Should I propose a column?

I'm in need of advice. Or a swift kick in the pants, I suppose you could take your pick.

Because this ties in later, I'll tell you I already write a quarterly column with motherhood themes, and it's distributed to our county.

We live in a lake community that has its own monthly publication. My best friend and mom have both said, "Get on it. You should pitch a column to that paper." Part of me loves the idea, since no one else writes one (yet), and it'd be a great thing to add to my resume.

The problem is, I'm not sure of the voice and/or platform I'd use. My Mom Voice doesn't fit, especially since anyone reading the lake paper would (I hope) already read the county paper. But though I'm sure others do it, I'm not 100% certain I could base a column around general "lake living."

But then again, maybe I'm just doubting myself. I'm a writer. I should be able to write whatever I put my mind to, right? Should I bite the bullet and propose a column?

I'm asking for your opinions. I just need to get some feedback and think it through.

Please let me know what you think. And thanks in advance.

Thanks, gang! This is both a help and a boost.

DWS, help a girl out. What do you mean by Citizen A?

ETA: Oh, do you mean anonymously?

Aha! I see what you mean. And you didn't explain it badly, I understood it badly.

You do bring up a good point, though, in that I should come up with some potential names. Titles are fun (and reasonably easy) for me. Maybe if I come up with some good options I can feel my way in to the column itself. If that makes sense. Ya know?

My current column is called Every Mom's Column. Kind of like you said, to appeal to the audience as a whole. I wanted to convey in the title that it would be a relatable column, something the reading moms could immediately connect with. I'll have to think along those lines for this.

DWSTXS said:

Citizen Parentus?

Click to expand...

Definitely don't quit your day job.

Thanks, everybody! I feel really good about it. I'll get to work and keep you posted.

Okay. So here's an excerpt from my proposal letter, to give you the column's purpose and my tentative title. Feedback?

...Knowing the News has a large readership, and because I believe a lake living-themed column would really resound within the community, I’d like to suggest the creation of one. Such a column would consist of relatable anecdotes and a personable, friendly look at lake life. My proposed, tentative title is Life at the Lake...

Thanks!