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Perks of Being a Food, Wine & Travel Writer
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Perks of Travel and Food Writing
Perks is a perfect word for my chosen career. I am having too much fun to call food and travel writing a job. This way of life does not pay me well.
Yet, it keeps me well. I learn about parts of the world that I may have missed... A snowy night in the City of Lights devouring that steaming hot crock of sweet onion soup, those cheesy, crusty bits, clinging to the sides. A tangerine sunrise on a remote Fijian Island, up in time to land that big fish, so fresh it is still jumping as I wrap it in a banana leaf to roast on smoldering coals. The fisherman and I never spoke a word.
Eating well...regional farm fresh food from a local market, not fancy or gourmet, simply delicious in it's native skin.
The best perks are about friends I have met along the way. Including the ones I have yet to meet...Leigh Cort...who writes about "the relationships between the journalist and the people who make the destination come alive." My partner of several decades, Maralyn Hill, more than a friend. When the work or the pain overwhelms the pleasures, Maralyn is there to remind me what is good. It cannot be said enough, it is the people and the joy of doing what you love in life... true success.
Priceless!
Brenda Hill
www.noralyn.com
posted by Brenda Friday, September 28, 2007
3 Comments
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By maralyn, September 28, 2007 9:49 PM
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Brenda,
Thank you for the kind comments. As always, you've summed up our experiences elequently.
Maralyn Hill
www.noralyn.com
By maralyn, September 28, 2007 9:53 PM
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Brenda,
Your description of the onion soup is mouth watering. You must make it for me sometime.
By Ed, September 30, 2007 2:18 PM
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Travel Writing
For me, travel writing is an education that will continue throughout my working life. I have learned more about other countries and other cultures through travel than I ever have by reading books.
As I also write fiction, travel writing has enabled me to set my stories in locations all over the world and to create the kind of detail and atmosphere that comes only from "being there."
Travel writing generally does not pay a great deal in dollars, but it can be...priceless.
Lillian Africano
www.lillianafricano.comLabels: Lillian Africano
posted by lilliana Sunday, September 16, 2007
2 Comments
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I agree with your comments. When reading a book or watching a movie, they come alive if I've visited the destination. Plus, it gives me a better understanding of the culture.
By maralyn, September 16, 2007 3:02 PM
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Leave your footprint in the sand. Sleep under stars on the earth or in a feather bed; but know the place. Not by pictures or impressions but by a true "knowing". This is only done by being there. Travel writing allows you to inspire others to go there and get some of that knowing for themselves. . .
By Kurt, January 23, 2008 4:30 PM
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Not a Free Ride
The perks of travel - Experiences that I gain represent my greatest perks. In a sense, I was born to travel so I'm doing what I love. I did write an article which sums it up, "Do we travel free"? http://www.noralyn.com/newsletter/bits1.lasso
Now, as a published writer, sometimes I'm hosted. However, I don't believe in free rides. If someone has been generous enough to host me, I feel I owe them a story. The only exception is a negative experience (Usually, I'll let my contact know why I'm not writing about the experience). It is my personal preference to focus on the good and great. Frequently it takes me longer to get the story written than I'd like, but I still do get it written.
Many times I'll use e-savers, or good airline fares, to cover my transportation. Unfortunately, not all hosts are able to provide air. But, a good story will help you in the future.
If I am not able to secure an assignment or get the article placed in print media, I get a version of it posted in http://www.global-writes.com/ , on one of the web outlets (many are available that pay per click), or my web newsletter. Then, I send the host the url or date of publication for print. Sometimes, it takes a year before it's in print. When it is published, I send a clip. Letting the host know it is availabile is important. This all builds credibility and results in more invitations. I also send a link to http://www.ifwtwa.org/ to add to their clip file with my name, date of publication and publication name.
What perks do you get when you travel?
Are you good about telling the story?
Do you keep your host updated on the story?
Please add your comments or questions.
By Maralyn D. Hill
http://www.noralyn.com/Labels: Maralyn D. Hill
posted by Maralyn Friday, September 14, 2007
5 Comments
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Maralyn, I do some writing myself so I know it's hard to get paid for it.
Do you make arrangements to be compensated in advance of your trip? Or do you introduce yourself at arrival, show some credentials and then take what you can get?
By twlack, September 14, 2007 11:02 AM
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Tim, Most of the time, I make arrangements in advance. It allows the host to determine what they can do, and allows me to see that the right person gets my credentials and I get support material on the property or destination that I need.
If I walk in "off the street," I show my IFWTWA Press Card, my business card, and ask if they have a Press Rate. Frequently they do. If not, I request the lowest rate available. Many times, being nice and explaining your story, will go far with the front desk clerk. Sometimes, they have more power than you think. No matter what, be sure to thank them for their effort.
If I'm dealing with the food aspect, I ask to speak with the manager or owner and explain what my story angle is. In this case, I plan to pay and generally do. However, a lot of times they will provide something extra. In many cases, after the story, they will invite you back "on the house."If you do get your meal or dessert comped, be sure to tip based on what the total cost would have been.
If this is arranged ahead of time and you explain you are a freelance writer, they may host you.
Via e-mail, I strongly suggest trying to arrange as much ahead of time as possible. Also, do not expect a lot if you are asking for something during the busiest time of year, or the busiest hours in the food establishment.
Maralyn D. Hill
www.noralyn.com
By maralyn, September 14, 2007 11:57 AM
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As a publicist representing historic inns in desirable destinations that writers find alluring (St. Augustine Fl and Spring Lake NJ), I enjoy giving professional credentialed journalists the 'best of the best' experience when they visit. With mutual goals established from the moment I hear from each writer that includes their story theme, media outlet(s) and time availability, it's my pleasure to open whatever doors they need in order to create a well crafted story. Travel/culinary/lifestyle writing is a relationship between the journalist and the person or people that make the destination come to life. The perks are obvious to both parties. And it's my pleasure to give my journalist visitors a rousing 'standing ovation' and thank you when their story is published!
By leighc, September 19, 2007 5:27 AM
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leighc, I'd like to know what you mean by "professional credentialed journalists." What do you require from a journalist to be considered for your "'best of the best' experience"?
By twlack, September 19, 2007 6:15 AM
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Maralyn,
Enjoyed your positive comments about food and travel writing.
You inspired me to add my
"perks" to the list.
Check it out because I mentioned you as one of the joys.
Brenda Hill
www.noralyn.com
By Brenda, September 28, 2007 3:17 PM
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