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Writing a Column [an Introduction]
by Mary Emma Allen

Every other issue, veteran writer Mary Emma Allen will be alternating two columns -- a column on writing your family history (which you read last issue) and a column on writing columns.

For this issue's Writing A Column, we've previously reprinted Mary Emma's article on column writing. Read Mary Emma's 10 Tips for Writing Columns first.

After you've read it, read Mary Emma's short article below on getting started with your columns.

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COLUMN WRITING EXERCISES...TO GET YOU STARTED

So you want to write a column. This sounds like fun. It seems like something you can do. But you continue to procrastinate.

Use the following exercise to help you get organized so your dream of writing a newspaper, magazine, or online column doesn't remain a dream but becomes reality.

• List five REASONS why you want to write a column.

• List five IDEAS for columns; choose one.

• List five PUBLICATIONS (print or online) to query with sample columns.

• List five STEPS to get your column writing career into gear.

• Write down the DATE you'll have your first sample columns and query letter ready to send.

Copyright © 2001 Mary Emma Allen

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