At some point in the career of most writers, the idea of writing a column looks really good. For one thing, columns often provide steady income. For another, they get your name out there and can open the door for speaking engagements and radio and television interviews. 

But before you jump into writing a column, ask yourself the following questions: 

1) Do I have something to write about? Most of us are experts in something. Do you have an area of expertise that would be of interest to a large majority of readers? 

2) Do you have the discipline to write a column? Column writing requires a continual output of writing, whether daily, weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly. Be honest with yourself and count the cost. Can you create a column every day? Every week? Every month? Can you withstand the pressure of continual deadlines? Can you come up with enough material? 

3) Why do you want to write a column? Be brutally honest with yourself. Do you desire to help people? To get published? To make money? All of these reasons are good. 

4) Is God calling you to write a column? This, in my opinion, is the most important question to ask. If God is calling you to write a column, then He will give you a continual supply of ideas. 

Writing a column is an act of faith. If you’re called to write a column, then write. 🙂 

(Next time we’ll talk about how to approach an editor regarding your column idea.)