It had long been a dream of mine to combine my passion for travel with my love of writing. Having been fortunate to now be realizing that dream here are 5 travel writing tips to help you get started.
The Pleasure of Travel Writing
1. Have an ANGLE. What will differentiate you from all the other travel writers out there? I look for the QUIRKY in all I write about.
2. Use your own PHOTOS to give a visual image to support your writing. Mine are taken on a digital SLR – and some by my friends and professional photographers
3. Find your VOICE – one that is appropriate for you, your audience and what you are writing about. I imagine a good friend who wants to know about my latest exploits, gets bored easily and needs a bit of variety.
4. Use vocabulary suitable for those who might read your article. I adapt my language slightly depending on who askes me to write.
5. Understand HOW you write. Do you need to have peace & quiet? Do you prefer music or silence? I need to do two or three things at once and procrastinate until the last minute!
The main thing I have learnt is that you have to ENJOY it – otherwise there are undoubtedly loads of other things you could be doing with your time! If you have your own travel writing tips please share them here.
Travel books in Ecuador
“Great travel writing consists of equal parts curiosity, vulnerability and vocabulary. The finest travel writing describes what’s going on when nobody’s looking.†Tom Miller
Well done Zoe – great article. Excellent advice to writers.
Jackie
great job, zoe! we’re so happy to have you as our quirky traveller editor on //www.WanderingEducators.com. LOVED that article!
Super article Zoe
Your comment much appreciated Wendy – your encouragement helped me to get this far! lookking forward to seeing you up here in Cumbria in the not too distant future!
Being linked to a great travel business like yours is a huge motivation for me. And maybe we can tempt you over here one day!
From a writer of your expertise Jackie that comment is especially appreciated. Thank you.
Time moves on and I am gradually building up a portfolio of writing and articles on my own blog, travel websites, magazines, newspapers and journals. This has all come from following my passion and getting the help and support of a great many people. One of the most inspiring people is Dr Jessie Voights, founder of http://www.wanderingeducators.com who first asked me to write for her. Big thanks Jessie – you are a star!
Always grateful for more hints to share with writers from all walks of life 🙂