Copyright Goodheart-Willcox Co., Inc. Chapter Twelve Editorials, Opinion Pieces, Columns, Blogs and Cartoons 357 • It may come from your knowledge of a pending lawsuit. It could come from an item on the agenda of the school board, the police commission, the town council or planning commission. A law being considered in the state or national legislature is another possibility. Good reporting comes before strong editorials. If the topic is not timely, no matter how passionately you may feel about it, consider carefully before you write a staff editorial on the topic. Editorials call for action or change. If there is no possibility for change, there is no need for an editorial. Five Things You Need to Know About Opinion Writing Opinion Writing Criticizes and Suggests Solutions Be positive, even when you are pointing out a problem. Whining is easy. Your audience does not need journalism for that. If for example, new security measures at your school cause long lines before first period, cover the story in news. Photos or video work well. In your opinion writing, suggest a solution. After researching possible fixes, you may suggest that the bus schedule be adjusted so that students arrive at staggered times. Your opinion piece should describe the problem, describe possible solutions and tell why your suggestion is the best solution. Opinion Writing Advocates You give voice to the voiceless. You see problems others do not. If you cover the life of a single mother for a feature story, you may decide your campus needs a quality day care program. Research what is done in other districts, how it is financed and how it could serve the needs of teachers and staff as well as students. Then advocate for it in your opinion writing. Opinion Writing Appreciates Point out something good that is happening, something that is working well, someone who deserves notice. For example, if the school has worked well since the bell system broke, point that out. If your campus has responded generously to help after a recent disaster, praise the effort. If you want more of something, praise it. Opinion Writing Observes Great writing grows from keen observation. Los Angeles Times columnist Steve Lopez heard a homeless man playing beautifully on a two-stringed violin near an outdoor statue of Beethoven. In time Lopez discovered Nathaniel Anthony Ayers had studied at Juilliard before schizophrenia overtook him. Lopez’s observation helped him write over a dozen columns and a book, “The Soloist,” which was made into a movie. He also gained a friend, helped him, and helped millions of readers better understand the nature of mental illness and the power of music. It started because he observed well and did not look away. Opinion Writing Connects the Dots You see meaningful connections between events that your audience sees every day but may barely notice. It may be common to see people at a football game taking selfies, texting during pep assemblies and watching movies on the game bus, each time ignoring the drama that is unfolding a few feet or a few hundred yards away. Although everyone may see these things, you as an observer may connect the dots and point out a trend, criticize, praise, advocate or warn in your writing or your editorial cartoon.