchforwomen.com. The deadline is up to you.

About Hopscotch

Welcome to Hopscotch, a community for women in the form of an online magazine.

As a new forum to come together, share ideas, express thoughts, and discover the diverse experiences of other women, the foundation of Hopscotch is based on the involvement (via comments, article submissions, and answers to weekly muse questions) of participants who visit the website.

In some ways, Hopscotch is similar to many women’s magazines and consists of fashion, beauty, news, and lifestyle sections.

However, daily feature pieces, written from the personal experiences or research of different women from all around the United States, are the main content of Hopscotch. The themes of these articles and essays vary from the humorous, inspirational, defeating, shocking, and everything in between.

Open to any woman with a story to impart, the topics of Hopscotch’s articles are fully up to the author and all subjects, such as a favorite movie, a personal obstacle, a love story, or a recipe, are considered for publication.

While many magazines try to maintain uniform tone, Hopscotch’s tone is as unique as the strong and intelligent voices behind that stories found within.

So, come on, don’t be bashful. Contribute to Hopscotch in any way you wish and if you would like to write a feature article (or seven of them), simply send your thoughts and contact information to editor@hopscotchforwomen.com.

You don’t have to have a lot of writing experience nor does your piece need to be perfect. Be sure to include the details that make the story uniquely yours, though. And of course, you are encouraged to submit more than one piece, though no compensation is granted. There is no deadline or timeframe for this site, just send your articles as you have time. And be sure to share Hopscotch with all the women in your life.

Hopscotch founder and editor, Cassandra Handley

About Hopscotch’s Founder and Editor

Cassandra Handley is the founder and editor of Hopscotch, a fashion copywriter for J.Jill, and a freelance journalist. She was previously an editorial associate for Vanity Fair magazine. While there, she wrote for VanityFair.com where she produced the “Best Seat in the House” series and interviewed the likes of actors Robert Pattinson and Parker Posey and celebrity chef Mario Batali.

She not only edits all of Hopscotch’s content, but solicits its articles, maintains the site, and manages the article lineup. Additionally, she has contributed “Wonder(ful) Women,” “Small Victories, Big Boobs,” and all of the Products We Love and Hop Tip segments.

Prior to launching HopscotchForWomen.com, she endured a year-long experiment called The Fashion Fast and went without shopping for clothes, shoes, and accessories.

She currently resides in Boston with her husband, Brian.

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