The question I am most frequently asked is this, “How can you come up with something to write about each week that is different, interesting, factual, well researched, current, often humorous and always positive?”
An infinitesimal look into my brain and what is referred to as the mind which might also be described by that same fifty-cent word will give you some hints. In other words, I’m about to give you a little piece of my mind.
I try to listen and read a great deal in order to find out what other people are thinking and talking about. What is on your mind? What concerns you?
The serious attempt to find sensible answers to your questions may be the only legitimate reason for writing most columns. I always write with my readers in mind, sometimes focusing on just one nameless person. My heart also enters the equation.
Many who read my commentaries, approximately 2,000 published, will send ideas, ask stimulating questions and offer suggestions for subjects. That is deeply appreciated. You can always contact me at: P. O. Box 345, Scott Depot, WV 25560 or e-mail bill@billellis.net. I may not answer all e-mails unless they need a reply. If it is an invitation to speak at a convention or conference or anything that requires an immediate response, I'll do my best to get to that as quickly as possible.
Do I ever have difficulty in coming up with something to write about? Not really. Radio, television, newspaper and magazine news reports offer numerous suggestions for writing a positive commentary. Issues of the day are always front and center.
If I really have difficulty thinking of something to write about I could go to the dictionary and begin with the letter “A” and go through the alphabet with 26 columns. Start over and write 26 more and the year is ended. For example I could begin with a story about the letter “A” itself, move on to Aaron, “the older brother of Moses and the first high priest of the Hebrews.” By the time I get to the letter “Z” I could finish with a story about “Zymurgy”, “the branch of chemistry dealing with fermentation” or as they call it in some states, “moonshining.”
Life is so interesting to me that I never run out of something to write about. Because you enjoy reading my stories I write about sports, education, health, children, parents, religion, ethics, aging, people, places, events, things and even the serious, painful and humorous events of your life and mine. I appreciate the fact that many newspaper editors let me know that they read my columns and find them to be helpful and often arriving at a time in their lives when, as two editors said recently, “I really needed that.”
You may be reading this column and wishing it was in your local newspaper or some other paper each week. It can be. Do exactly what one 85-year-old man did. He wrote a very brief letter and mailed it to the editor of his hometown newspaper. This is what he said, “Dear Editor, I wish you would carry the Bill Ellis column in our paper” and signed his name. No letterhead, phone number or return address needed. All the address you need is: Editor, Local newspaper, City, State and postage. The editor will receive it and know exactly how to get in touch with me. It is that simple.
We can all be thankful for writers, editors, publishers, advertisers, technicians and all who make our newspapers and magazines possible. They are some of the most dedicated people on earth. For each one of them, we can be grateful.
Publisher's Note: Bill Ellis, Award Winning
Syndicated Columnist, P.O. Box 345, Scott Depot, WV 25560.
Phone:304-757-6089
www.BillEllis.Net.
