Inside Secrets of Successful Travel Writing
Join top National Geographic Traveler writer Andrew Nelson and one of the Traveler editorial staff: editor-in-chief Keith Bellows, executive editor Paul Martin, or senior editor Sheila Buckmaster for a one-day seminar on how to write the kinds of stories that have earned Traveler the “World’s Most Widely Read Travel Magazine” distinction. Come to understand the mindset and strategies behind stories that get inside — and communicate — the heart of a place. Learn how story telling — and not guidebook journalism — captures the attention of readers. Find out what it takes to make good on Traveler’s commitment to tell the stories of “destinations of distinction and character” and the belief that “to enhance an authentic ‘sense of place’ will benefit both travelers and the locations they visit.”
Participants learn by example, effectively benefiting from the informed efforts of Traveler’s editors and writers. Workshop leaders will clearly communicate why a story works, demystifying the process of travel writing along the way.
TOPICS
ONE MAGAZINE, MANY STYLES
Using material from recent issues, the Traveler editor will underscore the various elements that add up to a fun and informative publication. Participants will be able to start matching individual passions and strengths with the various Traveler departments and formats: short news nuggets, in-depth city itineraries, destination journalism keyed to the knowledge of locals, and more.
Traveler’s straight-ahead service journalism is leavened with narratives based on clever ideas or a strong story line that makes readers wonder what will happen next or that offers some drama, surprise, or revelation. The editors are ever on the lookout for yarns that have a clear descriptive arc, stories that go beyond simply stringing together scenic highlights. Be taken behind the scenes to see and learn how this is accomplished.
Moving beyond Traveler, participants will learn how to analyze the magazine marketplace and its myriad elements.
CONCEIVING AND PITCHING A STORY
From nuts and bolts to editor etiquette, the crafting and communicating of story ideas will be explained. Where do ideas come from? How do you define the parameters of a story? Why isn’t “Paris” a story idea? Why does it make sense to think beyond just another pretty place and yet one more easy-to-dismiss travelogue? Is there a tried-and-true way of pitching a story to a magazine editor? Is one query format better than another?
Some of Traveler’s most memorable stories, participants will see, have taken the form of a quest. For example there’s “In Search of the Perfect Soak,” a story about hot springs that added a little mystery to what might have been a basic service piece. Another is James Morgan’s “Chasing Matisse,” his tale of abandoning his life in Arkansas to visit — and paint —all the places where Matisse lived and worked in southern France.
YOU ARE THERE
From the challenges of basic reporting and interacting with locals to deciding just what to cover — and what to ignore —participants will get a blueprint for behavior in the field. This action plan will also include strategies on choosing places to stay and eat, as well as how to represent yourself. A successful example of good on-the-ground work is reflected in a story by Traveler contributing editor P.F. Kluge. The author gave shape to his perambulations around the Austrian capital in “A Perfect Night in Vienna,” in which all of the activities of the daylight hours built up to the climactic evening of Mozart and fine dining.
WRITING THE WINNING ARTICLE
Though far from a science, travel writing possesses basic building blocks, starting with focus: What exactly is the story you plan to tell; what is the quest? How will it be structured, and how will anecdote help move the piece along? From there, we move to voice and tone: Learn why direct quotes carry so much power. Participants will spend time considering what works — and why — using concrete examples from Traveler.
THE PUBLICATION PROCESS
After it has been conceived, researched, written, turned in (with annotations and fact-checking material), given back for rewrites and tweaks, resubmitted, accepted, and paid for, the travel story embarks on a journey of its own. The Traveler editor will trace the process all the way from the finished article to bluelines and publication.
Inside Secrets of Successful Travel Writing will
be offered in the following cities:
Cities and dates to be announced.
Cost: $195.00 per person (includes lunch).
Sessions will run from 9:00 am — 4:00 pm
Keith Bellows, editor-in-chief of National Geographic Traveler and a highly regarded industry expert. Keith has edited more than 30 magazines and written for many top national publications.
Executive editor Paul Martin’s articles have taken him to Asia, Africa, Europe, and throughout North America. He has also been an editor at National Geographic World, Continuing Education for the Family Physician, and Outdoors. His 1997 travel memoir, Land of the Ascending Dragon: Rediscovering Vietnam, chronicled his return to that country 25 years after having served there during the Vietnam War.
Andrew Nelson writes regularly for National Geographic Traveler, a job that has taken him across the width and breadth of the continent — from Hilo, Hawaii, to Portland, Maine. Last year he received a Lowell Thomas Award from the Society of American Travel Writers (SATW) for his piece “Insider’s New Orleans.” In addition to Traveler, Nelson is a contributing writer to San Francisco Magazine and Salon, the online current events magazine, as well as other publications.
Sheila Buckmaster, senior editor, has been a staffer at numerous magazines, including Skiing, Backpacker, and National Lampoon. Her writing has appeared in the Washington Post, Elle, the J. Crew catalog, and a book on the landscape painter Kevin Fitzgerald.
