Do you want to know the secret of travel writing? The secret is to be a writer first. That’s it. Be a writer first! As the saying goes “do not put all of your eggs in one basket.” Meaning, write different things and in different styles.

As a travel writer do not feel that this is the only genre that you must concentrate on every day. If you have a passion for animal rights then write about it. Stretch your writing skills as far as they will go, and then go beyond that.

Writing different genres will only enhance your writing. Most people start off writing fishing guides and then find themselves writing for a major magazine. Start writing travel articles about your vacations; it could lead to travel books and other writing projects.

Here’s an excerpt from Mark Terry’s article “This Writing Life: Crosstraining:

“I’m a writer first. The various other subgenres–novelist, report writer, magazine writer, etc., all come second. I’m a writer first.

“The point is, try to write different things. It’s a good exercise, if nothing else. If you write fiction all the time, take a crack at writing a script for your favorite TV show. Or write a magazine article. It uses different muscles and helps make you a stronger writer overall.”

The bottom line is just that. Think about the extra cash you will make from your other writing endeavors. With the money that you make you can take that vacation to Thailand and write about it. You will be able to afford those writing courses and conferences. Furthermore, with the money you make, you can donate some of it to your favorite charity. Pay it forward!

Rebecca