Q: Writing to ask a question. How would someone who wants to do simple advice thru a newspaper/magazine for people. i,m non college ed. but good with people. can you direct me in right direction for this. respond please.

Kathy

A: Many people in all walks of life are good listeners and good advisers to their friends. They include counselors, teachers, therapists, coaches and, of course, columnists.

The distinguishing characteristic of people who give their advice in magazines and newspapers is that they write well.

Without that trait, you should try to give advice on another way. If you are a good writer, you will need to show it first by writing articles.

Publishers never give a regular column as a first writing assignment. They just have no way of knowing whether the writers can follow through.