Fort Bragg, North Carolina Patch editor Kelly Twedell always knew she wanted to pursue a career in writing.  Her interest in a journalistic career began in high school when she won an essay contest and realized she enjoyed writing.

“In college I joined the newspaper staff and ended up getting a scholarship to work for the paper,” editor Kelly Twedell said.  “I was the Arts and Entertainment editor. I also poured over other news publications to see different styles of writing that I liked or could identify with.”

Twedell has been a reporter at the Fort Bragg Patch for two years and enjoys the memorable experiences and variety that her work often provides for her.

“I got to cover the Democratic National Convention in Charlotte this past year,” Twedell said.  “It was a whirlwind and we were all on assignment from morning until night.  It was an exciting time and choosing what to cover is something I enjoy. I interviewed Senators, speakers on various subject matters, politicians, and cooks at the local hot spots where everyone was eating.”

Working for many years as a Features Editor for a lifestyle magazine and for CityView Magazine for three years has prepared Twedell for her role as an editor of the Patch. 

“I love managing my time and planning out my week for what I will cover,” Twedell said. “I keep a spreadsheet of story ideas and places I need to be. I love the creativity of coming up with stories, good headlines, the blurbs for the front cover of the magazine- it’s fun.”

Twedell enjoys many aspects of her career in journalism, but thinks there are some downfalls as well.  

“My least favorite part of being a journalist is covering tragedy and making sure I can remain compassionate while getting the big questions from the victim, victim’s family or bystanders,” Twedell said.  “These military deaths and writing and posting obituary type posts stinks. They are not creative but you must remember that their families will pour through the papers later looking for anything written about their loved one. I try to make them personal and honorable. I leave out any dirt or anything questionable. If it’s a suicide, I state the facts about where and when they were found unresponsive and if the case is under investigation but I like to interview good friends and tell about who they were and what they did, and why they’ll be missed.”

Twedell has been a reporter at the Fort Bragg Patch since May 2011 and thinks her future will lead to her staying in the states after around 15 years of traveling abroad.

Check out the Fort Bragg Patch at www.fortbragg.patch.com.