Scruffy Little Essays

In 2007, the local newspaper in Knoxville, Tennessee, ran a contest to select Community Columnists to write monthly opinion columns on regional issues of importance and concern to citizens in the Greater Knoxville area. At the urging of my wife, Lisa, I submitted an entry, and the editors of the Knoxville News Sentinel selected me as one of eight finalists from nearly 100 submissions. With a circulation of over 150,000 subscribers, I embraced both the excitement and nervousness that such a large readership might induce. I had never expressed my written opinions on such a scale before. This book is a collection of the twelve essays I wrote for this opportunity from 2007 to 2008, along with commentary about my experience. I also include some additional essays that have yet to be published. My hope is that the reader will gain insight into Knoxville politics and history and be challenged to become a writer, too.