1. Column Writing Personal columns differ from editorials in that they are the opinion of the writer rather than the newspaper staff.

2. Signed columns give you the opportunity to speak out!  Signed or by-lined  Can focus on any subject—sports, social issues, daily lives, religion, observations, etc.  The columnist’s voice should be loud and clear—as if the readers can hear the writer speaking to them

3. What should a column do?  Highlight creative expression of opinion  Reflect the personality of the author  Showcase superior writing ability and style  Express the viewpoint of the writer not The Paw Print  Focus on a subject that appeals to our readers

4. What’s appropriate  A photo of the writer  An original title with a slant  Appears regularly and on the same page each issue  A column should never be confused with a regular feature in the paper

5. Use a Creative STYLE  Use a narrative story  An editorial slant  Fictional dialogue  Witty comment  Critical review

6. A column contains a consistent tone  John Kelso’s column in the Austin American- Statesman is a great example.  He uses wit and humor  He uses catch phrases that Austinites understand  He calls the south Austinites—Bubbas  He refers to north Austinites as—Yuppies

7. Columns can be  Serious  Critical  Conversational  Satirical

8. Ideas for Columns  6 week reporting periods versus 9 week reporting periods  4 day school week  Two electives versus three  a TAKS reading elective and TAKS math elective for those who need help in these areas versus interventions