When I was running a weekly newspaper in California back in the '80s, it often happened that someone would pop into my office with the announced intention of writing a column for the paper.  They might want to write a column about their business, or about their religion or about their hobby, and I usually didn't mind.  In fact, I rather looked forward to having a paper filled with the words of individuals somewhat closer to day-to-day life than the professional writers who produced the materials we had to use as  "fill" in the newspaper.  
         Unfortunately, I quickly learned that most people do not have a regular column in mind.  They have one column, perhaps two, in mind. However, it takes more than that to keep a newspaper going.
         I also found that most people's writing abilities did not match their speaking abilities, but they didn't wish to hear this from me.  They wanted to be complimented on their knowledge, their wit or their personal message from the Almighty.  This last type was very tricky to handle.  So rather than argue the merits of their writing or the clarity of their revelation, I learned to respond by saying:  "Great!  Now write 10 more, and I'll look at them."  
         No one ever came back with 10 more columns.  And yet they understood why I asked for them.
         When I sat down to actually write again, I knew I would have to "Write 10" or give it up, if for no other reason than my own standard.  If I'm going to be clever, funny or poignant on a regular basis, I had better prove to myself  that I can meet the standard of regularity first of all.
         If you don't mind, I'm going to try out my "Ten" on you -- plus a few more as the ideas, and the time to write them, come.  Your comments and opinions are gratefully encouraged, and you won't hurt my feelings if your reaction is negative.  I believe I'm over feeling that I have to be a Great Writer in order to have a successful life.  I could settle for being a Good Antique Dealer. But having an audience, albeit a biased one,  may be just the catalyst I need to keep writing, and I'm old enough to realize that the day will come when I won't be roaming the countryside. It will be the time to reflect.