*********************************************
The Right Way to Travel
New Year's Countdown - December 22, 2007
*********************************************
Today's holiday tip is an old spy trick I picked up from freelance travel writer, Jennifer Stevens...
Most travel writers depend on their trusty notebooks to remember specific details for their stories. But sometimes notebooks aren't an option (like when you're snorkeling or when you're traveling with kids and you need even more hands than you've got).
In those cases, you need to think like a spy, taking in your surroundings detail by detail. When you enter a room you want to write about (or any place, really), scan it slowly from left to right, describing it in detail to yourself in your head. You have to make a conscious mental note of what you see, checking in every nook and cranny. You'll find that when you "itemize" things like this, you'll remember them better.
When you get back to your journal or computer, jot down all of the details. Then you'll have a quick reference when you sit down to write a story.
Jen wrote about this technique in our archives, here: http://tinyurl.com/2tvof8.
[Editor's Note: Thinking like a spy will help you become a better travel writer, no question. But to get all of the tools you need to start living a writer's life -- working for yourself, traveling well, and enjoying great access to behind-the-scenes events and VIP perks, there's no better jumpstart than our annual Ultimate Travel Writer's Workshop -- set for next summer in San Francisco.
You won't find it any cheaper than it is right now, during our holiday sale. Reserve your seat today and save $340 -- and secure your place among the travel writers who go where they please, write when they want, and basically make a living having fun.
There are only a few days left to save $340 on this amazing jumpstart to a travel writer's life. Sign up here: http://www.thetravelwriterslife.com/tww/sanfrancisco .]
Lori Allen
Director, AWAI Travel Division
*******************************
The Right Way to Travel is a FREE newsletter from the American Writers & Artists Inc., available to AWAI members and friends.
(c) 2007 American Writers & Artists Inc.
245 NE 4th Ave., Ste 102
Delray Beach, FL 33483
Phone (561) 278-5557
Fax (561) 278-5929
memberservices@awaionline.com
To LEARN MORE, visit:
http://www.thetravelwriterslife.com
http://www.thephotographerslife.com
