For my first story idea, I want to feature the axe-throwing place in Oxford, called Civil Axe-Throwing. It has not been covered adequately, save for a short “coming soon” article in the Oxford Eagle. I want to write a more in-depth piece and interview either the owner or manager about how the place operates, how the idea came about, etc. Also, I hope to interview a student or faculty member who has visited or maybe even frequents the place to see why they go, if it relieves stress and other benefits.
My second idea is definitely more of an undertaking. I had the idea months ago, intending to be published in the DM, but because of other stories and schoolwork, I was never able to really get working on it. I hope to complete a story series called “Oxford Staples” that features the businesses and institutions in Oxford that have made the town and its reputation. Think Square Books, Neilson’s, The Beacon, Ajax. Without these and others, Oxford would not really be Oxford. So, by paying homage to these places and also uncovering their origin stories, I could tell a necessary story. Possible sources include the ownership for each of these places, locals who are knowledgeable in the subject, politicians like the mayor or aldermen and patrons.