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Feature and Column Writing MCM 514

LESSON 35

WRITING THE COLUMN

There are certain aspects, which must be kept in mind prior to proceeding for writing the Column.

Besides this, there are a few thumb rules, which must be practised by the columnist, even after writing the

column.

Certain thumb rules

1. Present your views while keeping others' in mind

Never be so sure that whatever you are writing is the final word. The writer must try to see what others

are saying or writing. Secondly, it is always useful never to neglect others' point of view, as this is the

only way you can differentiate from others.

2. Insert minor incidents to keep it interesting

Always keep interesting incidents in you mind, and use them frequently in your columns depending upon

the situation. However, the incident must be always relevant to the subject, while the far-fetched

elaboration of incident could bore the reader. Secondly, the proximity of the incident carries more weight,

as the people know about the place and people.

3. Verifying the facts again and again

Never consider baseless rumours as part of the write-up. However, one must consider the Plausibility as a

possibility. Nevertheless, the facts must be verified, and there must not be a doubt about them. Better

check and re-check the facts

4. Never attack others who can't answer

Many are silent readers, while even popular figures, many a time, cannot answer. So better is that the

writer should never criticise those, who cannot reply him back. It is advisable to keep columns free of

such elements.

Many writers do this, while others, mostly from the vernacular press, indulge in such tactics for the

popularity of their columns.

5. Keep away from your personal prejudices

One must try to be a balance writer. No doubt, it is a difficult ask, but it is a must and should be given due

importance because personal prejudices could be very dangerous, as these can bracket a writer with a

particular group or section. So it is better that one is better known for pragmatic writings.

6. Never give decisions considering it your right

Decisions are up to the readers, while arguments, pro or anti, are a writer's right. Readers are the best

judges, and the writer can give opinion, not judgment, because he must never assert you.

7. Encourage people volunteering for material

People must be encouraged to contribute thought, idea or material for write-ups, as many people have

good ideas to share. However, these must be verified prior to writing by using journalistic tools.

8. Never play in the hands of advertisers

People come to a columnist for vested interests, and he must be beware of them, and should never let

others use him in any way. Columnists are considered to be a staple for the advertisers, and they do not

become a tool in their hands.

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9. Bring out lighter aspect, even hidden one

Serious matters are discussed by readers, but somewhat light material or observation makes the write-up

interesting. An undertone makes the reader think and get amused. Dry spell of words must be followed by

something lighter.

10. Present the unknown at once

One can present unknown facts or break a story, but without any delay or deliberation, do it immediately!

Delay can damage the impact of the `unknown', and flash it across the page immediately.

11. Go back to actual topic after any digression

Any digression is never positive, but if there is, it should be relevant to the subject. Once it is done,

comeback to the main topic immediately! However, too many digressions or deviations can damage the

beauty of the column, and one must stick to subject always.

12. Give balanced views, analysis and criticism

Arguments must be balanced, and observations from both sides, while the writer must not give judgment

on anything. Let readers know what is right, and never show one-sided picture, and show both sides of the

same coin.

13. Bring in appropriate and interesting analogies and comparisons

Comparisons and contrasts prove the point. When arguments are over, think of a comparison, as all

characters and incidents have equals in history. Writers must focus on them to prove their point, while

there should be no forceful comparisons and contrasts, as it must be made to look natural even if distantly

placed.

Writing the columns

1. After selection of topic and gathering of material

Think what you want to focus on! Think, think and think hard besides brainstorming with others, while

never making a decision about writing which you ain't certain about!

Look at the acceptability and readability of the article, accepting the slant or angle. Advice is: Never try to

make it too different to make it digestible!

2. Writing the best way otherwise goes to dust

Be certain that you are at your best when you sit to write. If not feeling inclined, do not write! When

written with your heart into something, even readers feel it! Give your best, otherwise your written piece

could be thrown in to the dustbin, and better you do it yourself if you ain't feeling satisfied with the

effort.

3. Think what you want to writer

You must know what you want to write, as writer is the best judge to place his content in an appropriate

manner. Better it is that the subject and angle are clear in your mind at least. Write down the aspect you

want to consider as more important one, while the rest of the material should be outlined in mind as well.

4. Express your thoughts in good language

There is no alternative to good language, and good idea presented in good language fetches more

readerships.

One must never commit errors while writing, as even minor mistakes are a huge jolt to the reader, and

there is a stern response besides bad impression of the writer is created among the readers.

5. Use the understandable language

Definition of good language is not `difficult to understand' language, rather it must be understood by the

readers or the target readership.

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Never pick unknown words and expressions, and you must communicate in good language rather than

difficult language. However, it never means that it should become colloquial.

6. One portion to creativity, second deliberate effort

Creativity is a natural phenomenon, which can be made better through hard work, and one must never

undermine deliberate effort. Make yourself realise that you must do good job with a lot of thinking

process behind this.

Creativity coupled with hard work brings best results!

7. Avoid artificiality

Artificiality is visible in everything, and one must be natural with the ideas and their description. Difficult

words, unknown phrases and far-fetched ideas make the write-ups look artificial in most of the cases.

8. Keep your mind on track

Never digress from the subject, and if done, there must be a purpose behind this. Come back to the

original subject as soon as possible, and stick to the main point or slant of the write-up. Digressions

should be well-connected to the main subject.

9. Concentrate on the subject

Avoid digressions, and stick to the subject, besides never letting yourself wander around and then come to

the subject.

Remember! Reader also wanders and may take him ages to come back to the subject

10. Avoid confusions if you are yourself, avoid it or clear it

Confusion begets confusion, and if the writer is confused about something, he should not initiate it as

long as he is clear about it.

His confusions can confuse his readers, which must be avoided, as he can form negative opinion about

you.

11. Confirmation, good idea

Confirm facts, and never be uncertain about what you are writing. If uncertain, confirm it prior to writing.

12. Use dictionary

In case of confusion either about the spellings, usage or meaning of a word, consult dictionary. Use

dictionary as a primary source of checking spellings, meanings and usage of words.

13. Never float half-baked ideas

Let idea ripe in your mind, as half-baked ideas can cause a big rebuttal. Sometimes, it can cause damage

to your repute as a writer.

Throwing an idea for discussion is not an issue, but its acceptability should be evaluated. Think and think

hard prior to floating an idea!

14. Stick to reality

Nothing should be divorced from reality and the characters and situation must be near to facts. Fictional

characters can be equated to real characters, while comparison of an ideal situation to that of real is

possible, but nothing should be divorced from reality.

15. Liberate yourself from artificialities and over-deliberateness

Too many artificialities and over-deliberateness can make your write-up hard to conceive, as the

meanings can be lost, and idea gets mutilated.

One must adhere to facts explained through understandable language.

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16. Qualities of good writer must be there

Adopt qualities of a good writer! If not, try hard and make it a natural process of your life.

Good at language and understanding of the issue are two basic keys.

After writing the column

1. What to do when you have written the column

Writing is not the one and the only thing, as certain steps must be followed even you have written your

piece well. Follow them strictly, as your first document is not the final one.

2. Some think, your job is over, while others differ

You are never through with the job even when you have written it once, while some people really

consider it difficult to check their write-ups. They must as well. And if not, then ask some body before

you send it for printing.

Sub-editor's job comes later, first is yours!

3. At least one reading is a must

One perusal is a must. Check language and facts, while never letting anything skip your mind and eyes.

4. Keep missed the following in mind: words or links

Look for words missed during writing, as one can miss a lot while writing, which can only be filled in by

you.

Do it yourself, as others may not understand this!

5. Do the job of a sub-editor and editor

Checking language is your duty, and never thinks others will mend it for you.

Suggestions are: Delete extra words, look what could be not good for your write-up, do the job of a sub-

editor, look if something is against the editorial policy of the newspaper and last, never leave for the

editor to do so.

6. Re-write if you are not satisfied and happy

If not satisfied, re-write it!

Never send the article for printing if the job is not done well. Keep it with you and write a new one.

7. Re-check facts

Re-check facts, as nothing should be wrong there.

Do not take it for granted that it will be corrected as you have already checked it. There could be a lot of

mistakes.

8. Confusion, talk to expert or consult source

If the confusion persists even after writing, talk to the expert of the subject. Never send confusion-ridden

writing to the editor.

9. Read it from readers' point of view

How will it sound to the reader? Ask this question many a time to yourself.

Read aloud to feel this, while becoming a reader for some time.

10. Double meanings result in confusion & bad taste

Never use words imparting double impressions. If deliberate, make it certain that they impart that

impression which you want to be communicated to others. And nothing should be in bad taste, as the

readers can feel disgusted about it. Avoid such case scenarios!

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11. Show it someone and consider observations

Asking somebody to read the piece, is always a good idea, while listening carefully to the observations

made thence.

Make it certain that if such a situation has arisen, it must be made clear. Consider readers' observations

are like a judgment.

12. Read after printing, words, paragraphs, ideas changed

Never miss changes made after printing, as you must read your printed version. See what changes have

been made, why and who has done so, so that you can know the authority and capacity of the person.

Confirm with the editor, and try to know the mistake.

13. Feedback, important than what you consider, reply

Feedback should be evaluated as something of utmost importance, and one never be less considering

towards the observations.

Listen and read carefully, as these make you a better writer.

Keep your ears and mind open to criticism, while being patient.

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