Pink Think: “If you have an opportunity to use your voice you should use it.” – Samuel L. Jackson
photo from readtms.com
When I recently asked and was accepted by our local paper to write features for them, I hadn’t counted on an unexpected request: could I write a regular column as well?
After racking my brain for a bit, I submitted a couple of column ideas, but the editor passed on them. Instead, he offered me a biweekly stint as an op-ed columnist.
I’d written personal essays before, like this and this, but an op-ed column – where I would write about timely topics of broad community interest, arguing a point – is foreign territory.
I got real nervous. Could I do this? Could I write intelligently in a bold way without offending too many people? Or, conversely, could I write pieces that people would not be indifferent to?
And then, I thought, why not? Why not share my perspective on national and local news with others?
With the feature stories, I get to write about local personalities, at a pace that will still allow me to write novels and shorter fiction. With the op-ed, it will be a chance for me to grow my wings as a journalist.
I’m excited to take on this opportunity!
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