'Tis the Season: Celebrating Holiday Articles with Mary McCarthy

Posted by Lima Al-Azzeh Dec 16, 2008

Mary McCarthy, Home Management feature writer, has found a more profitable and meaningful career alternative than writing for traditional print magazines. Even though, after years of writing she landed her “dream job” as Managing Editor for a print magazine, she couldn’t get accustomed to being away from her kids. Hoping to marry her passions for writing, motherhood, and holiday crafts,, Mary found a happy alternative writing in the online world.

Today Mary earns over $1400 some months from her articles on Suite, though she is quick to say it wasn’t always this way: “Be patient. When you first see those pennies a day coming in, you think there is no way you will ever make real money- but you will in no time. Measure the percentage difference between your first month earnings and your second and then think about that growth continuing over time.”

Her most popular articles are on seasonal topics, with tips on how to celebrate affordably, or offering ideas for holiday crafts and gifts. Inspiration for her writing comes from everyday life; turning household activities--like making a gingerbread house with her four children—into her next article.

Adding to the adage of “write what you know,” Mary suggests that articles still need to be well-researched, well-written, and well-planned to attract attention. “People start searching for holiday articles two months before the holidays happen,” she notes. “Follow trends in keywords by researching what Google words people are searching for and then incorporate that research into your article.”

As for the challenge of finding new ideas to write about? “ Keep a year-round running list of articles that you would like to write about in the future. When you need inspiration, simply look at the list!”