“Excuses are a powerful thing. One excuse can negate 100 opportunities.” – Bobby Darnell I can’t count the number of excuses I’ve heard aspiring writers use to explain their initial challenges. Getting stuck in the mindset of excuses is like getting your car stuck in deep mud. You can keep spinning your tires, but without […]
During a discussion with one of my editors this past week, the subject of what makes a good travel writer came up. He was frustrated with writers who had submitted work that either didn’t fit the publication or sounded like a guidebook rather than an exciting travel story. How do some writers seem to naturally […]
One of the top reasons to become a travel writer is perks such as hosted travel. Thanks to my relationships with tourism board representatives, I have been invited on numerous press trips over my 6.5 years as a travel writer. This includes travel within the continental U.S. as well as to Hawaii, the Caribbean, Mexico, […]
Many times, I’ve heard people say, “It’s a dream of mine to someday become a travel writer.” Unfortunately, that’s where it ends—with only the dream. But it doesn’t have to. Successful travel writers are living that dream. We no longer punch a time clock, can work from anywhere, visit amazing destinations, and yes, get paid […]
On a hike last week in Sedona, Arizona, I ran into two ladies who were very curious about my travel writing career. One of them asked, “Is this really a good time to be a freelance travel writer?”My reply was an exuberant “This is an incredible time for travel writers!” And I meant it. Here’s […]
As German theologian Meister Eckhart once said, “suddenly you know: It’s time to start something new and trust the magic of beginnings.” Each new year brings new dreams, new plans, and new starts. And for travel writers, it’s the perfect time to re-examine priorities and improve skills. Every year since 2014, when I launched my […]
I’d like to share something a little bit different with you today. Noreen Kompanik, travel writer and founder of The Travel Writers Café, recently recorded a video talking about her 13 best tips for success in travel writing. Noreen has some great insights into what it takes to be productive, successful, and happy as a […]
I’ve been writing now for five years. When I made the commitment to launch into the world of travel writing after attending an Ultimate Travel Writer’s Workshop in 2014, I honestly had no idea where the journey would take me. Almost 500 published articles later, it’s exciting to share and pay forward what I’ve learned along […]
As a travel writer, I’m often asked how I broke into the field and what I write about. To many, my answers are surprising. That’s because there are so many myths and misunderstandings out there about freelance travel writing. After attending the Ultimate Travel Writers Workshop in 2014, my eyes opened to the myriad possibilities […]
Every freelance writer agrees that seeing their name in print for the first time is exhilarating. So are the perks that come along with the job, as well as receiving that first invitation to an all-inclusive press trip. But what is it that actually keeps writers happy, engaged, and motivated day after day, month after […]
