How to write a column

This was awesome!

 

I remember at first always ending stories on a quote. Then I went through a phase where I felt everything needed a kicker that brought back the lede. Then I learned to be more moderate about that approach, so I went back to using quotes sometimes.

Now, I've come to the realization that, particularly in a column or feature, the key to ending an article is a strong sentence. In fact, the kicker should be one of the best sentences in your story. And that sentence often can be a telling quote, but it just as often can be your own words. I don't think there's a right answer, but I do think that you need a solid sentence -- and not necessarily a summation of the point of the article, just a well-crafted sentence -- to close out a good article.

Make the readers remember it, and they'll come back for more.

 

The most underrated ending to a good column is simply letting it, you know, end when you're done saying what you wanted to say.

 

As my college adviser said "Just end it"

Doesn't need anything fanciful or witty...when the story's over, it's over.

 

Indeed works best if read in Omar Little's voice.

 

IN-DEED!

 

The difference between indeed and ended is, phonetically, an "e."