Welcome! Whether you write for newspapers, magazines, newsletters, trade journals or you create a podcast or write digital content, or you manage your own blog … whether you’re on staff, a freelancer, syndicated, self-syndicated or independent, if you write opinion or provide commentary, we invite you to join the National Society of Newspaper Columnists. Join us at https://www.columnists.com/join-or-renew-membership/.
The National Society of Newspaper Columnists Education Foundation is a tax-exempt charitable organization [501(c)3] devoted to the education and training of new and experienced columnists everywhere. Donate here: https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/NSNCEdFnd
Freelance writer Ben Shaberman of Baltimore has had a book published. “The Vegan Monologues” is a collection of “humorous, intelligent and insightful essays on vegan life.” The book explores the lighter side of the meat-free lifestyle. Shaberman’s reflections will put a smile on the faces of vegans and omnivores alike. Shaberman’s essays have appeared…
NSNC Education Foundation President Jim Casto has a new book out. “The Great Ohio River Flood of 1937” is his 10th book and his fifth straight “Images of America” book for Arcadia Publishing. The retired Huntington (WV) Herald-Dispatch associate editor is prolific to say the least. A review in the newspaper by Dave Lavender told…
Dave Astor, former Editor&Publisher senior editor who kicks off the 33rd annual NSNC conference with a panel discussion of “A New Generation of Columnists”, shared a second-place award in the annual New Jersey Press Association contest. His weekly “Montclairvoyant” column helped The Montclair Times get that award in the best editorial section category. Astor’s…
By Dave Lieber NSNC Education Foundation Secretary Every day seems more dire than the last. Layoffs. Buyouts. Farewell e-mails to the entire staff that break your heart. For you, the columnist, the world is changing in a rush of history. A collision of forces beyond your control. Yet a columnist’s…
Samanta Bennett NSNC President “We must, indeed, all hang together, or most assuredly we shall all hang separately.” – Benjamin Franklin As the drumbeat of bad news pounds on, day after day, it’s hard not to become fearful. But we didn’t become columnists because we are fearful. We became columnists because of trust. We…
Dave Lieber By Dave Lieber Fort Worth Star-Telegram NSNCEF Secretary Hey, bloggers. Welcome to the National Society of Newspaper Columnists, where, finally, you are invited to join and also enter our annual contest. After a long battle – I started my fight to let you in more than a decade ago…
Save the Date NSNC 2026 Columnist Contest Virtual Awards Ceremony – July 23, 2026 at 7 p.m. EST Mark your calendar for the 2026 NSNC Virtual Awards Ceremony, which will be held on Thursday, July 23 at 7 p.m. EST. Winners will be announced at an online celebration on July 23 at 7 p.m. EST.…
NSNC 2026 Columnist Contest Deadline Extended – Enter by May 1 National Society of Newspaper Columnists Annual Column Contest Deadline Extended – Contest Closes: May 1, 2026 11:59 p.m. (EST) For Registration & General Guidelines visit: nsnc.submittable.com/submit Email Joanne Browkaw, contest chair, with any questions at joannebrokaw@gmail.com. “The NSNC Annual Columnist Contest gives columnists a chance to…
National Society of Newspaper Columnists Annual Column Contest Last Call to Enter! Closes: April 17, 2026 11:59 p.m. (EST) For Registration & General Guidelines visit: nsnc.submittable.com/submit Email Joanne Browkaw, contest chair, with any questions at joannebrokaw@gmail.com. “The NSNC Annual Columnist Contest gives columnists a chance to win awards for their submissions and be acknowledged by their peers.”…
Christine Heinrichs recently published a significant story that is raising awareness of elephant seals. Here is a link to the story: https://news.mongabay.com/2026/02/avian-flu-strikes-californias-northern-elephant-seals-area-quarantined/ Heinrichs has published other important works about elephant seals. Her articles and books are featured at www.christineheinrichs.com.
