Too much, too soon

[TooMuchTooSoon]

* I am a regular contributor to this site, but would like to maintain a sense of anonymity.
* I am 24 years old.
* I have dreamed of being a sports columnist for my entire life.

So here's the thing:
I - luckily, graciously, miraculously - was just told today that I would be given a twice-weekly column in my newspaper. This is a major metropolitan newspaper, in one of the country's biggest cities, and while I am new at said paper, I believe I have proven myself worthy with my writing ability.

Still, I can't help but feel a bit daunted by this responsibility. Excited, sure. Thrilled. But very, very nervous about how I'll perform, and whether I should even be given such a task so quickly.

Has anyone else been thrown to the wolves rather quickly? And I'm talking more from a columnist perspective here, because I don't think I could really handle a big beat, like others my age, such as Teddy Kider (covers the Hornets for the Times-Picayune), Kent Babb (Chiefs for KC Star) or Jon Abrams (Knicks for NY Times).

 

[Bump_Wills]

Has anyone else been thrown to the wolves rather quickly? And I'm talking more from a columnist perspective here, because I don't think I could really handle a big beat, like others my age, such as Teddy Kider (covers the Hornets for the Times-Picayune), Kent Babb (Chiefs for KC Star) or Jon Abrams (Knicks for NY Times).

Others may disagree, but my perspective is that no one who hasn't handled a big beat has much business writing a column. The best columnists are pretty damned good reporters, too.

 

[PeteyPirate]

If you freeze up, just get on here and name the subject. We'll write it for you.

 

[fishwrapper]

If you freeze up, just get on here and name the subject. We'll write it for you.

Wilting poinsettias. Go...

 

[Big Circus]

If you freeze up, just get on here and name the subject. We'll write it for you.

Wilting poinsettias. Go...

"The radical reconstruction of the South after the Civil War was neither radical nor a reconstruction. Discuss."

 

[broadway joe]

* I am a regular contributor to this site, but would like to maintain a sense of anonymity.
* I am 24 years old.
* I have dreamed of being a sports columnist for my entire life.

So here's the thing:
I - luckily, graciously, miraculously - was just told today that I would be given a twice-weekly column in my newspaper. This is a major metropolitan newspaper, in one of the country's biggest cities, and while I am new at said paper, I believe I have proven myself worthy with my writing ability.

Still, I can't help but feel a bit daunted by this responsibility. Excited, sure. Thrilled. But very, very nervous about how I'll perform, and whether I should even be given such a task so quickly.

Has anyone else been thrown to the wolves rather quickly? And I'm talking more from a columnist perspective here, because I don't think I could really handle a big beat, like others my age, such as Teddy Kider (covers the Hornets for the Times-Picayune), Kent Babb (Chiefs for KC Star) or Jon Abrams (Knicks for NY Times).

Let's see. You want to maintain your anonymity on this board, but you're calling our attention to the fact that you're 24 and about to begin writing a column for a major metro. Nope, no way we'll ever be able to figure out who you are.

 

[Hank_Scorpio]

Make sure you ask bad football coaches about their daughters' choice of husband, then you can come on here and let Drippy defend you for it.

 

[Tom Petty]

Make sure you ask bad football coaches about their daughters' choice of husband, then you can come on here and let Drippy defend you for it.

maybe i'll kick you to the curb ... in my new set of boots.

 

[Angola!]

* I am a regular contributor to this site, but would like to maintain a sense of anonymity.
* I am 24 years old.
* I have dreamed of being a sports columnist for my entire life.

So here's the thing:
I - luckily, graciously, miraculously - was just told today that I would be given a twice-weekly column in my newspaper. This is a major metropolitan newspaper, in one of the country's biggest cities, and while I am new at said paper, I believe I have proven myself worthy with my writing ability.

Still, I can't help but feel a bit daunted by this responsibility. Excited, sure. Thrilled. But very, very nervous about how I'll perform, and whether I should even be given such a task so quickly.

Has anyone else been thrown to the wolves rather quickly? And I'm talking more from a columnist perspective here, because I don't think I could really handle a big beat, like others my age, such as Teddy Kider (covers the Hornets for the Times-Picayune), Kent Babb (Chiefs for KC Star) or Jon Abrams (Knicks for NY Times).

Let's see. You want to maintain your anonymity on this board, but you're calling our attention to the fact that you're 24 and about to begin writing a column for a major metro. Nope, no way we'll ever be able to figure out who you are.

I don't think he/she is worried about if you know who he/she is in real life. I think he/she doesn't want folks to know what his/her other handle is.

 

[Cadet]

I can take a guess...

 

[dooley_womack1]

All we have to do is google "TooMuchTooSoon", and this person will be found out

 

[broadway joe]

* I am a regular contributor to this site, but would like to maintain a sense of anonymity.
* I am 24 years old.
* I have dreamed of being a sports columnist for my entire life.

So here's the thing:
I - luckily, graciously, miraculously - was just told today that I would be given a twice-weekly column in my newspaper. This is a major metropolitan newspaper, in one of the country's biggest cities, and while I am new at said paper, I believe I have proven myself worthy with my writing ability.

Still, I can't help but feel a bit daunted by this responsibility. Excited, sure. Thrilled. But very, very nervous about how I'll perform, and whether I should even be given such a task so quickly.

Has anyone else been thrown to the wolves rather quickly? And I'm talking more from a columnist perspective here, because I don't think I could really handle a big beat, like others my age, such as Teddy Kider (covers the Hornets for the Times-Picayune), Kent Babb (Chiefs for KC Star) or Jon Abrams (Knicks for NY Times).

Let's see. You want to maintain your anonymity on this board, but you're calling our attention to the fact that you're 24 and about to begin writing a column for a major metro. Nope, no way we'll ever be able to figure out who you are.

I don't think he/she is worried about if you know who he/she is in real life. I think he/she doesn't want folks to know what his/her other handle is.

Ah. That makes more sense.

 

[Songbird]

write about your dog (insert crazy dog's name) and one day have it be spun off into a movie in which dakota fanning plays your fictional wife.

 

[steveu]

If you freeze up, just get on here and name the subject. We'll write it for you.

Wilting poinsettias. Go...

"The radical reconstruction of the South after the Civil War was neither radical nor a reconstruction. Discuss."

Damn you. That's JUST what I was thinking.

 

[PeteyPirate]

I'm sure you'll do fine.

 

[Drip]

* I am a regular contributor to this site, but would like to maintain a sense of anonymity.
* I am 24 years old.
* I have dreamed of being a sports columnist for my entire life.

So here's the thing:
I - luckily, graciously, miraculously - was just told today that I would be given a twice-weekly column in my newspaper. This is a major metropolitan newspaper, in one of the country's biggest cities, and while I am new at said paper, I believe I have proven myself worthy with my writing ability.

Still, I can't help but feel a bit daunted by this responsibility. Excited, sure. Thrilled. But very, very nervous about how I'll perform, and whether I should even be given such a task so quickly.

Has anyone else been thrown to the wolves rather quickly? And I'm talking more from a columnist perspective here, because I don't think I could really handle a big beat, like others my age, such as Teddy Kider (covers the Hornets for the Times-Picayune), Kent Babb (Chiefs for KC Star) or Jon Abrams (Knicks for NY Times).

Enjoy it and learn. Ask questions. Here's hoping that in 20 years, your publication will still be operating. Good luck.

 

[TheSportsPredictor]

They gave you a column because someone wants to read what you have to say. So write like you believe that. And that is all.

 

[shotglass]

Dear TooMuchTooSoon:

Talk about your mixed blessings. Here you are, about to get a twice-a-week column in a major metro, and your newspaper is going to fold like one of Mitch Albom's tiny suits within the next few days. Damn.

"The Happy Brothers"
Piotr Rasputin
Joe Williams
Drip

P.S. We're only telling you this so you can move your family to higher ground now.

 

[mustangj17]

Congrats TMTS.

I'm 23. Wish I could have a column at a metro. The close I ever got was being a finalist in some shady blogging contest by Foxsports.com; writing a column for a 3,000 circulation paper, and doing some blogs!!!! for a major metro that literally nobody read.

Make the best of it.

 

[write then drink]

establish a consistent voice

don't be a fraud

work