NSNC 2026 Columnist Contest - Deadline Extended to May 1

Consider a Gift to the NSNC Education Foundation

NSNC 2026 Columnist Contest - Deadline Extended to May 1

Contest submissions will be accepted through May 1! We are accepting entries from columnists, bloggers, and serial essayists  for our 2026 Annual Columnist Contest (for work published in 2025). We will accept entries from columnists, bloggers, and serial essayists published in 2025.  Everyone is welcome to submit. You don’t have to be an NSNC member.

Consider a Gift to the NSNC Education Foundation

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

A Front-Row Seat to “The Oscars of Column Writing”

you, the columnist By Dave Lieber Dallas Morning News columnist A good awards banquet is not only about award winners but also about the spirit of the organization. Our 2018 awards banquet captured the strong playful spirit of our group along with many surprises. From a potential presidential candidate in the audience (Ohio Sen. Sherrod…

“Did you know your video is sideways?”

you, the columnist By Dave Lieber Dallas Morning News columnist A media expert I know suggested to me that columnists such as you and I ought to go on Facebook Live and read our work aloud. How boring. But that night, I went home, turned on blue lights in my backyard, and launched the “Sunday…

Learning in OKC That a Columnist Group Was Much More Than OK

By Joy Steele NSNC Member I believe the most profound gift I’ve received as a writer—other than a John Steinbeck Paddywax candle—is the gift of time and undivided attention by my mentor in the NSNC. In the Spring of 2007, I traveled to Oklahoma City to attend the Will Rogers Writers Workshop. Sponsored by the…

My Exceptionally Warm Welcome From the NSNC

Donate Now By Chandra Bozelko NSNC Vice President I found NSNC’s website when I was searching for information about syndication, back in early 2016. I noticed they had a contest going on and I was interested to see how I would do. I joined and entered without expectation. Then I received an email from Cathy…

‘The Day I Became a Columnist Was One of the Happiest of My Life’: a Q&A With 2019 Pyle Recipient Kathleen Parker

By Dave Astor NSNC Archivist Our 2019 Ernie Pyle Lifetime Achievement Award winner is…Kathleen Parker! She’ll receive the National Society of Newspaper Columnists’ highest honor at the June 20-23 NSNC conference in Buffalo, New York. Ms. Parker is a widely syndicated columnist who previously won the 2010 Pulitzer Prize for commentary, among other awards. She’s…

Are You a Jerk?

By Chris Carosa NSNC President I admit it. I’m not enough of a jerk. I’m guessing that explains why I’m not as successful as I could be. Do you feel the same way about yourself and your own career? Here’s what I mean: At a recent journalism conference, I listened to a very dynamic speaker.…