Regular readers of The Daily Star Lifestyle section will have noticed that the Teen Talk column has been missing from this space. That’s because all our teen columnists graduated and we have not been successful in finding replacements.
We could use a few other columnists, too.
We need a couple Senior Scene columnists to supplement the outstanding columns from senior columnists Ed Overbey and Kathy Mario, and the informational columns from Tamie Reed of the Otsego County Office for the Aging and Wayne Shepard from the Delaware County Office for the Aging.
We also need one general interest columnist to join the rotation that currently features Dr. Ashok Malhotra’s “Yoga Life,” lawyer Susan Lettis’ “On the Law,” and “Nonprofit Spotlight,” which is penned by a representative of a different local nonprofit each time.
What we don’t need for our Lifestyle section are political columnists, though we’re glad to consider guest commentaries for our Commentary section.
Here’s a bit of what we’re looking for:
“Teen Talk,” is a column written by teenagers, about teenagers, but for all of us.
Our teen columns have traditionally served a couple of purposes. They give teens an opportunity to share experiences and they give those of us well beyond our teen years an insight into what teens are thinking, feeling and doing.
Teen columns can cover a wide range of topics — fashion, music, sports, pop culture, movies, television, social issues and more. They should be of general interest, however, appealing to a wide range of readers. Introspection is OK, but prospective columnists should view this as an opportunity to educate, even persuade, but not pontificate.
It’s a chance for teens to tell what really moves them and to show off what they know.
We’re looking for excellent teen writers from anywhere within Otsego, Delaware, Chenango or Schoharie counties. Ideally, we’re seeking high school freshmen, sophomores or juniors who have the potential to be with us a while.
Don’t be afraid to apply because of a lack of professional experience. We’ll help you with newspaper style and the other nuances of the business.
If you’re a parent or educator who knows students who like to write, show them this column and urge them to apply. If we receive more inquiries than we have openings, we’ll hold on to the names of any applicants and may reach out when the next opening pops up.
Senior columns can follow a similar premise. Ed and Kathy provide interesting, thoughtful columns about lived experiences. Our “From the Office” columns relate information that can help seniors live better lives. We’d be happy to consider a column by another senior who has something to say, or by a professional who provides services to seniors.
Our general interest column could be about nearly anything of widespread interest. Surprise me, and we’ll talk.
Columnists will be responsible for one column every eight weeks. We’ll provide a schedule.
A Daily Star column is a great way to get some notice and, especially for the teens, to begin building a résumé. Your work — and name — will appear in print and online for a lot of people to read.
It’s also a good way to make a few bucks.
Contact me at rcairns@thedailystar.com or 607-432-1000, ext. 217. If we agree we want to give it a shot, I’ll invite you to send a sample column that’s about 600 to 800 words long. Tell us what you want, think, do, feel or experience. Show us a bit of who you are and what you care about.
For examples, visit us at www.thedailystar.com/lifestyle and search for work by our columnists. Don’t feel that you have to follow their styles, though. Develop your own.
I look forward to seeing what budding writers are out there and reading what they have to say.