Getting Travel Writing Right

Guest Blog by Jade Scully

As a university student I was very excited about doing a travel writing course. I truly expected to walk into the class as an eager essayist and walk out an accomplished Travel Writer. While I learnt quite a bit and had some fun with the projects (interspersed with scary deadlines and midnight stress sessions). I found at the end that writing about travel isn’t about visiting the most beautiful and popular destinations, and scribbling notes about the “picturesque scenery” or “stunning views”, rather, it’s a lifestyle.

The more time you spend sitting around thinking about being a travel writer, or how to become one, the less time you leave yourself to actually do just that. You just need to do it. Just be a travel writer.

Being a Travel Writer and Not Thinking about Being One

Ok, so I know it’s a bit daunting to approach something without any guidelines so here are a few hints and tips to get you started on your path to being a travel writer, not thinking about being one:

• Be a writer first: Before anyone can be a great travel writer they need to be able to write. Dedicate yourself to writing and improving your skills and once you’ve done that you can start writing about travel.
• Try it:  If you think you can write and have a story to tell, put yourself out there. Try some freelancing or guest post on a few blogs. See what the response is to your writing style and take it from there. The best way to learn is from experience.
• Start by writing about others: While you may think you have a wonderful story to tell, it takes years and years of practice to write well about yourself. Start with an interview or two, or write a profile on a person who has had an interesting experience.
• Spend time on writing:  Read a lot and write a lot. The only way to improve in anything is to spend time doing it. See if there are any short courses or night classes on writing in your area and start with that.
• Write to rewrite: Nothing is ever perfect the first time. Always remember that your first draft will change and be edited and improved a whole lot before it becomes your final draft. Learn how to self-edit, you’ll often find that you need fewer words than you initially used.
• Think about the way you write: After you’ve edited your work think about the areas of your writing where you need to improve. Even the best writers go through this process of self-evaluation, learning and relearning for their entire writing careers.
• Pitch your story: Once you feel confident that you can write and you can write well, you’ll need to learn how to pitch your story idea to editors. A good way to start is to research the magazine you want to write for, and always remember that the editor is human. If they feel that your story isn’t the right fit for the publication, don’t take it personally, adapt and try again.
• Keep at it: If you want it you’ll work at it, and you won’t give up. Writing, like most other career choices, is a work in progress. With every new piece and re-edit you’ll learn something new, which makes you a better writer which increases your chances of being acknowledged. So yeah, keep at it.
• Blog:Keep a daily online diary; it will get you into the habit of writing something everyday and give you a chance to see how readers respond to the way you write.

Hopefully these pointers will help you along your writing journey, now I’m going to re-read this piece and do a bit of editing!

Jade Scully is a copywriter, blogger and online marketing enthusiast who has published her work on a series of online publications and websites including Leeulekker who provide a range of travel and touring information for southern Africa travelers.

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• Women Write Travel - some thoughts by Sybil Baker
• Getting Travel Writing Right
• Veronica decides to live - the Amsterdam Journals