OF all the types of writing I have engaged in, column- writing provides one of the biggest challenges due to the discipline it requires. As a columnist, you must be consistent in your submissions and prolific in your ideas; that is no simple task. Consider the columnist who has upheld their space in a weekly publication for several years. In most cases, they would have done so by contributing a new, full-length, 800-word piece 52 weeks a year. Many of these persons have existing careers and must still find the time to write, and they do. This is the case for many of the current Pepperpot columnists- and columnists in other newspapers- and for that commitment, they must be applauded. From time to time, I receive queries from persons interested in starting a column. And many times, I can honestly say that I do not believe that they are ready to do so. Not because of an inability to write or a lack of ideas, but because of an underestimation of what it really takes. So, I thought it fitting to look at some important aspects of the column for persons who are curious about venturing into that realm of writing. Here goes!

What is the essence of a column?
A column provides the unique opportunity in journalism to invoke opinion into topical matters. But in a world of social media where opinion reigns, column-writing must differentiate itself from this ever-changing landscape. Good columnists provide their opinion from a level of authority and can do so by providing an almost endless range of topics to sustain their column.
An important point to note is sustainability. Many persons feel strongly about a matter and can derive a few pieces out of that feeling. But too often, their columns fizzle out weeks or months later. Before I started this column, I made a list of at least 25 topics to ensure that I had a wide enough range of ideas to develop. Then I wrote several articles ahead of time to stay ahead of myself. Similarly, when new columnists approach me, I ask for up to 10 articles beforehand to ensure that they have enough ideas and the commitment to continue. It also serves as a test as to whether they are ready for the long road ahead.
English journalist and columnist with The Guardian, Suzanne Moore, described good columns as “an antenna that has just picked up the background noise.” I believe that succinctly describes the essence of a column. Through authentic ideas, they must be able to discuss topical matters in a way that brings the things that we are all wondering or thinking about to the fore.
Do you have what it takes to be a columnist? Here’s a checklist of the most important things you need to consider:
Identify a clear, passionate and sustainable purpose. This is two-fold: what is the purpose of the column for you and the audience? For you, it could be to develop a body of published work, develop your credibility as a writer or to simply share your knowledge about a particular subject. For the audience, it could be to inform them, evoke conversation, make them think or get their feedback. Whatever your purpose, it must be meaningful which will, therefore make it beneficial to all parties and help you to create engaging content.
Know your audience. Your platform may be a general one, but not everyone will be interested in what you have to say, and they don’t need to be. Once you have developed your purpose for writing the column and who you’re writing for, it will be easier to choose the types of topics you discuss to attract your audience based on their interests.
Passion and Commitment. I could have listed one without the other, but I chose to use them both because I believe that together, they contribute to excellent output in any type of writing. A writer who decides to be a columnist is driven by the thought of writing about a particular topic area and can do so by developing many ideas. The commitment, however, is key to what makes a columnist ensure that they continue to submit. Without commitment, they may never be able to find the time to write or to submit in time for the recurring deadline. I have found that this is one of the main things lacking in new columnists. But when a columnist is committed, it shows in their output. I am proud of young columnists like Vishani Ragobeer, who, after starting her column in 2018 has never missed a submission deadline to date. This is a rare find in newer (and younger) columnists and I commend her!
A sustainable flow of ideas. The easiest path to sustainability in a column is to write based on expertise. The Dentist Advises and The Psychologist are two examples- the authors hold professional experience and can continually derive topics based on that experience. However, this is not always possible, given the various types of columns that exist in the social sphere. But experience or knowledge of some kind is generally an important aspect of one’s ability to produce new ideas on a column. The other part is actually getting those ideas down on paper.
The list can be much longer, but I believe that before you get into form and structure and all the technical aspects of writing, these are the important things you need before starting to write. Writers must ensure that they are ready for the long haul when they venture into column-writing as it speaks to their commitment, discipline and credibility in the profession. Most importantly, you do your audience a great misdeed if you start on the road to writing for them, only to find out that you cannot continue because of lack of time, writer’s block or some other matter that you were not prepared for.
And that, I would say, is the biggest item to consider in column-writing: PREPARATION! Many obstacles will arise every day, week or month, but you have to be prepared to show up and produce, regardless. Your audience and your credibility depend on it.
Good luck on your journey!
If you’re interested in contributing to this column on writing, email thewritemind592@gmail.com.