Gadling

Travel-writer is one of those professions, like National Geographic photographer or Michelin restaurant-reviewer, that has glamorous connotations. Who wouldn't want to get paid to visit a foreign land and write about it in a glossy magazine?

I've spent the past year-and-a-half building clips so I can quit my full-time job and travel-write full time. What that means is that I work full-time and spend the rest of my time writing. I don't read the newspaper or do the crossword anymore; even my weekends are devoted to writing. There's a fine balance between taking on enough work to allow you to quit your full-time job, and taking on too much work in general -- I'm not sure where that line is yet.

I'm currently working on a project for an unnamed guidebook publisher, and this summer I'll pound the pavement for Lonely Planet. Unfortunately, neither project is taking me far from home -- both are for South Central Alaska, where I live.

But I like to think I've nearly reached my goal, and here are a few things I've learned along the way.

1. It's not that glamorous. So far, I haven't had offers to fly me off to Rio and put me up in a swish hotel. Researching for the unnamed guidebook last weekend took me no further than my blizzard-encircled home town, where most of the lodging and restaurants are closed for the winter. Next weekend I'll venture a bit further down the icy highway, likely driving around in my Subaru hoping someone will have a room available with heat. Places I can't visit, I fact check by phone during the week.

2. I won't be buying that second home anytime soon. At my level, freelancing full-time will allow me to eat and pay the mortgage, but I won't be buying myself any first-class tickets to Rio.

3. Writing is a bit anti-social. I hope that when I'm out for Lonely Planet (for whom I am required to visit every listing) this summer I'll be able to mingle a bit. Right now, it's pajama time in front of the computer with a strong cup of coffee. The most interaction I have with other people is my email account. Which I'm sort of addicted to checking.

4. Pitching takes a lot of work. Whenever someone offers me low pay, when I'm adding up my costs I remember the energy I put in to pitching an idea. I can't wait for the day (if it ever comes) when someone starts assigning me topics. How fun not to have to come up with some "new" angle!

5. Even though the job is not so glamorous and won't buy me a new car, the freedom is wonderful. I love puttering around in my pajamas drinking coffee, thinking about words and sentences.

My hope is that some day, travel-writing will become glamorous. Until then, I'll keep my pajamas on.

Filed under: Arts and Culture, Business, North America