Extend WP_Query with reusable arguments. Specify others as needed. (credit due: http://advent.squareonemd.co.uk/neatly-wrapping-custom-post-type-queries-in-a-custom-class-that-extends-wp_query/ & http://bradt.ca/blog/extending-wp_query/)

Extend_WP_Query.php

<?php
// Resuable instance of WP_Query with preset $args
class Extended_WP_Query extends WP_Query {

  function __construct( $args = array() ) {
  
  	$args = wp_parse_args( $args, array(
  		// some $args go here for reuse
  	) );
  
  	parent::__construct( $args );
  
  }
  
}

// Then use this like normal WP_Query
// e.g.:
// $x = new Extended_WP_Query( $args ); while ( $x->have_posts() ) : etc...