Tuesday 21 February 2017

Could you write a weekly column?

If you bought the current issue of The Lady (pictured, dated 17 February), you might have noticed a new column called 'The Tech Doctor' by Miles Waghorn. I'm delighted to see this, because Miles is the son of one of my friends and he's worked hard for his success. I didn't know he was a writer, but he certainly knows his technology, so I'm sure he'll have lots of useful information to pass on.

I just hope he realises what he's let himself in for, because a weekly column is a huge commitment. I used to do a fortnightly 'my life and welcome to it' piece for our local paper, and that was a big enough challenge, because sometimes I just wasn't in the mood. Now I write a monthly feature for Smallholder and it's amazing how quickly the time flies; and in the past I've had other regular writing commitments, including compiling crosswords. Still, there's nothing like a deadline hurtling towards you to alleviate writer's block!

What do you think: could you write to order every week - or even every day?

4 comments:

  1. interesting question, Julia. I rather fancy the idea of having a 'column' in a glossy magazine! (perhaps written under a false name, so I could dish the dirt on the neighbours...!) but I think it would be tough to do it every week. I was thinking more every month!

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    1. If I hear of any such opportunities I'll let you know!

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  2. I used to write a weekly column - many years ago - for a woman's magazine, giving a male perspective on life. Reading this post really brought back the difficulty of keeping it up - and keeping up a good standard. It lasted five years, and I'm not sure I could do it now. A daily piece would give me a panic attack. You'd have to have several 'in the bank' ready to go at any one time .... That said, once you get 'in the swing' it can get easier.

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    1. Yes, I always tried to have something on hand for emergencies. It's still a tough call, though. Thanks for stopping by.

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