Comments on: Writers Worth: Travel Writing 101

By: Devon Ellington

Devon Ellington — Wed, 01 Jun 2016 19:59:23 +0000

This made me laugh, and I had to answer the questions:

1. Look for a way to get out of Mumbai via train or bus or see if I can pay some one driving out of town; I'll probably get another few pieces out of it.

2. If I was afraid of takeoffs and landings, I'd be in the wrong business, or I'd have to get the right drugs;

3.Heck, yeah! That sounds amazing! Again, I'd get another piece out of it at the very least, and I'd probably have a darned good time seeing something beautiful.

4. Sounds great. 500 word piece for my editor, who likes my work. I'd use some of what I know from the area and fact-check, and do some research. It would probably take an additional 4 hours, and the goodwill alone would be worthwhile. I'd also come to the Scandinavia piece with fresh eyes.

5. Hire on at the local nursery and quit as soon as I get the next travel gig.

6. Retired in one of the favorite places I covered!

By: Ashley Festa

Ashley Festa — Tue, 31 May 2016 21:03:29 +0000

Travel writing would definitely not be my dream job. I am, however, fascinated by those who do it well. I'm glad you found a way to make a living doing what you love, even if it's a lot more WORK than people may think.

By: Lori Widmer

Lori Widmer — Tue, 31 May 2016 15:43:24 +0000

Jerry, thank you. You delivered an excellent post with plenty of lessons packed in!

I like that you advise writers to travel, take notes, and write about it. It's the learning-by-doing method, and I've found that same method to work in other types of writing, as well.

By: Elizabeth

Elizabeth — Mon, 30 May 2016 14:59:46 +0000

Thanks for your perspective here, Jerry. I think travel writers have it hardest when it comes to folks thinking they have a "dream job" because so many people think traveling for work is like traveling for vacation when, clearly, it's not.

You may hate this question by now, but I'm curious - what's your favorite travel destination, either for work or pleasure?

By: Cathy Miller

Cathy Miller — Mon, 30 May 2016 12:05:38 +0000

Thanks for putting your "dream job" in perspective, Jerry. Long before God invented computers, I had a road warrior job in my corporate days. Stuff happens became my creed, but it still wasn't one tenth of what you face. Gotta love it. ☺ Thanks for sharing a slice of reality, Jerry.