Column Writing “The truth is, I write for myself, which is the act of arrogance that powers the work of most columnists.” Anna Quindlen, syndicated columnist

What is a column anyway???? A column is an article with a by-line that expresses an opinion about something and that shows individuality. Columns usually have between 450 and 1000 words. Column writing allows you to share very personal feelings with your readers and allows you the freedom to write about any topic you wish.

Building a Column… The distinguishing feature that separates column writing from news reporting is individuality. The objectivity that rules news reporting does not apply to column writing. Each columnist must develop a unique voice. New York Times columnist, William Safire, advises column writers to forget what they learned in journalism school. For example, columnists should never put the story in the lead. This should keep the reader off balance and guessing.

The Beginning… To write an effective introduction to your column, what “occurs” to you should grab the reader’s attention. You might include a current news item exclusive to the column, an anecdote or even a joke.

The Middle… Present ideas in an appealing way. Back up your opinion. Include details that contribute real meaning to your column. You can include colourful descriptions or factual evidence, which can be found in numerous sources. Incorporating quotations or information from television programs into your columns is a good way to support your points and present outside information to which others can relate.

Conclusion the rhetorical-question conclusion the summary ending Always conclude a column in a way that will satisfy readers. Three common types of conclusions are: the circle ending the rhetorical-question conclusion the summary ending

Column Characteristics Most columnists try to incorporate three characteristics in their columns: humanity wit freedom of approach

Types of Columns Syndicated columns A syndicated column is one published through a syndicate, an association that requires such things as columns, stories, article and cartoons for simultaneous publication in numerous newspapers and periodicals. Humour columns The purpose of humour columns is to amuse and entertain readers. Humorists have been compared to cartoonists because they like to exaggerate to make a point. Editorials An editorial should stir up action among your readers. It should make people think.

Gossip Columns Gossip columns generally take little creativity to produce. They are supposed to be entertaining, but too often they do little more than repeat rumours. Entertainment Coverage and Reviews A review is a column that typically comments on movies, recordings, books, television programs. Concerts, plays or restaurants.   Blogs The word “blog” is a combination of the words “web” and “log”. Blogs are basically collections of columns and opinion pieces on the Web that range in subject from sports to pop culture. Specialized Columns A specialized column appears in a specific area of a newspaper such as sports columns, travel column or politics.

Humanity A column reflects humanity if the columnist is people oriented and focuses more on human interest than on exciting or breaking news.

Wit Another characteristic that tends to mark the work of a columnist is wit. Wit does not necessarily mean humour, but instead how well writers express themselves. A witty columnist writes in an imaginative, insightful way and has the ability to communicate his or her thoughts. Wit is also the columnist’s ability to change tone, subject and style.

Freedom of Approach Freedom of approach means that a columnist may do just about anything on paper.