Edited by Lori Appling in Delray Beach, Florida

"The writer operates at a peculiar crossroads where time and place and eternity somehow meet. His problem is to find that location."
-- Flannery O’Connor

TODAY:

• Seven Things New York Can Teach You About Great Travel Writing
• Another Way to Live the Writer's Life
• Start Your Own Business
• This Week's Featured Travel Publication: Clever Magazine
• More Opportunities and Resources for Writers

Can You Write A Simple Letter?

If yes, you could be in big demand, earning big money, writing just a few hours a day from anywhere in the world you choose to be. Here's how you can learn the secrets of this little-known, lucrative business: http://www.thewriterslife.com/bb/tw4

Dear Reader,

I've spent the good part of this week in sunny Delray Beach, Florida at the main offices of AWAI, publishers of Jen Stevens' written travel writing course (and my employer).

I don't work out of the Florida office anymore, so it was good to get back and see everyone again. If you're a travel writing student, you may know Barb, Scott, and Marcia in our Student Services Department there. They report that success stories continue to roll in…

Last week, course student Mike S. wrote to say, "Just wanted to share my excitement with you once again. DREAM OF ITALY has accepted a travel article I wrote and will publish it this summer. Counting my article that appeared in the first issue of FREEBIRD that makes three travel writing clips in the past two months."

Mike also mentioned that he's published all three clips before completing the second assignment in our written travel writing course. That's great news, too, and something we actually hear a lot.

Remember, as a student you're entitled to two free critiques of articles -- send in assignments #1 and #2. But keep in mind that any article you're working on can stand in for that second assignment.

You could write about your favorite hidden restaurant, for instance. (I'm working on just such a story right now.) In Paris there's a restaurant tucked away on a side street between Notre Dame and the Pantheon that used to be an old barber shop -- shut down after the barber was caught slicing his customers' necks to steal their purses. Each room holds no more than 4 or 5 tables, and you have to tuck past fireplaces and around stone walls just to get to a table. My favorite meal, the duck in peach sauce, with frois gras and wine, costs less than 40 Euros).

There's nothing like getting constructive advice from someone who's already been in your shoes -- a writer or editor who can help you polish your article and eliminate all those first-time blunders. So don't be afraid to send your article in (non-course graduates interested in this invaluable service can learn more about Jen Stevens' written travel writing course at http://www.thetravelwriterslife.com/tw4).

The folks over in Student Services also had several success stories from copywriting students to share with me, and I thought to include a few of those here, too. At our recent Travel Writer Workshop in Paris, lots of participants asked questions about other ways to make a living as a writer. One of the most lucrative is as a copywriter -- somebody who writes marketing copy…

If you're familiar with Michael Masterson's Accelerated Program for Six-Figure Copywriting (http://www.thewriterslife.com/bb/tw4), then you already know about the high income potential.

Last year Krista J. quit her $81,000 a year job to work full-time as a copywriter. She's now teamed up with another student she met at AWAI's annual copywriting bootcamp, and they've started their own copywriting business.

Like some of our travel writing students, novice copywriter David C. had no formal training as a writer when he signed up for the copywriting program -- in fact, he never went to college. His first client paid him $1,400 to write a few pages. Then a little later that week, he met a businessman at Starbucks who offered him $3,500 plus a royalty for another project.

Copywriting for the health market can be particularly lucrative too. Clients sometimes pay as much as $8,000 for an 8-12 page letter plus a royalty on sales (http://www.thewriterslife.com/health/tw4 )

Jennifer Stevens and John Forde, in addition to writing travel articles, are copywriters too. Both will tell you that no job beats travel writing for its perks… and no job beats copywriting for its paychecks.

You'll hear from John below where he explains seven big truths in travel writing. Master these and you'll find publishing your travel articles a breeze -- if you're taking Jen's written travel writer course or have attended a live workshop, then you're already well on your way.

Take care,

Lori
Director, AWAI's Travel Writer Program

P.S. Know a friend or two who'd enjoy the freedom and independence of a writer's life? They, too, can sign up to receive this free e-letter weekly at: http://www.thetravelwriterslife.com/eletter

P.P.S. Again, if you've been hemming and hawing about signing up for the Chicago workshop, now's the time to give Agora Travel a call at (800) 926-6575 while you can still take advantage of the discounted room rate. For details: http://www.thetravelwriterslife.com/workshop/bb I'd love to see you there.

SEVEN THINGS NEW YORK CAN TEACH YOU ABOUT GREAT TRAVEL WRITING: By Freelance Writer and Copywriter John Forde in Paris, France

There's a little apartment in New York, on the corner of Bleecker and Perry.

For three years, I lived there. For nearly three years more, my wife and I visited there when we could. We let friends take care of it in the interim.

But now that's over.

We recently moved out, gave our keys back to the landlord, and ended an era.
Departure was bittersweet. But not without insight. As the moving trucks rolled off to the Lincoln Tunnel, I started thinking.

See, I feel about New York like a sherpa feels about Everest... like a surgeon feels about the golf course... like a beagle feels about fire hydrants... in short, I love the place.

Part of what I love are the lessons it teaches. About life. About work. About the opposite sex. About yourself. And about writing.

I shared a few of these ideas with some copywriting friends recently. But Lori was quick to point out they work just as well for anyone who writes travel articles. See if you agree...

NYC Lesson #1: ENERGY IS CONTAGIOUS

In Manhattan, you can sit in a room with your eyes closed -- you'd STILL feel the energy that pulses through that city.

It's not only enough to make you feel like you CAN do anything, it's enough to make you feel like you'd BETTER do something. And fast!

In travel writing, it's not so different. A bored writer can only produce boring writing. Before you sit down to write, find your passion about the place you're writing about. Work it into a frenzy before you attempt a syllable.

It's essential to your end result.

NYC Lesson #2: STYLE ISN'T EVERYTHING

Style is everywhere in New York.

But some of the best-loved places aren't especially stylish at all. Some, in fact, are actually the simplest -- even the dirtiest and dumpiest.

In travel writing, the same can be true. A great travel article isn't necessarily dripping with adjectives and pretty prose. In fact, it's rarely that way. Why?

Because it's the meat of the message that counts, not just the presentation.
Sometimes a too-fancy presentation even works against you. Because the core idea of your article gets lost completely.

NYC Lesson #3: QUALITY IS ESSENTIAL FOR SURVIVAL

When I first left full-time life in New York a little over two and a half years ago, there were about two dozen bars and restaurants within a few minutes walk from my front door. Some had been there for decades. Others were less than a year old.

On my return to close up the apartment, I took a walk around.

A shocking number of those old places had closed. Others were still going strong. Granted New York went through some tough times after 9/11. But those that survived, by no coincidence, were those that were the best at what they did.

Good travel editors always aim to publish quality recommendations in their travel articles. Dependable, good advice that's well researched and well-targeted to the publication's readers.

Ignore this and you'll have a hard time selling a word. Research that's done halfway, travel advice that's half baked, isn't worth doing at all.

Even a short article needs to be thorough and carefully crafted.

The better the pieces you sell, the stronger your clips. And the more likely you are to get published by editors again and again.

NYC Lesson #4: PEOPLE'S TIME IS PRECIOUS

On my last day, in my last hour, of being a Manhattan resident, I threw my last bag over my shoulder and hoofed it from the Village to Penn Station.

It's a 20 minute walk up 8th Avenue. You can't make a stroll like that in New York without swimming against a people-tide. Closer to the station, clever billboards cover the sides of buildings. I noticed few people rarely gave them a glance.

Why?

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Because they were in a hurry. You've got to imagine your reader where they are. You have to imagine prospective editors there too. Often, both are in transit from one idea to the next. It isn't enough for your travel article to be clever or "interesting." It has to stop the audience in its tracks.

How? Not by being cute, clever, or obtuse, that's for sure. Be fast, be direct, make big promises. You'll almost always look smarter and get better results.

NYC Lesson #5: BARSTOOL SPEAKING IS BEST

My walk from Bleeker and Perry to 31st Street took me past the Corner Bistro, famed for great chargrilled burgers. This is a simple place. No menus, just a sign on the wall. For a burger with everything, $6 off the grill. And $2 for a pint of McSorley's Ale. Who could resist?

I stoppped in.

I played "You Can't Always Get What You Want" on the jukebox and that got the bartender and a couple regular patrons reminiscing. I just listened to them talking. No big words, no high-falutin' ideas. Just regular talk.

Natural and simple, the way most people communicate with those they know and trust.

That's the way good travel writing often sounds too. Not because people are dumb and don't understand big words. But because good messages stand on their own, without affectation. And here's the strange thing: The more brainy you try to sound, tests show, the LESS intelligent listeners actually rate you later on. Shocking but true.

Style, of course, depends on most on where you're trying to get published.

But try never to sacrifice directness and clarity in your articles, especially not for the sake of style.

NYC Lesson #6: A GOOD VALUE ISN'T ALWAYS CHEAP

It's no secret New York is expensive.

My apartment down in the West Village was $1375 a month when I moved in. It was $1525 per month by the time I handed the keys back to the landlady. To buy an equivalent apartment - an L-shaped studio - would now cost about $400,000. And people pay that price and more all the time. Happily.

Travel writing is, of course, not always about getting good deals. Some readers will go for the articles about bargain destinations. But others want to hear about luxury. And they'll pay any price to get it.

Which audience are you writing to? It's a deciding factor in the kinds of articles you choose to write, the places you choose to write about, and the style you use to write about them.

NYC Lesson #7: THERE'S PRIDE IN A GOOD DECISION

Ask me to talk to you about New York and I'll bore you with praise. To a fault, I'll withhold there's no place like it on earth. Even when confronted by its shortcomings. Living there even made me feel better about myself, for whatever reason.

For a travel article reader, just be aware there's also a touch of pride on the line. A reader who decides to read your article wants to feel smart for deciding to read it. A good piece puts him "in the know" and he'll want to show that knowledge off at cocktail parties.

He'll want to feel even smarter when he decides to actually take your advice. This is why travel articles that offer unique ideas, travel with a twist, or "non-tourist" travel have such an appeal.

The more unique your angle, the smarter your reader feels.

Okay, I'd better stop myself. I can go on... and on... and on... and on... about that city. And with these analogies.

One day, my wife and I will find a way to live there again. Perhaps after some rich reader of this article feels so indebted to yours truly, that he or she buys us a nice little two-bedroom flat over on the West Side.

Soho would be nice. Or the West Village. But we'd settle for Central Park West in a pinch. Until then, Paris will do.

[John Forde works primarily as a copywriter and writes travel on the side. He began his copywriting career training under Bill Bonner and Michael Masterson. In the eight years since, he has written several million-dollar controls, many of which have been translated and successfully mailed to the French, German, and online markets. He has also served as Senior Copywriter and Group Publisher for Agora Publishing, and has trained apprentice copywriters in London, Paris, Bonn, Florida and Baltimore. He now lives and works in Paris. You can meet John in person this June 17-20 when he'll be on-hand in Chicago to teach at our Ultimate Travel Writer's Workshop: http://www.thetravelwriterslife.com/workshop/bb]

THIS WEEK'S FEATURED TRAVEL PUBLICATION: Clever Magazine

Clever Magazine, an online magazine with broad appeal published quarterly, publishes travel essays covering destinations, adventures, or your own unique twist on a travel piece. Send manuscripts to editor@clevermag.com. Visit http://www.clevermag.com/depts/guide2.htm to learn more about their writer’s guidelines.

OPPORTUNITIES AND RESOURCES FOR WRITERS:

• The difference between great success and mediocrity is so often a matter of the small things... just a little extra here... a little more there. If you’re falling short of achieving your most important personal goals, get more details about the Early to Rise Goal Setting Check-up Program at: http://www.agora-inc.com/reports/700SDDGC/W700E132/
• THE AWAI FORUM FOR TRAVEL WRITERS -- You'll find this excellent online resource at: http://www.awaionline.com/forum/. It's a place to get answers to your questions, discuss your story ideas, find readers to review your articles, and stay connected to a community of writers.
• Gain Instant Credibility and Credentials as a Professional Consultant. Join a respected group of successful men and women who regularly earn a doctor's or attorney's income. You can easily increase your current earnings without changing jobs or having an advanced degree...adding $50,000 or $100,000 or more each year to your current salary. Click on the link for more details: http://www.agora-inc.com/reports/ACL/WACLE111/
• Are You Good At Persuading People? Have you ever persuaded a friend to go to your favorite restaurant or see a movie you wanted to see? Persuasive writers are almost impossible for companies to find. If you have this remarkable talent you could be in big demand. Click here to find out more: http://www.thewriterslife.com/bb/tw4
• If you have what it takes to write a powerful "report" that sells vitamins or alternative health therapies you could make very good money in a specialty field that desperately needs you…that will give you as much work as you can handle…and that routinely pays $8,000 and up – with royalties – for each piece you write? Find out more: http://www.thewriterslife.com/health/tw4
• For These Proprietors, Success Means Grossing $1 Million a Year… Last December, Michael Masterson lead a small group of ambitious AWAI students through a pilot program designed to turn them into savvy direct-response entrepreneurs. The goal? To gross $1 million or more a year. It’s working. And now the program is open to all AWAI students. Visit: http://www.agora-inc.com/reports/700SCBMO/W700E130 for details.

The Write Way to Travel is a FREE weekly newsletter from the American Writers & Artists Institute, available to AWAI students and friends.

© 2004 American Writers & Artists Institute

To ADVERTISE in The Write Way to Travel or to send comments, news, research, or story ideas, e-mail Lori Appling at lappling@awaionline.com.

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