fight for our sovereignty. The content was rather trite and weak and I would never hold that argument for long around a debating table.

But the letters editor of the newspaper thought it was good enough

When it is done well, writing feels good. The written word has a certain quality that other forms of expression simply do not have. I can't put it into a sensible classification or description, but reading a book is infinitely more enjoyable than having it read to me.

But, writing one's own pieces has an even greater appeal. Often what starts off as a jumbled set of thoughts and opinions can lead to a fully completed article which, with luck, will be read by hundreds of other people.

There is no better feeling than seeing your articles in print. And the first time is just like your first kiss - you will always remember it.

And it is not difficult to do. I remember that my first "article" was actually a letter in my local press. It was something about the Falklands War and how we (in the UK) should certainly fight for our sovereignty. The content was rather trite and weak and I would never hold that argument for long around a debating table.

But the letters editor of the newspaper thought it was good enough

ook is infinitely more enjoyable than having it read to me.

But, writing one's own pieces has an even greater appeal. Often what starts off as a jumbled set of thoughts and opinions can lead to a fully completed article which, with luck, will be read by hundreds of other people.

There is no better feeling than seeing your articles in print. And the first time is just like your first kiss - you will always remember it.

And it is not difficult to do. I remember that my first "article" was actually a letter in my local press. It was something about the Falklands War and how we (in the UK) should certainly fight for our sovereignty. The content was rather trite and weak and I would never hold that argument for long around a debating table.

But the letters editor of the newspaper thought it was good enough

ompleted article which, with luck, will be read by hundreds of other people.

There is no better feeling than seeing your articles in print. And the first time is just like your first kiss - you will always remember it.

And it is not difficult to do. I remember that my first "article" was actually a letter in my local press. It was something about the Falklands War and how we (in the UK) should certainly fight for our sovereignty. The content was rather trite and weak and I would never hold that argument for long around a debating table.

But the letters editor of the newspaper thought it was good enough

ys remember it.

And it is not difficult to do. I remember that my first "article" was actually a letter in my local press. It was something about the Falklands War and how we (in the UK) should certainly fight for our sovereignty. The content was rather trite and weak and I would never hold that argument for long around a debating table.

But the letters editor of the newspaper thought it was good enough

fight for our sovereignty. The content was rather trite and weak and I would never hold that argument for long around a debating table.

But the letters editor of the newspaper thought it was good enough to publish and, on that particular Friday, my letter, together with my name, was there for all to see.

Since that time I have written over 2000 articles and other related pieces. I don't get that rush anymore.

But, far from blowing my own trumpet (and, of course, there are far cleverer and prolific authors around) I honestly feel that my writing exploits would not have been as great but for the rush of that first published letter.

So, for those of you who are write-shy, take a test. Write something - it doesn't really matter what - perhaps an opinion or an observation. Then find a place that might agree to publish it.

Eventually you will get something published and you will have caught the bug. There will be no turning back.