Write Your City

And the loved city? Only at a distance can it be loved.  How else do those mean little squares and boulevards sprouting    their haystraw weeds  Become the Champs-Elysées and Princes Street, except in    memory?  Shadowy byways and alleys, wildflower chain linked lots  Where a lover turned and smiled and did more than kiss,  And corners where small hilarities gathered, teasing,  But singing in unison,--these map happiness.  The hated city. The loved city. The same city.                                                 - Mark Jarman

Delve into the details of your city. Create a kaleidoscope of colors, textures, sounds, and scents.

Which natural resources exist? How do they add to the city's life? Include the "haystraw weeds" and wildflowers.

Take the reader on a mental stroll.

Turn corners. Sneak into backyards.

Walk the streets and alleys.

Add foliage and wildlife.

Describe characteristics, conversations, and the variety of humanity one meets along the route. Include highlights of meeting places, restaurants and stores.

What do you dislike?

What attracts you?