Perks of Travel and Food Writing

Perks is a perfect word for my chosen career. I am having too much fun to call food and travel writing a job. This way of life does not pay me well.

Yet, it keeps me well. I learn about parts of the world that I may have missed... A snowy night in the City of Lights devouring that steaming hot crock of sweet onion soup, those cheesy, crusty bits, clinging to the sides. A tangerine sunrise on a remote Fijian Island, up in time to land that big fish, so fresh it is still jumping as I wrap it in a banana leaf to roast on smoldering coals. The fisherman and I never spoke a word.

Eating well...regional farm fresh food from a local market, not fancy or gourmet, simply delicious in it's native skin.

The best perks are about friends I have met along the way. Including the ones I have yet to meet...Leigh Cort...who writes about "the relationships between the journalist and the people who make the destination come alive." My partner of several decades, Maralyn Hill, more than a friend. When the work or the pain overwhelms the pleasures, Maralyn is there to remind me what is good. It cannot be said enough, it is the people and the joy of doing what you love in life... true success.

Priceless!

Brenda Hill
www.noralyn.com

Travel Writing

For me, travel writing is an education that will continue throughout my working life. I have learned more about other countries and other cultures through travel than I ever have by reading books.
As I also write fiction, travel writing has enabled me to set my stories in locations all over the world and to create the kind of detail and atmosphere that comes only from "being there."
Travel writing generally does not pay a great deal in dollars, but it can be...priceless.
Lillian Africano
www.lillianafricano.com

Not a Free Ride

The perks of travel - Experiences that I gain represent my greatest perks. In a sense, I was born to travel so I'm doing what I love. I did write an article which sums it up, "Do we travel free"? http://www.noralyn.com/newsletter/bits1.lasso

Now, as a published writer, sometimes I'm hosted. However, I don't believe in free rides. If someone has been generous enough to host me, I feel I owe them a story. The only exception is a negative experience (Usually, I'll let my contact know why I'm not writing about the experience). It is my personal preference to focus on the good and great. Frequently it takes me longer to get the story written than I'd like, but I still do get it written.

Many times I'll use e-savers, or good airline fares, to cover my transportation. Unfortunately, not all hosts are able to provide air. But, a good story will help you in the future.

If I am not able to secure an assignment or get the article placed in print media, I get a version of it posted in http://www.global-writes.com/ , on one of the web outlets (many are available that pay per click), or my web newsletter. Then, I send the host the url or date of publication for print. Sometimes, it takes a year before it's in print. When it is published, I send a clip. Letting the host know it is availabile is important. This all builds credibility and results in more invitations. I also send a link to http://www.ifwtwa.org/ to add to their clip file with my name, date of publication and publication name.

What perks do you get when you travel?

Are you good about telling the story?

Do you keep your host updated on the story?

Please add your comments or questions.

By Maralyn D. Hill
http://www.noralyn.com/