Scruffy Little Essays

<p>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.</p><p></p><p>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. </p><p></p><p>With a circulation of over 150000 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. </p><p></p><p>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.</p><p></p><p>My hope is that the reader will gain insight into Knoxville politics and history and be challenged to become a writer too.</p>