People ask, what makes a good opinion writer? My response is, someone who has a solid point of view, is unwilling to bend, and because of this, is usually unpopular.
Writing is not a popularity contest. Words often hurt. Often times the very people you are trying to reach will find your words offensive.
You need to be OK with that. If your words offend, perhaps it’s because it has reached a place within that one has yet to explore.
Exploration is scary. Words are scary. Change is scary.
Some people may not like your words, yet you have to live with them, so choose them carefully.
I envy readers for they have the right not to read my words if they so choose. The writer has no such privilege. Once his words are chosen, that’s it. He must live with it.
Thanks may come in the form of someone coming up to you and saying, “Although I don’t always agree, your opinions make me think and re-evaluate my own point of view.”
More often than not, you’ll face individuals who are disgruntled. To those individuals, I say, “Write your own opinions and see how many agree or most likely disagree with you.” It’s all a part of the game. Those who agree often stay silent, while those opposed to your words will make their thoughts known.
From topic to topic, we carry the burden of enlightening the unenlightened and suffering the wrath of those who’d rather not tune in.
Just because you have an opinion on a subject, you still must do research to back up your statements. If you are pro-war, refer to information that proves war is good.
People will know if you lag behind in research. Misspelling important words only shows that you are making up the information based on what you’ve heard rather than what you can back up and prove.
I have solid points of view on subjects, I am unwilling to bend, and this may make me unpopular. I have to live with myself. I like myself. Good luck to those who don’t.