Category: Art of Column Writing

Columns for NSNC by its 2004-06 President Suzette Martinez Standring, author of the books “The Art of Opinion Writing” and “The Art of Column Writing”

Embed, Blog, and Beyond

By Suzette Martinez Standring NSNC Past President   Vlogging, blogging, Pinterest, Facebook, Twitter – it’s all under the umbrella of social media and I’m dog paddling in the deluge. Recently, I attended the Erma Bombeck Writers’ Workshop in Dayton, both as a presenter (Hypnotic Recall Fills the Creative Well), and as a seeker of information…

How to Pitch a How-To Column

Writers’ Academy Article previously published in Freelance Focus at PR Newswire, 3/21/2012   By Suzette Martinez Standring   Maybe you write an informational or how-to column or blog based on a passionate interest. A popular column is an unbeatable platform for self-expression. Whether it’s about woodworking, social media, or pets, prepare your pitch to an…

A Writer’s Meditation

By Suzette Martinez Standring Whether you write op-ed, humor, lifestyle or other columns, heartfelt expression is a goal. Relaxation unlocks creativity, and I use guided imagery exercises in my writing workshops to mine memories for sensory details and emotions.  Self-hypnosis, meditation, guided imagery, and trance are all the same things, and the process is common…

Suzette announces new CD for writers

Suzette Martinez Standring, past president of NSNC, recently announced the release of a new CD for writers. “For a long time, I’ve used guided imagery exercises in my writing workshops because relaxation unlocks the imagination.  Due to demand, I’ve produced a unique CD with two guided imagery exercises.” she says. Relax With Suzette is a…

Seeding the Writing Terrain

By Suzette Martinez Standring, NSNC past president Do you ever feel like you’re writing the same old, same old? I did, and I needed a new way to look at my work. So naturally, I went to jail. No, I wasn’t convicted of anything. Last fall I volunteered to teach a meditation and journaling program…

Looking for Crazy Genius

By Suzette Martinez Standring NSNC Past President                            The best storytellers are like keen-nosed truffle dogs, looking for riches below the surface. It’s what columnists do most days under deadline, usually in 750 words or less. Other writers have a lot more space. Recently, I went to see The New York Times best-selling…

Give a little to get a lot

By Suzette Martinez Standring NSNC Past President “Give a little to get a lot.” I never forgot this memorable advice from Mary McCarty of the Dayton Daily News, who has won awards for unique insights often revealed in the telling details about, and the quotations from, the people featured in her columns. I work at…

Writing to Heal – Suzette Martinez Standring

By Suzette Martinez Standring NSNC Past President Writing to heal.  It’s what columnists do, but perhaps many of us don’t think of it that way.  We entertain. We opine. We guide. But heal? Lifestyle or family columnists reach out to readers who often identify with the columnist’s emotions or a memory shared. To relate and…

A TV Show Starring You … Why Not?

Art of Column Writing By Suzette Martinez Standring NSNC Past President The possibility to host your own TV show may be easier than you think and if you are so inclined, be encouraged. Since last June, I’ve hosted “It’s All Write with Suzette,” a 30 minute how-to program on the craft of column writing.  The…