Passion: What Drives Successful Travel Writers (Part 2 of 3)

~ SO YOU WANT TO BE A TRAVEL WRITER SERIES ~

PURPOSE • PASSION • PITCH & PERSEVERE

The BIG Question: What drives you crazy?

Your writing should reflect you and your passion. I learned writing from my mom. She told me to say aloud (like I was talking to someone) what I want to write then write it as I said it (like a conversation).

“Your writing should reflect you and your passion.”

For years, I have been writing about my passion. You see, people like to read stories with heart and soul. True to life experiences and not just travel guides. I noticed that when I make it more personal, more reflective and deep, people quote it, share it and retweet it. I have this series years ago called STRANGE[R] Encounters and it was a hit.

I also write about “How To’s.” I believe readers want to learn something new. Who doesn’t want to learn right especially when its free. I remember I wrote an article called “8 Travel Tips for Backpackers” where I publish every Thursday. It gained me a lot of followers. Plus after the series, a magazine published the whole series.

Trade Secret: Write in series. This forces you to publish on a weekly or monthly basis. It also creates not just fans but followers.

5 Lessons I Learned Along the Way

1. FOCUS (Don’t write about everything).

We call this “niche.” If you want to write about dogs, just write about dogs and not dinosaurs. Some like to write about food (food blog) and you don’t expect them to review the latest movie. I write about “spend less, travel more.” I told myself that I want to be that someone who people would be visiting when they are in need of a cheapo vacation.

Also, it will be easier if you want to branch out on other topics as you are already an expert in a certain niche.

2. Be youNIQUE (know yourself and bank on it).

People hate copy-cats. Use your own writing style and personality in your work. Your first fan is yourself. If you don’t believe in yourself and your capabilities don’t consider being a travel writer.

3. Capture the Moment (hone your photography).

I need to be working more on this too. They said that a picture is worth a thousand words. You don’t want a blurry article with 1000 words. 😉

4. Timing is everything (Know when to publish).

In my case, I find that when I publish during Tuesday and Thursday from 10am-2pm a lot of people share and retweet my blog. Also, if there is an important event like Christmas, try to publish something about Christmas or shopping. During summer, publish beaches and waterfalls.

5. Collaboration is key (view your competitors as teammates).

You will read lots of collaboration in my blog- travel guides, community projects and partnerships. Gone were the days when people say they are better than others. This is the time of cooperations, fusions and networking. The more connections and friendships you have, the better.

 

Ending this 2nd part with a funny video of someone who wants to be a travel writer:

If you are like that, forgot about travel writing.

 

Next article will be about PRACTICE and PERSEVERANCE OF A TRAVEL WRITER.