Travel Writers Exchange Forum Home » Topic: Starting out

Carter on "Starting out"

Carter — Fri, 06 Mar 2009 11:58:24 +0000

Spring break is close at hand...I'm sure I can write a compelling article on that...

BillieJean on "Starting out"

BillieJean — Fri, 06 Mar 2009 11:49:13 +0000

I think I wrote about my various travel experiences. I always enjoyed reading National Geographic magazine and thought I could write about my travels. I write because I like to write and share my experiences.

DuchessOfWriting on "Starting out"

DuchessOfWriting — Fri, 06 Mar 2009 11:22:45 +0000

This is a good question. I started writing because I love to write. I never thought of the monetary aspect of it. I believe that if you love what you do, the money will follow. My advice to newbies is to have fun with travel writing and try to stay out your head. This may difficult since we're writers. Do not over analyze your writing. Write what you feel and see...write with passion....

Amandah Blackwell on "Starting out"

Amandah Blackwell — Fri, 06 Mar 2009 09:49:42 +0000

I would definitely not take myself or my writing too seriously. I have a tendency to get too "emotionally" attached to my talent for writing. Plus, I have a tendency to be an "all or nothing person." I'm working on it

I am grateful to have artistic qualities, but it's not who I am. I am also grateful for the "left side" or analytical side of my brain as well. Most people are baffled that I am both analytical and artistic...it runs in the family

My advice to newbies and experienced writers is to just have fun with it. If you can make extra cash along the way, that's great. Travel writing does not define who you are as a person, you define who you are!

Anonymous on "Starting out"

Anonymous — Fri, 06 Mar 2009 04:42:32 +0000

That's an interesting point, Rebecca, about turning any form of trip into a travel article; I could probably write an article just from my trip to the post office today.

Another reason why I created this topic in the first place is to get you all thinking about how you did things when you first started. Did you have a different approach back then? Would you do things differently now? Would you advise newcomers (such as myself) to do similar things as you did when you first started?

A little food for thought there

Angela on "Starting out"

Angela — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 11:27:11 +0000

Gee, I'll have to think about that one. Good question.

Amandah Blackwell on "Starting out"

Amandah Blackwell — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 11:26:10 +0000

I went to the UK back in 2007 and wrote an article about the International Fringe Festival. I put it in the "writing section" of my portfolio. I applied for a marketing job and ended with the writing position.

When I visited the Grand Canyon & the White Buffalo in Flagstaff, I wrote about that. I've realized that no matter where you go, you could turn it into a travel article.

WriterMom2 on "Starting out"

WriterMom2 — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 11:16:08 +0000

That's a good question...I always had a love of history and enjoy learning about different cultures. I have my favorite countries, especially those with "kings and queens."

Anonymous on "Starting out"

Anonymous — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 06:41:57 +0000

Can any of you remember how you first started out in travel writing? And what attracted you about it in the first place? Would be interesting to hear how some of you came to be where you are today