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BY Nancy Mueller 13 Comments ON October 14, 2013

On Writing: Sharpening the Travel Writer’s Saw – 2013

Writers on the Sound 2013

Last year’s response to Sharpening the Travel Writer’s Saw proved so popular with readers that I’m happy to share nuggets learned from the 2013 Writers on the Sound Conference (WOTS) as well.

Once again, I received just the right dose of inspiration and practical information to polish my writing in the days ahead. Here are a few highlights captured from this year’s event:

Rick Steves 2013

He’s baaack . . .  On Travel Writing from travel guru Rick Steves . . .

“You need to have a practical foundation and weave your poetry into that if you want to make money. . . Pico Iyer is my friend and he’s brilliant. But my book on Ireland probably sells more than his most brilliant piece of writing. That’s not fair, but I’m not complaining.” Action step: Keep on writing with an eye on the business of travel writing.

“Talk with people. Find out their fears and confusions. Deal with the challenges your readers have. I look at travel writers as the current equivalent of the court jester. We need to inspire our citizenry not to be so fearful of the world. Give your readers context so they see beauty instead of conflict.” Action step: Pay attention to the fears and confusions of my readers. Remember to provide the bigger context for my travel stories. Write with my readers in mind.

“Clarity is really important. You have to put yourself in your confused readers’ minds. The struggle is to find ways to make complicated ideas clear. The temptation as travel writers is to dance around them. We have a responsibility with language. Be willing to kill your babies if they don’t fit. You lose credibility when you write: ‘This chocolate is to die for!’” Action step: Kill the clichés! But keep the chocolate.

“I think immediacy is really important. You have to be over there, collecting notes. You need to be actually doing things all the time. If you’re in Spain, go to a bullfight. If you have an opportunity, you have to take it.” Easy action step: Keep my bags packed at all times. Just say “Yes!”

Food and Wine Writing Tips from author Nick O’Connell . . .

Author Nick O'Connell

“Focus on the story. You have to figure out a way to tell the story behind a particular dish or bottle of wine. The further you go back, the more interesting it becomes.” Action step: Start with a wide-angle lens on my travel writing. Then zoom in for a close-up look.

“Food and wine writing is happy writing. People want to be entertained. If you don’t like the dish or wine, don’t write about it.” Action step: Don’t worry. Be happy when I write. The wine helps.

“Start with the familiar and go to the unfamiliar. Readers want to feel comfortable so start with something they already know, e.g. gelato or pasta. But by the end you want to teach them something they didn’t know.” Action step: Research, research, research. Add depth to my stories.

“Bring the elements of fiction into your writing. Think scenes, characterizations, dialogue and point of view. Bring your personality to your writing. Read Bistro Cooking by Patrica Wells (scenes), Cooked  by Michael Pollan and Kitchen Confidential by Anthony Bourdain (dialogue) and Ruth Reichl (how to negotiate difficult social landscapes like family gatherings at Thanksgiving). Action step: Start reading.

The Olympics and Puget Sound

What are your favorite travel writing tips, Wanderboomers? Please share your ideas with us here.

 

 

 

 

 

Filed Under: Activities, Pacific Northwest, Travel Writing, Washington State Tagged With: travel, Washington

BY Nancy Mueller 4 Comments ON January 4, 2013

Write Your Way Into a Happy New Year!

Bellingham Bay View (365 x 450)

Happy 2013, Wanderboomers!

My blogging friend Tele just posted about a FREE two-day New Year “Resolutions” extravaganza that’s happening at Village Books in Bellingham, Washington on January 5th and 6th.

The schedule of mini-workshops kicks off at noon on Saturday with Carolyn Koehnline’s, “Clearing Clutter for a Creative New Year” (say that three times) and concludes on Sunday with a presentation on “The Many Paths to Publishing: Self, Small, Traditional” with Paul Hanson, Sarah Martinez and Janet Oakley.

While Saturday’s presentations focus on general “Resolutions” topics, like creating a personal vision and setting intentions for the year ahead, Sunday is devoted to aspiring and seasoned writers, covering such topics as journaling, blogging, writing groups, novel writing and publication possibilities.

Fairhaven (336 x 450)

Village Books is one of my favorite community-based, independent bookstores anywhere! Staffed by helpful, knowledgeable locals who love books, the bookstore is located in Bellingham’s historic Fairhaven district. Owners Chuck and Dee Robinson have created a cozy, inviting atmosphere for bibliophiles of all ages. You’ll want to wander through the store on all three levels, browsing the collections ranging from Book Club picks to bestsellers and everything in between.

As much as true book lovers might want to settle in among the stacks for the night, the owners haven’t yet added a B & B so you will need to leave when the store closes for the day. Not to worry. Bellingham offers outstanding accommodations for the discerning traveler. Here are three of my favorites:

Fairhaven Village Inn (431 x 450)

Fairhaven Village Inn

After enjoying the presentations at Village Books, just walk one block west for a stay at Fairhaven Village Inn. With scenic views of the small working harbor close by, the historic 22-room hotel evokes an elegant, bygone era, though built in 1998. You won’t find a more convenient launching pad to the many nearby restaurants, shops and town activities in the Fairhaven district, including the farmer’s market, outdoor movies or even marathons that start and end at The Village Green town square across the street.

Settle in the cozy library off the lobby to read the treasures you no doubt purchased at Village Books, or peruse the many volumes lining the bookshelves at the Inn. Escape to the privacy of your spacious room to relax in a comfortable robe before sinking into luxurious bedding and down comforters for the night. Enjoy your breakfast or a glass of wine in the evening on the flower-filled terrace outdoors.

Chrysalis Inn & Spa (299 x 450)

The Chrysalis Inn & Spa

A word of warning when you make a reservation at the Chrysalis: you won’t want to leave your spacious, tranquil room any time soon. Curl up with a good book

Chrysalis Inn & Spa (299 x 450)

on the sumptuous bay window seat that overlooks Bellingham Bay and the San Juan Islands. Open the shoji screens to take in the spellbinding Northwest seascape from the comfort of your luxurious two-person jetted soaking tub. Or watch Leonard Cohen’s “Live in London” show on PBS, still from the convenience of your soaking tub, as I was fortunate to do during my stay.

Still not enough pampering for you? Then head to the full-service on-site spa for the ultimate relaxation package. When you’re ready to get a little fresh air and exercise, take a leisurely walk along the waterfront on South Bay Trail that extends from The Fairhaven Village Inn to Boulevard Park. And be sure to stop for a latte at The Woods Coffee to complete your outing.

Hotel Bellwether (450 x 336)

Hotel Bellwether

For a unique destination hotel, reserve a room at Hotel Bellwether, a luxurious boutique lodging in the cove of Bellingham Bay overlooking Squalicum Harbor. Book early for the chance to stay in the three-story, 900-square-foot Lighthouse Suite, featuring a private 360-degree observation deck with views of Mount Baker and the San Juan Islands. Complete your retreat experience with a visit to the Zazen Salon Spa for a total mind, body and spirit makeover.

Many thanks to Bellingham Whatcom County Tourism for arranging my stays at Fairhaven Village Inn, The Chrysalis Inn & Spa and Hotel Bellwether.

What weekend getaways are you planning for 2013, Wanderboomers? Please share with us here.

Filed Under: Activities, Baby Boomers and Travel, Bellingham, By Land, By Ship & By Sea, Destinations, Pacific Northwest, Travel Writing, WA, Washington State Tagged With: 2013, activities, Bellingham, Bellingham Bay, blogging, breakfast, clutter, Fairhaven, Fairhaven district, Fairhaven Village Inn, Happy New Year, Historic, Hotel Bellwether, intentions, journaling, lighthouse, novel writing, resolutions, restaurants, The Chrysalis Inn & Spa, Village Books, Washington, wine, writers, writers groups

BY Nancy Mueller 21 Comments ON October 18, 2012

Sharpening the Travel Writer’s Saw

A seasonal shift is underway here in the  Pacific Northwest, bringing cooler temperatures, cloudy skies and colorful foliage. Soon, soon enough, I’ll begin the steady retreat into silence and solitude to dream, write and reflect on my travels over the past year. But first, I have a writer’s conference to attend . . .

An annual three-day, sell-out event set in the waterfront community of Edmonds, Washington, Write on the Sound Writers Conference attracts aspiring to best-selling authors. Writing workshops cover the genres of fiction, non-fiction and poetry alongside presentations on marketing and social media strategies for the business side of writing.

Here are just a few of the gems I picked up at this year’s conference earlier this month to help me hone my writer’s craft:

From travel guru, Rick Steves, who lives and works in his hometown of Edmonds, on Travel Writing . . .

“You need to be a keen observer and have a basis from which to make observations. Your writing smells thin when you don’t really know the culture you’re writing about.” Action step: Do my homework before I travel. Learn as much as I can ahead of time to inform my writing.

“You’re a lint brush when you’re out in the field. Every night with good discipline you go back to the hotel and type it up, even if it keeps you up past your bedtime.” Action step: No excuses. Write up my notes, download and categorize my photos each night when I’m on the road.

“There’s a spiritual dimension to travel and it’s important not to shy away from that. Your readers should know who you are. You can write in a respectful way about spiritual issues.” Action step: Be authentic. Remember to share my stories in my own unique voice.

“There is a dumbing downess [in travel writing]. I try to smarten up and engage my readers. As travel writers, we have an obligation to inspire people to be moved and changed from their travels.” Action step: Always keep my readers’ needs in mind when I write. Respect their intelligence.

“My mantra is ‘Content is King.’” Action step: Forget the fluff. Add substance that will change readers’ lives.

From Bharti Kirchner, author of five novels, several cookbooks and scores of short pieces, on How to Add Sizzle to Your Fiction and Memoir . . .

“Writing about cuisine adds to the description and is tied to culture. How people prepare, store and serve food is cultural. For example, in India there are definite rules about who eats with whom, and older people and children are always served first. Banana leaves are typically used so there’s no need for recycling.” Action step: Bring in cultural references through my food writing.

“You can get away with using adjectives in food writing. It’s sensuous, vivid and makes your writing more accessible to the reader.” Action step: Remember to engage the senses to make my writing more vivid and lively.

“Food writing shows the emotional climate and complexity of a character, e.g. How are they eating? Absentmindfully? Mindfully? What and how do they order? What do they like to cook?” Action step: Pay attention. Become a keen observer. (Gee – Where have I heard that before?)

From Bernadette Pajer, author of the Professor Bradshaw Mysteries, on Trigger Writing . . .

“Trigger writing is the relationship between words and what they fire in the mind of the reader. Readers bring emotional memory to your writing. You can trust that your audience will feel it which helps avoid over-writing. For example, the word ‘dumpster’ sets a scene. It grounds the reader in an image and a smell without need of further description.” Action step: Use descriptive words to show, not tell.

“After triggers, readers want the writing to slow down so that they see it unfold.” Action step: pace my writing.

“Story trumps everything else because the situations the writer has put the reader in have triggered something, i.e. a memory or strong feeling. The reason you’re a writer is because you have a story to tell. If you felt strongly about someone or a situation, someone else will, too.” Action step: Cultivate my travel stories.

 

What about you, Wanderboomers? What travel writing tips do you have to share with us here as a reader and/or a writer?

Filed Under: Activities, Baby Boomers and Travel, Travel Writing, WA, Washington State Tagged With: Bernadette Pajer, Bharti Kirchner, character, content, cuisine, Edmonds, Europe Through the Back Door, Fall, fiction, food writing, memoir, non-fiction, Pacific Northwest, poetry, Rick Steves, sharpen the saw, spiritual, story, Travel Writing, Washington, Write on the Sound

BY Nancy Mueller Leave a Comment ON August 4, 2012

I’m in a Hawaiian Island State of Mind

Aloha, wanderboomers! Can’t you just hear the rustle of the wind, feel the warm tropical breezes, smell the salt-water air when you look at this palm tree photo? Yeah, me, too. There’s something about summer that makes me long for easy island living.

Oh, the windmills of my mind . . . I can look at this photo, close my eyes, and zap! I’m back on the beach in Hawaii, with not a care in the world, just enjoying the sun, the warmth and those lazy, crazy days of perpetual summer.

Are you with me? In case you, too, have a hankering to hit the beach in Hawaii, how about entering our very special travel writing contest? All you have to do is write a non-fiction travel story that takes place anywhere in the state of Hawaii or is about Hawaii. Make sure it fits into 1 of the 3 categories: Earth, Sea or Sky and submit it no later than September 14, 2012 11:59 p.m. PST.

Did I mention that the winner receives a 5-night stay (and fantastic extras) on Hawaii Island at the Waikoloa Beach Marriott Resort & Spa (value: $3,282)? Each of the 3 best-in-category winners will receive a pair of La Paz Sandals from KEEN Footwear (value $60 – $70). For more information click on the link:

http://wanderlustandlipstick.com/2012/hawaii-island-travel-writing-contest-announced

Why not give it a try? Surf’s up! and the water’s warm ~

What about you, Wanderboomers? Share your favorite Hawaiian memories with us here – and enter our Hawaiian travel writing contest!

Filed Under: Activities, Hawaii, Travel Writing Tagged With: beach, Big Island, Hawaii, Hawaiian, island, palm tree, palm trees, summer, travel writing contest, windmills, windmills of my mind

BY Nancy Mueller Leave a Comment ON August 1, 2011

The Magic of Termas Papallacta

Prior to my arrival, my host had described this health spa and resort as “magical,” and “Very romantic and perfect for children.”

“Romantic” and “perfect for children” – at the same time? Is that possible? In any case, I was traveling solo on this trip. No romantic getaway or fun family adventure for me this time around.

I made plans to stay at the resort for three days and three nights, though my host had cautioned that “The town itself is not a tourist attraction and there are no activities to do around the resort.”

Situated at 3,3oo meters (10,800 feet) above sea level, this hot springs haven is protected by 625 acres at the entrance of the Cayambe-Coca Ecological Reserve.

You won’t find trendy boutiques or celebrity-sighting sidewalk cafes here, which to my mind sounded like a perfect way to end my two-week journey in Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands.

After all, isn’t that what every good travel writer needs? A place of her own to let the sights and sounds of the last eleven days seep deep into her consciousness? A thermal hot springs and spa where her muse would have space to absorb and digest all that she had seen and experienced (not to mention, eaten) along the way?

There was a slight risk that the height and the hot springs might have a hallucinatory effect on my writing, but I was willing to take that chance. If such a sanctuary exists in the Andes, I reasoned, I owed it to my muse to go there.

Thank goodness I did.

Termas Papallacta is a sanctuary of natural beauty framed by the steep-sloped Andes. On a clear day the star attraction is the snow-dusted Antisana volcano that soars 5.704 meters (19,800 feet).Unfortunately, my July visit coincided with the cold and wet season. I was left to imagine what must be a spectacular view of the volcano above the resort. But the fog that cloaked the surrounding mountaintops created its own mystique, as did the steam rising from the thermal pools into the chilly air.

True to my Seattle roots, I was not about to let a little rain diminish the enjoyment of my visit. My mantra became Rest. Relaxation. Recreation.

When I told one staff member how long I planned to stay at the resort, his eyes widened: “You must really need to relax!”

The majority of guests stay here for three days and two nights, but in the company of family. Families are revered and travel en masse in Ecuador as I witnessed at the thermal baths and in my wanderings throughout the country. I can see now why it might have seemed strange for a woman traveling alone to want to stay longer than a day and a night.

What a far cry, though, from the reaction I’ve had at home in a country where independence is so highly valued. When told about my two-week solo jaunt to Ecuador, the response has been universal among my women friends : “Do you know how lucky you are?”

Yes, yes, I do.

Filed Under: Activities, Baby Boomers and Travel, Destinations, Health & Safety, Travel Writing Tagged With: Ecuador, family, health spa and resort, hot springs, solo travel, thermal pools

Hello fellow wanderboomers! I’m a Seattle-based travel journalist, specializing in fun travel adventures for the young at heart. My articles have been featured in Hemispheres, AAA Highroads Magazine and Northwest Travel & Life Magazine where I'm a frequent contributor. When this Wanderboomer isn’t traveling, I help global executives polish their personal and professional brand for long-term results.
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