When asked by beginning writers, I used to say that local newspapers were the place to get started on a career.
But news in print, even on the local level, is getting harder to find. But local news blogs are open to anyone and their cost is, well, mere digits.
I'm not talking about blathering on about your opinions ("The grass will be green this spring.") or making observations about your latest romance. Nope, I'm talking real news here.
Let me give you an example from Burlington, Vermont. An enterprising couple, Valerie and Mike Wood-Lewis, started the Five Sisters Neighborhood Forum as a way to get to know their neighbors. It developed into an online news source, neighborhood newsletter, and an ongoing conversation among folks in their Burlington neighborhood.
It proved so popular, the Wood-Lewises expanded the idea into what they call the Front Porch Forum. Currently, they are serving towns in Chittenden County (the county around Burlington) but their idea can be translated into any neighborhood in any town. With the disappearance of local newspapers, there's a need (dare I say hunger?) for true local news. And you could be just the person to gather and write this news.
How?
Start a blog dedicated to your neighborhood. There are lots of free services such as Blogger and Movable Type where you can get this started.
Once you have the kinks worked out of the blog and you've penned a few entries, drop a postcard or letter with your blog address and an explanation about your blog's purpose at every neighbor's house, apartment or business. Invite them to write part of the blog. Invite them to send you news.
Once it's been rolling along for a while, alert any local news outlets about your efforts with a press release. Use your local letters to the editor column to let people know about your neighborhood blog.
Post info about your blog on any and every community bulletin board.
Make links to every local business with a website.
Make sure your business cards have your blog address and give yourself an appropriate title such as local journalist or reporter.
By the time your neighborhood blog celebrates its first anniversary, you will have bona fide writer's credentials. And editors like to hire writers with experience.