Edited by Lori Appling in Bethany Beach, DE

"Either write something worth reading or do something worth writing." -- Benjamin Franklin

TODAY:

• From Music Writer to Travel Writer: How Kevin Landed His First 2 Bylines
• Halloween Parades, Ghost Tours, Fall Festivals -- Here's Your Big Chance to Score a Byline
• Do You Have What It Takes to Write for This Market?
• Attention AWAI-Trained Travel Writers -- TRAVEL EDITOR NEEDED!
• This Week's Featured Travel Publication: Adventure Cyclist
• More Opportunities and Resources for Writers

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Imagine A SUMMER OF TRAVEL... FREE.

What's more, you'll earn a few hundred... maybe even a few thousand. dollars for your trouble. Sound too good to be true?

Well, that's exactly how retired television executive Duane Harm and his wife Harlene spent the summer of 2002 -- traveling across the western U.S. All told, they visited 23 different dude ranches in Colorado, Wyoming, and Montana over a three-month period, staying for free an average of three days at each ranch. The total value of their summer stays? About $55,000. and they didn't pay anything. Not one cent.

What's more, they wrote an article for Steamboat Magazine, a high-end coffee-table publication based in Steamboat Springs, CO that comes out twice a year. And they were paid for their work. Here's more: http://www.thetravelwriterslife.com/workshop/bb

Dear Reader,

When it comes to launching a travel-writing career, it's one thing to go on a trip and nose around a few shops and museums. It's another altogether to put your behind in a chair and your fingers on a keyboard.

The truth is, most people don't get as far as the computer. They find the idea of travel writing romantic and compelling. (And rightly so. It's both those things.) But it also requires follow-through.

It can, I know, be difficult to stay motivated. But if you do, if you just get up the gumption to send one note to one editor, then I guarantee you: You'll find the second is easier, and the third easier still.

So if you have an article idea you've been meaning to flesh-out or an editor you've been meaning to contact -- take 20 minutes this weekend and make it happen. While the majority of would-be travel writers are lounging about, you'll be one step closer to your next byline.

AWAI student Kevin Wierzbicki has done just that. After spending two years in Africa in his teens, he fell in love with the idea of traveling the world, meeting new people, and experiencing new things. Now, with travel-writing skills under his belt, he's armed with a reason and a means to continue traveling and even earn some extra cash on the side.

I hope you find his story (below) inspiring enough to get off your tush and write about that Halloween festival you're attending with your kids this weekend. that restaurant you're planning to dine at tonight. or the new hotel next to your parents' place outside of town.

Have a great weekend and don't forget to keep me up-to-speed on your travel-writing success. 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. Graduates of our live workshops (like the one we have coming up in San Diego) boast more success and see more bylines than most. I've watched college professors, travel agents, retired couples, architects and people from just about every background you can imagine transform themselves into travel writers in just 4 days.

Unlike other programs where you sit in a chair all day and scribble notes, our workshops are highly interactive and even include an assignment out-and-about in town doing real "travel-writer work." (I use the word "work" loosely. You'll be busy finding a good restaurant to write about or an unusual shop. wandering through a park or maybe taking in a show or a museum. Essentially, you'll be enjoying yourself.)

The very next day in class you start writing, and by the end of the program you leave with a publishable piece in hand and contact information for a handful of editors in the market for articles from freelancers, all willing to work with first-time writers. Your success is practically guaranteed.

Visit http://www.thetravelwriterslife.com/workshop/bb for details.

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

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DO YOU HAVE WHAT IT TAKES TO WRITE FOR THIS MARKET.

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FROM MUSIC WRITER TO TRAVEL WRITER: HOW KEVIN WIERZBICKI LANDED HIS FIRST 2 BYLINES

LA: Hi Kevin. Before we get started why don't you tell us a little about yourself.

KW: I am originally from Flint, Michigan and have lived in the Phoenix metropolitan area for almost thirty years. I run an Internet gem & mineral business and I am also an Oxyfresh Independent Distributor (health care products).

LA: What attracted you to Travel Writing? Had you ever considered being a Travel Writer before you saw our course?

KW: I got the travel bug early -- dad took our family overseas (Malawi, Africa) for his work when I was a pre-teen (I am now 47). We spent two years in Africa, so I got to see many countries and many things. I've had wanderlust ever since. Because I was already somewhat successful at music writing, I thought I would try to put my love of adventure and my writing skills together. It really hadn't dawned on me to do this until I saw the ad for your course. By the way, I hope to re-visit Malawi as a travel writer!

LA: You recently wrote us and said that you've had some success getting published. Can you tell us a little bit more about that? How did you approach the editor?

KW: This was a case, really, of stretching what I already knew how to do. I took my knowledge of music and combined it with a desire to go to South by Southwest in Austin (the country's biggest annual music festival). Then I solicited numerous publications for interest in an "event" article. This event is held in March, so I sent out inquiries in January, and two publications responded. My inquiries went out by e-mail, as per the writer's guidelines for these publications. The result was pieces published in Los Angeles and Tucson.

LA: Are you currently working on any articles or projects?

KW: Yes. I went to the Bay Area Media Day in Oakland this past June where I met many public relations people from states, countries, cities, cruise lines, hotels, etc. While I was there, I arranged a FAM tour of the Brown Palace Hotel in Denver, which I just returned from last week. I am currently writing several pieces of different lengths about the historic hotel and will be seeking placement for them shortly. I'll return to Denver in mid-September to attend their (big!) gem & mineral show, and will write about that event (since I have an Internet gem & mineral business, this is another case of "stretching" what I already know how to do). I am also in the process of arranging an overseas trip for a piece on "cultural tourism" (volunteer vacations). I have a "letter of assignment" from a Los Angeles publication for this, and the details should be worked out soon. I am also confirmed to attend the Tucson Media Showcase in November. This is a big three-day conference where I expect to make more connections and arrange more FAM trips, etc.

LA: What, specifically, about the written course do you think helped you so much?

KW: I especially appreciated the "7 winning travel article templates." They provide a way to approach any idea or angle you could possibly think of! If you learn these, you are well on your way. I also liked the way the entire program was written with the "you can do it!" theme. The course greatly benefited me and I would not hesitate to recommend it to others for that reason.

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

KW: If you want to do it, you can do it. Keep studying the course and any other info you can get your hands on. Work on your writing skills daily if you can. Buy a copy of Travel Publications Update from Marco Polo publishers -- it lists hundreds of publications that need travel articles and gives the writer's guidelines for each. I would also suggest scouring local and regional publications for travel sections -- these may be good places to start. And if the local paper or magazine doesn't have a travel section, why not approach them about starting one? I have found that once you're tuned in to what you want to do, the opportunities are endless.

[Travel writing really is the best job in the world. Graduates of our written course and live workshops write from all around the world -- this one's traveling in Fiji, that one's exploring Venice. And some write from their own backyards. You'll find some of their success stories here: http://www.thetravelwriterslife.com/kp/tw4]

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TRAVEL EDITOR NEEDED!

If you're looking for a regular column to demonstrate your expertise and great adventures, perhaps you're the one we're looking for! Our new monthly online magazine needs an editor to showcase their writing abilities and those of others in travel writing. If you are interested in learning more, please contact me at smithsusan993@aol.com

THIS WEEK'S FEATURED TRAVEL PUBLICATION

Adventure Cyclist encourages people to travel by bicycle. They are always interested in articles about new routes where people can take a bicycle vacation, or about new angles on well-established bike trails. They consider articles sharing your own bike tour experience or articles that profile avid bicyclists. Send queries or manuscripts to Adventure Cyclist, 150 East Pine St., P.O. Box 8308, Missoula, MT 59802. View their complete guidelines at http://www.adventurecycling.org/mag/submissions.cfm.

OPPORTUNITIES AND RESOURCES FOR 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

• WHAT'S STOPPING YOU? 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/

• You could make $100,000 a Year as a Graphic Designer -- Best of all, there's no daily commute... no boss breathing down your neck.and you don't even have to be able to draw a straight line (the computer does everything for you). In fact, what used to be a very complicated profession can now be done on a standard computer -- even if you have little or no "artistic" ability at all. Lori H. makes a six-figure income while raising three children at home! And.if you decide this career suits you. We might even give you your first job. Here's how Lori did it: http://www.thedesignerslife.com/lh/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

• 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.

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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