[header] How to write a column [title] Determine why you are writing a column. [step] Figure out what you (or your editor) want the column to be about. Do you want to entertain or inform? Asking yourself why you are writing a column will help you figure out what you want to write about.
[header] How to write a column [title] Determine why you are writing a column. [step] Figure out what you (or your editor) want the column to be about. Do you want to entertain or inform? Asking yourself why you are writing a column will help you figure out what you want to write about.
[substeps] It may be helpful to write down a cluster of things that you'd like to be about. That could include: politics, current events, your goals for the future, and anything you want to do about the future. If you want to entertain, you might want to write about humorous topics or make a serious topic comical. Wanting to inform your audience might mean your column is more factual, educational, and serious. [substeps] A column's purpose is important. If the column is for suspense, but you are writing about something exciting, that may be why you decided to write a column. [substeps] You can write your column as a way to help you narrow your list of options. But, it can also help you if you keep giving yourself a question and thinking about all of the options, which could lead to big questions that you don't have time to answer.