Edited by Lori Appling in Bethany Beach, DE

"We find comfort among those who agree with us -- growth among those who don't." Frank A. Clark

TODAY:

• Travel Writing on a Motorcycle: Advice from a Successful (and Adventurous) Student
• More Writing Jobs.Building Wealth.and a Free Guide to Help Get Your Travel-Writing Career Started
• Listen in as Jen Stevens Answers Questions from Would-Be Travel Writers
• Congratulations Anita Ryan and Jessica L.!
• Sail the Caribbean for Pleasure and Profit
• This Week's Featured Travel Publication: The Lake Michigan Travel Guide
• More Opportunities and Resources for Writers

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Dear Reader,

Don't worry if you missed last week's The Write Way to Travel issue -- I didn't send one.

I'll make up for it this weekend, though, with a special bonus issue that includes the 18 best websites every freelance travel writer should know about -- including websites where you can find the best press trips, travel article ideas, and more.

But first, let me tell you a little bit about where I was last week and why I couldn't break away to write.

I spent the better part of the week in Delray Beach, Florida at our annual AWAI Bootcamp - Fast Track to Copywriting Success. Swarms of AWAI students came from all around the world as did 22 direct-marketing firms, each of which had jobs to hand out.

In fact, I was at the job fair handing out a few writing assignments of my own.

It's true that no job beats travel writing for its perks. but no job beats copywriting for its paychecks. And I can tell you with certainty that the students I met left with their hands full of projects with potential for lucrative payoff. One student wrote me yesterday to say:

"I started taking 'Michael Masterson's Program for Six Figure Copywriting' 2 months ago. But since attending Bootcamp, I've been so busy writing for new clients that I haven't had any time to finish the course. Should I be worried?" -- Scott M., Atlanta, GA

If you couldn't make it, the good news is that we caught it all on tape: 4 audio CDs, 13 video DVDs, and a complete 214-page workbook.

And you can have all of it for 75% LESS than it cost to attend the conference in person. (And, as a Write Way to Travel reader, you'll get the same 22 spec assignments the attendees got. live assignments you can start working on immediately.)

If you're looking for a lucrative writing gig, here's your best chance: http://www.awaionline.com/bctapes/tw89/

I also had an opportunity to sit in on parts of the Wealth Building Bootcamp, organized by Early to Rise.

More than 20 self-made millionaires and wealth experts revealed how they built their own personal fortunes. and taught attendees how to do the same. These financial experts, entrepreneurs, and master deal-makers mapped out exactly how to:

* Start your own high-profit business without quitting your day job.

* Double your business' revenues by using one of five irresistible marketing secrets.

* Consistently make 10-20% on your investments -- without risk.

* Develop a real estate portfolio that can deliver a consistent 25% return on your investment -- plus the truth about no-money-down and low-money-down real estate investing.

* Build a recession-resistant fortune by tapping into the secrets that will allow you to make money no matter what the economy is doing.

* Achieve enough wealth to automatically retire in 7 to 15 years

If you weren't there, you can still benefit from the secrets. For details: http://tinyurl.com/5x7dp

Back to travel writing.

Jennifer Stevens and I were guests last night at an "Ask the Expert" teleconference sponsored by Valerie Young from ChangingCourse.com, a site devoted to helping people like you find their life mission and live it. We talked about the best opportunities in travel writing, the skills you need to be successful at it, and we offered some guidance about how, specifically, you can get started now.

If you've got questions about travel writing, I'm willing to bet we answered them. You can listen to our talk (for FREE) by visiting: http://www.changingcourse.com/asktheexpert.htm

You'll also find there a FREE guide Jen wrote called How to Get Started as a Travel Writer, which you can download at that same link.

Now, housekeeping aside, let me introduce today's article:

A few weeks ago I got an email from a student who had some success publishing what I consider to be a very unique article. She wrote to say that her and her husband would be taking a motorcycle trip down the East Coast of the U.S. and decided to pitch a story about her experience to the editor of Bikes and Trains magazine.

I'll let her tell you the story below. And I hope you'll take this opportunity to think about any special interests you have. and how you might turn them into travel stories.

Like decorating? How about a piece on where to shop for unique fabrics in Paris?

Have a hankering for hot dogs? How about an article that focuses on the best places in Chicago to find them?

An avid guitar player? What about a piece on the best places in Spain to enjoy classical guitar performances?

You get the idea. Remember, as Jen Stevens preaches regularly, the best story ideas are specific, unique, and targeted to a particular audience.

Have a great weekend and don't forget to keep me up-to-speed on your travel-writing success.

Anita R. wrote last week to say that her article on Venice is soon to appear in an Aussie magazine titled Living NOW. Before joining us, Anita had gotten a few by-lines, but she writes: "I was published here and there, but have only gained the confidence to call myself a "travel writer" since joining your list."

If you have a story to share, send me a quick note at lori@thetravelwriterslife.com.

-- Lori

Lori Appling
Director, AWAI's Travel Writer Program

P.S. Seats are filling up fast for our next (and last) Travel Writing Workshop of the year. This November 11-14th in San Diego, CA, Jennifer Stevens, Steenie Harvey, John Forde and yours truly will be joining forces once again to turn our readers into full-fledged travel writers. These stateside events mean fewer days away and less travel expense than our overseas programs, so they fill up fast and always sell out. To find out more, visit: http://www.thetravelwriterslife.com/workshop/bb

P.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

TRAVEL WRITING FROM A MOTORCYCLE
An Interview with Travel Writing Student F.Larosse

LA: Before we get started why don't you tell us a little about yourself. What attracted you to travel writing?

F. LAROSSE: I live in a little suburb of Philadelphia, PA called Stowe. For the past fifteen years, I worked as an advertising consultant for our local newspaper. Two months ago, I made the big decision to walk away from that profession. I wanted to spend time with my new grandson and to pursue the many interests I haven't seemed to be able to find time for in the past.

Shortly before that, I came across The Ultimate Travel Writer's Course. Since writing and travel are two of my biggest passions; I decided there's no time like the present!

LA: You recently wrote us and said that you've had some success getting published with your article "Bikes on Trains". Can you tell us how that story came to life?

F. LAROSSE: There is a local magazine that caters to the Motorcycle Market. Generally the stories are about different types of bikes, events etc. I sent an email to the editor proposing a travel story with a unique twist of likely interest to his readers. He immediately emailed me back saying he loved the idea and wanted to discuss the angle before I left for the journey.

The story is based on a trip that my husband, his parents, and I will take on motorcycles this Fall. We'll travel down the eastern seaboard to Washington DC to catch the "Autotrain" and then head on to Florida.

As a longtime reader of the magazine, I felt I understood the "flavor" of its stories. I simply presented my pitch in a humorous way targeting the specific audience. Then I took the bull by the horns and just emailed the editor!

LA: In your note to me, you credited your success to AWAI's written travel-writer program. What specifically do you think helped you to get started?

F. LAROSSE: The assignment that walks you through the writing and submission of a "pretend destination" article was great. After doing this, I figured -- why not go through with the actual process and see how it goes for real! I would not have found the courage to just email the editor without the sufficient information so clearly and specifically laid out for me.

LA: Why would you recommend the course to others?

F. LAROSSE: The course is very informative and walks you through every step of the way. If writing has ever been a dream of yours, this program will provide you with every little tid-bit of information you could possibly need to fulfill that dream. The resources you will find on the website are priceless.

LA: What advice would you give to new students who haven't yet had an article published?

F. LAROSSE: You can be your own best friend or your own worst enemy. By that I mean, you can just sit yourself down and get to business or you can wander through your day and give yourself a million excuses why you can't find time to write.

I usually write at my desk in my living room. Almost always at the same time of day as well- between 6 and 8 AM. I find the silence and peacefulness from that time of day leaves my mind well-rested.and that way I can make sure it gets done before anything else gets in the way!

Make your writing a priority. No excuses. Keep plugging away. Remember that writing is important. But, without following through -- searching for and contacting those editors who need articles, your stories might as well stay in your head!

Be courageous, take chances and above all...BE PERSISTENT. If one magazine says no, don't take it personally. Use that information and find the magazine that CAN use it!

[To find out more about The Ultimate Travel Writer's Course visit: http://www.thetravelwriterslife.com/kp/tw4 or download Jennifer Stevens' FREE guide to getting started and listen to her talk about travel writing here: http://www.changingcourse.com/asktheexpert.htm]

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CONGRATULATIONS JESSICA L.: HER FIRST BYLINE (AND CHECK) .

Hi Lori,

I wanted to drop you a short note to say thanks very much for AWAI's Travel Writing Course. A few weeks ago I sold my first article, which is really the first article I've pitched. I'll admit it's a small one, and the pay is low but it's a big start for me. I can't wait to write the next one. AWAI's program works, and I'd recommend it to anyone.

Thanks,
Jessica L.

THIS WEEK'S FEATURED TRAVEL PUBLICATION

The Lake Michigan Travel Guide publishes stories that will help people enjoy Lake Michigan. They like features on out-of-the-way destinations or surprising things about popular locations. Writing should be insightful and should make the reader feel like they are there-more importantly it should make them want to go there. Send single page queries along with an SASE to Nick Wood, Editor, LMTG, Trails Media Group, Inc., PO Box 317, Black Earth, WI 53515. Visit http://www.crwmag.com/LMTG/writerslmtg.html for more on their complete guidelines.

OPPORTUNITIES AND RESOURCES FOR WRITERS:

• OUR NEXT TRAVEL-WRITING WORKSHOP -- Imagine a summer of travel... free. All you have to do in exchange is take good notes about what you did and where you went and then recommend -- or discourage -- others from following in your footsteps. What's more, you could earn a few hundred... maybe even a few thousand... dollars for your trouble. These stateside events mean fewer days away and less travel expense. Check out our next Travel Writing Workshop, to be held this November 11-14 in San Diego, at http://www.thetravelwriterslife.com/workshop/bb
• Join the ITWPA and get an extra $200 off the workshop. Visit: http://www.itwpa.com
• 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.
• BIG BUCKS FOR SNAPSHOTS
  Photos can be a remarkably strong sales tool when you're approaching an editor with a story. They can significantly increase your chances of getting published (and earning extra income) -- that is, if you know how to take the kinds of photos editors like. Find out the simplest and best camera to take with you (you don't want to be lugging a trunk full of equipment)... how to use time of day... create a mood... how to photograph people versus landscapes and wildlife... and more. You'll find Big Bucks for Snapshots: 53 Can't Miss Techniques for Becoming a Money-Making Freelance Photographer here: http://www.thetravelwriterslife.com/photos/tw4

  NOTE: Big Bucks for Snap Shots comes free when you enroll in Passport to Romance: The Ultimate Travel Writer's Course at: http://www.thetravelwriterslife.com/kp/tw4

• TAX SAVINGS EVERY FREELANCER SHOULD TAKE
  Find out where you can save... what the IRS really needs to know... how to make the most of those deductions for travel, meals, entertainment, home office, and more including practical worksheets you can use to make sure you're paying as little as possible to Uncle Sam. You'll find The Writer's Tax Guide: A Money-Saving Manual for Travel Writers and Other Freelancers here: http://www.thetravelwriterslife.com/tax/tw4

• EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT THE BUSINESS OF WRITING
  Learn how to find the best story ideas and places to publish them...how and when to follow up with an editor...what you need to know about buying rights, contracts, and agreements...how to use syndication to increase your exposure and boost your earnings...and more. You'll find The Business of Writing Guide: A Practical Guide for Travel Writers (and Other Freelancers) Ready to Turn Words into Profits here: http://www.thetravelwriterslife.com/biz/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

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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