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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 10 Comments ON October 11, 2012

Foraging Fun with Jennifer Hahn

Author. Poet. Teacher. Naturalist. Forager. Jennifer Hahn packs an impressive resume after more than 25 years as a wildlife adventurer whose travels span hiking the Pacific Crest Trail from Northern California to Canada and kayaking solo from Ketchikan, Alaska to Bellingham, Washington where she now resides. Along the way she’s also led tours throughout the Pacific Northwest, Baja, Mexico and the Galapagos Islands.

In person, Jennifer is petite, vivacious and down to earth – literally. Her passion for sustainable foraging fills her conversations and writings.

After publishing her first book, Spirited Waters: Soloing South Through the Inside Passage, Jennifer began a second book about the foods in the wild that had kept her alive on her kayaking adventure. But as a steward of the environment, she felt morally responsible to include only those foods that wouldn’t be decimated by greater consumption, resulting in her book, Pacific Feast: A Cook’s Guide to West Coast Foraging and Cuisine, and companion laminated guide, Pacific Coast Foraging Guide: 40 Wild Foods from Beach, Field and Forest. Included are her harvesting guidelines like the 1-in-20 rule when it comes to sustainable foraging. If there are more than 20 plants, you can dig one up and leave the rest for reproduction. If not, take none.

With Jennifer in the lead, we’re off for a day of our own foraging adventure to discover the diversity of tasty edibles found in our own backyards.

Hiking with Jennifer through the six acres surrounding the home she shares with husband, sculptor Chris Moench, is a walk on the wild side. She cautions us to watch out for stinging nettles before describing their diverse uses in cooking, fiber production and medicine.  Nearby we discover wood sorrel, a shamrock-shaped plant with a lemony flavor that grows in moist, shady places.

Further along Jennifer points out huckleberries, purslane, a plant high in omega 3 with a crisp, lemony bite that’s perfect in stews, and the licorice “many-footed” fern root, good for soothing sore throats. A self-described spiritual eater first, she demonstrates how to harvest mindfully and says “Thank you” to the plant for giving its life after breaking off a piece for closer inspection.

Our picnic lunch at nearby Lake Padden begins with Jennifer’s recitation of Rumi’s poem that starts, “Lord, the air smells good today . . . ” Newly inspired and satiated, we continue our day of foraging fun with an afternoon hike, gathering native trailing blackberries, salal berries and strips of madrona bark we find on the ground along the way.

But our day of sustainable food discoveries is not quite finished yet. Still to come is dinner at Ciao Thyme, a popular Bellingham kitchen restaurant, where restaurant owners Jessica and Mataio Gillis will show us how to create cooking magic with the fruits of our labors.   I can hardly wait . . .

What about you, Wanderboomers? What’s your favorite recipe using locally sourced foraged food?

Filed Under: Activities, Alaska, Baby Boomers and Travel, Bellingham, By Land, By Ship & By Sea, Destinations, Food & Dining, Pacific Northwest Tagged With: adventure, adventurer, Alaska, Baja Mexico, Bellingham, Canada, edibles, foraging, fun, Galapagos Islands, huckleberries, Jennifer Hahn, Ketchikan, licorice fern, many-footed, Pacific Northwest, Spirited Waters: Soloing South Through the Inside Passage, sustainable foraging, the Inside Passage, Washington, wildlife, wood sorrel

BY Nancy Mueller 8 Comments ON September 24, 2012

A Day of Play Aboard the Schooner Zodiac

What a beauty! And what a fun day for those of us lucky enough to be aboard the Schooner Zodiac based in Bellingham, Washington.

The clouds parted, the sun shone, the water sparkled, the beer and wine flowed – not too much, mind you, just enough to cap off a lovely outing on this classic wooden yacht with the largest working mainsail in North America, supported by a mast over 12 stories tall.

Originally built for the Johnson & Johnson family in 1924, the Schooner Zodiac retired from a 40-year tour of duty in the waters outside the Golden Gate in 1972, then headed to the Pacific Northwest. After her retirement, it took a small village of sailors and shipwrights under the umbrella of the Vessel Zodiac Corporation to restore her former elegance. We should all retire so well.

But all was not play on board the Schooner Zodiac this day. We had to sing for our lunch and dinner, masterfully prepared by cook Ian both in the galley and on deck.

Calls went out to passengers from Captain Tim, Chief Mate Chris and crew member Jeff to go to our sailing stations, man the helm, hoist and fold the 4,000 square-foot mainsail (along with the foresail and staysail),

handle the lines and keep watch on deck.

Oh, yeah, we had it rough all right.

What are you doing for play today, Wanderboomers?

Filed Under: Baby Boomers and Travel, Bellingham, By Land, By Ship & By Sea, Destinations, Entertainment, Pacific Northwest, WA, Washington State Tagged With: Bellingham, classic wooden yacht, Johnson & Johnson, mainsail, Schooner Zodiac, Vessel Zodiac Corporation, Washington, yacht

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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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