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How to be a Travel Writer
Ah, a question everyone wants answered. And, by the way, I got a very satisfactory answer to this question during
the course of my podcast with Travelers tales publisher James O'Reilly, something I urge you to check out. But in this
case the person
answering the question is the LA Times Travel Writer Susan Spano, who says that what's required is first, take a
trip. Yes, it sounds easy, but too often you remain chained to your cube or desk or wherever you work. But there's more
to it than that, of course, and Spano gives some good advice on how to get started. She also dispels some of the
romance of the craft, especially where guidebooks are concerned.
To wit: "Travel guidebook writing is particularly thankless, I quickly discovered when I did it in my younger
days. The pay isn't great. The formatted nature of series guidebooks curtails creativity, leaving authors' favorite
bons mots on the cutting-room floor. Most guidebooks are the work of a team of writers, who share the credit in fine
print."
But brace up, bucko, and don't let that get you down. Now get out there, travel and write.
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Carl Parkes Dec 18th 2005 5:07PM
Eric,
Sorry, my hard drive crashed last month and I lost your personal email address, so must send this in this forum. Nice post about travel writing, but do check my blog about the Travails of Travel Writing at:
http://travelwriters.blogspot.com
My other blog is, of course, about SE Asia at:
http://friskodude.blogspot.com
You can also access that site at:
http://www.carlparkes.com
Thanks!
I really enjoy reading your site, but one question. When I read your site via my RSS Reader (Bloglines) it also includes your name as the author of your posts, which I think is a good idea. However, when I access Gadling directly, I do NOT see you name as author of your particular posts. Very strange. Any idea why this happens?
Carl Parkes
Travel Writer/Photographer
Melissa Dec 18th 2005 5:07PM
I've travelled the world and have all the information in my head. I guess, I just need to write and write and write to develop writing skills.
Thanks for the tip!