A columnist is a writer who has developed a distinctive voice. He may nudge us to look more closely at society's conflicts and harmonies or simply lighten out day with humor. The reader may agree with the columnist or strongly object to his position, but he reads the column. The columnist has developed his voice, and the reader watches for that perspective in his articles. Perhaps the best way to get started writing columns is to read columns – watching for columnist's voice, tone, and his attention to.

Columnists have bylines and a standard column with a headline. They face the challenge of writing succinctly – to a particular space – and they must write on deadline. But their writing must never be boring. "A column should not be a chore, not a chin puller, not a dreary thing," William Safire once told an interviewer. "You don't have to be solemn to be serious" (Time 62).

But whether the writer is serious or humorous, the columnist must structure his article to be convincing. The steps in writing a column are similar to those in writing any opinion piece.

1. Choose a topic of interest to you and your audience. Very often the columnist comments on current events – exploring a different perspective or finding humor in the mundane. The topic need not be of international importance. Write about what you know – give life to a common experience. Frank McCourt, author of Angela's Ashes, once advised journalists, "Nothing is significant until you make it significant" (Journal-Bulletin's Writing Program). Unlike a reporter, a columnist may write in first person.

2. Collect the facts. Research the topic until you have an understanding of the event.

3. Organize your thoughts. Here the columnist may differ from the traditional editorial structure. The columnist may find telling a story or personal narrative is more effective than the formal ordering of arguments.

4. Write the first draft. Don't worry about spelling, punctuation, or grammar. Look for your personal voice and your insight in to the event.

5. Revise. Read you work aloud. Can you hear your voice come through the writing? Writing coach Donald Murray once said that the best writing comes during the revision process. Now is the time to catch slips in grammar and punctuation, but be careful not to stifle your voice in formal, stilted prose.

6. Keep a notebook of ideas. Observe. Listen. Scribble. And write.