Sal Easterley readily admits he likes to see his name in print, but that's only a small part of why he enjoys being an Opinion Shaper.

A writer of "letters to the editor" that appear in the St. Louis Post-Dispatch, Easterley enjoys having a regular forum to express his opinions.

As readers of his columns know, Easterley makes a concerted effort to be fair when he explains his positions on issues.

What readers don't know is the fairness is earned. Often, he writes three or four drafts before he's satisfied with a column.

"I like to get everything off my chest so I'm able to get my point across," he said.

The Journal is looking for readers, like Easterley, who want to express their opinions, recount a favorite family story or share an insight into human nature.

Opinion shapers agree to write four columns over the course of a year. Applicants are chosen for their command of the language and their ability to write columns that are clear, concise and engaging.

Easterley, who lives in South St. Louis, is just finishing his first year as an Opinion Shaper. He has been in the building materials industry for 30 years and is an experienced traveler.

He often speaks to chambers of commerce and business groups on business topics, often pointing out the humorous aspects of a business.

"Being an Opinion Shaper is a great resume builder," he said. "People are impressed when I say I'm a contributing writer to the Journals as an Opinion Shaper."

His short time as an Opinion Shaper has garnered Easterley a small degree of fame.

"I run into people who say, 'I read you in the Journals.' It's a big ego boost."

Ask Michael Johnson why he enjoys being an Opinion Shaper and he gives a simple answer: "I like to write."

Johnson said he has never had any trouble coming up with ideas for columns, but then again, he isn't shy about sharing his ideas.

"It's a way to express myself, my feelings and lay it out there," he said. "I think people like verification, someone else who is out there thinking the same thing."

Now retired and living in South County, Johnson spent 44 years in law enforcement. He was well-known for his writing ability during his career as a St. Louis Metropolitan Police officer. He spent a number of years as a detective and some of the cases he investigated were complicated. At a certain point, he said, the investigation has to be put on paper. Later, as a lieutenant with the Saint Louis University campus police, he took advantage of the tuition reimbursement program to take writing classes.

Besides writing an Opinion Shaper column, Johnson is working on a novel based on his life and his experiences as a police officer.

They say writers are always writing, and Johnson is good example of that saying.

"I'll be sitting at the table and get an idea and I just jump up and run to the computer," he said.

Here's how to submit an entry to be a South County or Jefferson County Opinion Shaper:

• Send a sample column of 400 to 500 words.

• Poetry, lists, review or writing of an academic nature will not be considered.

• You must live in South County or Jefferson County.

• Include you name, address, daytime phone number and occupation.

• Send entries to jcowan@yourjournal.com or to Opinion Shapers, Suburban Journals, 14522 S. Outer Road, Town & Country, MO 63017.

• Deadline is July 28.