Where you look, when you look, how you look and what you are looking for are all factors in finding snakes. Each snake of every size and species has particular micro niches for every part of its life cycle, most far out of the reach of most herpers.
At 20, you have to admit to knowing NOTHING(its hard but true). There are many books written on the subject and each will likely give you a clue. Of course the best way is to listen and read everyone then use that info and apply it to your specific location and quest. Most successful herpers have failed just like you but LEARN from it. Remember the definition of insanity: doing the same thing over and over expecting a different result!
The techniques used in TX or MA or CA may not work as well for the species or habitat you can hunt in TN. Here are some hints to increase your chances:

Get up in the morning--not easy I know, alot of snakes move within an hour of sunrise. South facing slopes get first and the most light.
Be in tune with weather systems--when you do find what you are looking for examine the weather/humidity/temps the days leading to it. Keep records if you have to.
Do your HOMEWORK--using TOPO maps(or the latest equivalent,lol), researching county records, examining preserved zoological specimens, reading books, and above all spend as much time in the field as possible....DONT look for us to help you if you dont want to help yourself. Off season homework...
AC cover--private landowners are usually cool with you if you ASK PERMISSION first, dont be nervous talking to strangers is part of growing up. Many times even if posted when approached the right way a landowner will gratiously grant permission. Of course this doesnt always work if you are all tatted and a bone through your nose. The worst they can say is NO right? Many times the AC is already there....you just have to lay it out to make it "snake friendly".
Figure out where the animal is in the food chain--big snakes(kings,rats etc)in many locales are top predators so disturbing their habitat(AC) can actually have BENEFITS. Hint-set up areas that are both beneficial to prey and predator avoidant.

There are a million ways to catch a million snakes, I found 18 eastern milks in 2 hours on a 50 degree day this October with the wind blowing 25 knots! Why?? Well thats the million dollar question, figure that out and you will likely find snakes every time out! Its all about increasing your odds...Good luck!

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