Before You Begin
Writing Guidelines
Madhavam welcomes original stories about people, places, culture, traditions, art, photography, travel, nature, and everyday life.
The best submissions are personal, authentic, and grounded in real experience.
Write from Experience
Share something you have personally seen, experienced, explored, photographed, or learned through direct involvement.
A strong story might begin with:
- A person you met
- A place you visited
- A tradition you witnessed
- A memory that stayed with you
- A photograph and the story behind it
- A cultural practice you grew up with
- An experience that changed how you see something
Research may support the story, but it should not replace your own perspective.
Tell a Story, Rather Than Teach a Lesson
Write as someone sharing an experience, not as someone giving a lecture.
Instead of explaining what readers should think or do, describe:
- What happened
- What you noticed
- How the experience felt
- What surprised you
- Why it mattered to you
- What questions or reflections it left behind
Let readers form their own connection with the story.
Keep the Voice Natural
Write in your own voice. The article does not need to sound academic, formal, or overly polished.
A simple and sincere story is more valuable than writing filled with complicated language.
Avoid:
- Preachy or authoritative language
- Generic motivational advice
- Artificially dramatic writing
- Excessive praise or exaggeration
- Writing that sounds like advertising
- Content written mainly to promote a person, business, product, or organization
Be Specific
Small details bring a story to life.
Include relevant details such as:
- Names of places
- People involved
- Sounds, colors, weather, or surroundings
- Local words and expressions
- Cultural context
- A memorable conversation or moment
- Why the subject was meaningful to you
Whenever possible, show the experience through details rather than making broad statements.
Be Honest About Perspective
Write from your own point of view and avoid presenting personal opinions as unquestionable facts.
Phrases such as these are welcome:
- “In my experience...”
- “What I remember most...”
- “This is how I understood it...”
- “To me, the place felt...”
- “Others may remember it differently...”
Stories do not need to provide a final answer or conclusion.
Respect People and Communities
Write with care, especially when describing individuals, traditions, religious practices, communities, or sensitive subjects.
Avoid:
- Stereotypes
- Personal attacks
- Unverified accusations
- Private or embarrassing details
- Content that treats people or traditions as curiosities
- Speaking on behalf of a community without direct knowledge
Obtain permission before sharing private information or identifiable photographs of others.
Use Original Material
Submissions should be written in your own words.
You may include historical or factual information from other sources, but clearly identify the source. Do not copy text, photographs, or artwork without permission.
AI tools may be used to help correct grammar or organize ideas, but the experience, observations, and central voice of the story should be your own.
Photographs Are Welcome
Photographs should add meaning to the story rather than simply decorate the page.
Please include, when known:
- Location
- Approximate date
- Names of people shown
- Photographer’s name
- A short caption
- Permission to publish
Language
Stories may be submitted in English, Malayalam, or both.
Perfect grammar is not required. Minor editing may be done for clarity while preserving the writer’s natural voice.
Review and Editing
All submissions are reviewed before publication.
Editing may include:
- Grammar and spelling corrections
- Improving clarity and flow
- Adding headings
- Removing repetition
- Checking factual claims
- Adjusting content for privacy or respectful presentation
Substantial changes will be discussed with the writer before publication.
Submission does not guarantee publication.
Before Submitting
Ask yourself:
- Is this based on a real experience or genuine observation?
- Does it sound like my own voice?
- Am I sharing rather than lecturing?
- Have I included meaningful details?
- Have I treated the people and culture respectfully?
- Do I have permission to share the photographs and personal information?
The goal is not to teach everything about a subject. It is to offer an honest window into one person, place, moment, or experience.