I remember my first step to become a travel writer like it was yesterday.
It was September 2014 and I was sitting at the Ultimate Travel Writer’s Workshop in my home town of San Diego.
A travel writer was on stage sharing his story of how he broke into the field of travel writing.
He didn’t have a degree in journalism, rather a degree in sports medicine.
That hit home to me as a registered nurse.
Another got up to talk about her transition from lobbyist to traveling the world on all-expenses-paid trips. I wanted her job.
Until this conference, I honestly believed magazine writers were all professional journalists on staff for the publication. That fateful day I was hearing a different story. And that story had a name. It’s called “freelance writer.”
That was my light-bulb moment. “If they could do it, so can I.”
But it’s not merely the belief in ourselves that propels us to success. It’s about taking action! Here’s what I mean…
On the last day of the program, we were given a specific plan to get a story into the hands of an editor within 10 days. I followed that plan, and, within two weeks, had my first letter of acceptance. Then I submitted another story… and another.
By the end of my first year, I’d had 47 articles published.
This didn’t happen necessarily because I am the world’s best travel writer. (I’m sure I’m not.) It happened because I took action. (Editor’s note: Here are some tips to help you on your journey.)
In that year, I took action to improve my writing. I practiced the query process. I sought out new publications to write for. I set personal goals. And I continue to do so to this day.
When I talk with other accomplished travel-writing colleagues and ask what they see as a key element of their success, the most common answer is “I took action.”
And it’s what you need to do, too, if you want to get anywhere.
Great Escape programs provide you a blueprint for success. They contain all the tools, techniques, and guidance you need. But, the rest is up to you.
A travel writing or photography dream + action = a travel writing or photography reality. You can do it!