The Kaleidoscope in Writing Local and Locale

On May 10, 2010, the Kingsport Times-News hired me as a rural correspondent in Hawkins County, Tenn. I write a social news column, titled Across the Fence on Tuesdays in the Metro section. Actually the column is a three segment one. The Sullivan County, Tenn rural correspondent writes her part of the column on Sundays and the Scott County, Va rural correspondent writes her column on Thursdays.

I love writing for the paper and feel blessed to craft mini stories each week about the locale and the locals of Hawkins County. I have a long ways to go and lots more to learn. But I have arrived as a writer. The column is a dream come true. I couldn't ask for a better gig. I feel like a kid cut loose in a candy store, free to select from all that awaits me.

Social news is very much a part of travel writing. Interviewing the locals helps give flavor to the place. Seeing them and feeling they're friends attracts many a browser to come closer and visit. Travel is also about the events, the shops and eateries a place has to offer. People go to these events, local and not-so-local alike.

A place without the people is mighty dull. And if you don't anchor the people to a locale, you've got nothing. Both blend to give texture, flavor and a sense of story. It could be the story going on behind the scenes or what's going on right in front of you.

Writing is way more than just about putting words together. You string ideas, hopes and feelings in there with the descriptions. You write your heart out and give your all, because you can't not do anything but that. You surround and envelop the reader in the story so they feel they are a part of it. It's alive for them and they are right there all wrapped up in the experience.

Getting the local flavor is difficult at best. But the flavor gives the story character. It draws the reader in and makes them want to check this place out for themselves.

The land, buildings and scenery cry out to me. Events and food await discovery as do new finds in the way of shops. The history of the place draws in more flavor and interest. You not only learn about things, but you learn about culture and the local way of life.

So when you do visit, you're not just a plain vanilla tourist. You're a local waiting to happen. You get a sense of the place and a feel for the people. You're not an outsider. You know the place and the people because the crafted words filled you in on the missing details the typical visitor just doesn't have.

The written story is like magic, putting you in a new and rare place... my backyard and everything down the road. So read me and come on by to check the place out. The screened porch door is open wide. Don't let it slam shut in your face. Come sit a spell as the story unfolds.

That is what writing the column has done for me. It has tipped me on my side and put a kaleidoscope in my hands. Here, come take a look and let me know how you like it.