1. 8 More Habits of Highly Effective Bloggers
2. How to Write Your Bio for a Byline or Query
3. The Seven Deadly Sins that Prevent Creative Thinking
4. My 3-Step System for Finding Guest Post Opportunities
5. 7 Dirty Little Book Publishing Secrets that Every Writer Needs to Know
Monday, October 31, 2011
Weekly Top 5 Blog Posts for Writers...
Saturday, October 29, 2011
Top Travel Blogger talks about building a successful travel blog...
ThinkTraffic has an interesting video interview with travel blogger Gary Arndt, the man behind the successful Everything Everywhere travel blog.
(found via Travelllll.com)
Friday, October 28, 2011
Photo Friday: The fish market in Muscat, Oman...
For more Photo Fridays from around the world, head over to Delicious Baby
For ideas on how to improve your travel photographers, check out this week's photo tips for travelers.
Weekly Photo Tips for Travelers...
Uncorneredmarket offers 10 Tips for Taking Great Food Photos
Photo Tuts has A 10 Step Guide to Creative & Colourful Market Photography
Wanderlust has an article by Steve Davey on Photographing places of worship
Digital School Photography has tips from Bob Holmes on Natural Lighting and Travel Photography
Lightstalking discusses How to Get Both Staged and Candid Travel Portraits
ephotozine looks at Photography In Graveyards
Photopoly provides Tips on Photographing Museums
Thursday, October 27, 2011
BootsnAll 30 Days of Indie Travel Project...
BootsnAll is launching a new project on 1 November called 30 Days of Indie Travel and they are inviting bloggers from around the world to join in.
The 30 Days of Indie Travel is a daily blogging effort aimed at reflecting on past travel experiences.
Each day in November, BootsnAll will post a new prompt.
Bloggers are free to interprete these prompts as they wish and respond via online posts, photos, or even videos on their own blogs.
Bloggers should then link to the BootsnAll page dedicated to that day's prompt and tweet about the post with hashtag #indie30.
It's sort of like a daily travel carnival, hopefully with plenty of interesting, information, entertaining, and thought provoking posts to read about a particular travel topic.
Want to play?
Then head over to BootsnAll to find out more.
I'll see you there...
Wednesday, October 26, 2011
Travel Writing Miscellanea....
See, Go, Write has an interview with Jessica Spiegel of Why Go Italy: Lucky 13 Questions
Over at Gadling Don George writes about Lynn Ferrin, travel writing, and the meaning of life
Matador Network offers tips on How to fund your travel videos
The PlanetD provides A Travel Blogger’s Guide to Sponsorship
World Hum asks Are Travel Writers the New Poets (Though not in a Good, Lyrical Way)?
Tuesday, October 25, 2011
World Nomads are looking for travel writers...
Each month World Nomads pick a country as their feature destination.
And they are looking for avid travel bloggers to contribute 650-1200 word articles (plus photos) on topics relating to that country.
Future Feature Destinations and Deadlines:
December - Chile
(apply by November 1, article deadline November 23)
January - India
(apply by December 1, article deadline December 20)
February - Brazil
(apply by January 1, article by January 23)
March - South Africa
(apply by February 1, article by February 21)
They are also open to submissions for other destinations as well as action articles so feel free to pitch ideas not tied to the listed destinations.
They pay $30AUD/article upon publishing (paid via PayPal).
Check out their editorial guidelines for more information. Sphere: Related Content
Monday, October 24, 2011
Weekly Top 5 Blog Posts for Writers...
Sunday, October 23, 2011
The CTC Culinary Journalism Award...
Travel bloggers who write about food might want to check out the CTC Culinary Journalism Award.
Created by the Canadian Tourism Commission and Food Day Canada ®, this award is open to all journalists who have published an article in the US that best describes the relationship between Canadas primary products and the culinary experience available in Canada.
Two categories will be acknowledged:Sphere: Related Content
* Best written work in any medium and
* Best photo essay, video or app.
The criteria are as follows:
- Must have been published in the US or in the case of online content demonstrate that more than 60% of the audience is US based.
- Must have been published between January 1, 2011 and December 31, 2011
- Includes print, online, broadcast and culinary app
- Subject matter can be pan-Canadian or regional; specific food items or a full menu but must clearly demonstrate the origin of fresh Canadian products and the journey to the table with an emphasis on the culinary experiences that could be enjoyed by visitors to Canada.
-Must be published in English, between 250 and 1500 words; or 5 to 40 images or 2 to 30-minute video
-Each of two winners will receive a cheque of $1000.
-Each winner provides complete rights to the CTC and Food Day Canada to use and re-publish except where the media outlet prevents such use.
Saturday, October 22, 2011
13 reasons why I should be WildJunket's intern...
As I mentioned in the last post, travel journalist Nellie Huang of WildJunket fame is looking for an travel blogging intern to assist her with maintaining the blog and the soon to be launched WildJunket magazine.
It's a great opportunity, one that I am keen to pursue.
Why?
Because after almost five years of blogging at Write to Travel, it's time for me to up my game. I have a vision of what I want to create in the future and, yes, another five year plan. But to I still have a great deal to learn about the travel blogging industry and what better why to learn it than through working with someone who is already where I plan on getting to.
But Nellie, no doubt, will be getting applications for many travel bloggers just as keen and probably more qualified that me.
So the real question is - why should she choose me?
I can think of at least 13 reasons.
Let me spell them out....
T - travel is in my blood. In fact, my very first trip - a transatlantic ship crossing - was while I was still in my mother's womb. Since then my passion for travel has grown, so much so that I am constantly either traveling or making travel plans.
R - Researching, reading, and writing about travel is what I do for fun and what I want to do for a living.
A - Adaptability is my middle name.
V - Visualizing, brainstorming, and lateral thinking to find ideas and solutions are just some of my strengths.
E - Effective communication skills and the ability to engage with people.
L- Love learning.
B - Believes in working hard and working effectively to complete tasks within given deadlines
L - Looks for the silver lining. No matter what the situation, there is always a solution. From chaos I can create calm.
O - Observant
G -Go getter
G -Gatherer of information, knowledge, skills and always willing to share with others
E - Efficient and timely in getting things done
R - Reliable and trustworthy
So what do you think?
Would I make a good intern?
Want to advocate for me?
If so, why not twitter the following:
@kiwiwriter spells out 13 reasons why she'd be a great @WildJunket intern http://tinyurl.com/3moqz99
Popular travel blog WildJunket launching digital travel magazine and looking for intern...
In three short years, travel journalist Nellie Huang has transformed WildJunket into a hugely popular must read travel blog.
So it makes sense for her to take things one step further and launch a digital travel magazine - WildJunket Magazine - that will specialize in independent travel and outdoor adventures.
Unlike the WildJunket blog which is written entirely by Nellie Huang, with the occasional guest post, WildJunket magazine will feature stories of offbeat destinations, special interest journeys, and cultural immersion from a variety of travel writers and photographers from around the world.
Anyone interested in contributing should head over to the WildJunket magazine editorial guidelines page to find out how.
Not surprisingly, given that creating a digital magazine will require a great deal of time and commitment, Nellie is looking for an intern to blog, socialize and write for WildJunket.
And in exchange for doing this, Nellie will share her knowledge on how to grow and succeed as a travel blogger.
If that sounds like you, then head over to the travel blogger intern page for more information.
It's an exciting opportunity, one that I have decided to apply for myself.
Find out why in my next post...
Friday, October 21, 2011
Photo Friday: Bali from a bus window...
During last year's world cruise, we stopped in Bali just for the day.
It's not really enough time to get to know Bali.
Most of the time was spent traveling by bus to and from Benoa Harbor to the Elephant Safari Park to ride elephants.
From the window, we got but a quick glance of bali life as we speed by....
For more Photo Fridays from around the world, head over to Delicious Baby
Thursday, October 20, 2011
A list of 100 Favorite Travel Writers by Tripbase...
Have you had a chance to check out Tripbase's list of '100 Favorite Travel Writers'?
It's a comprehensive list highlighting both known and unknown travel writers around the world.
You might even be on it...
Wednesday, October 19, 2011
Still time to enter the Mynatour Ecotourism Travel Writing contest...
There is still time to enter the Mynatour Ecotourism travel writing contest.
All you need to do is...
"... is write a short blog story capturing the most memorable ecotravel moment of your last adventure.
There are no limits, your story can be about anything. All we need is your side of the story and 5 photographs that best capture it. Remember to include what you did to make it more eco friendly... what you think should be done. Be inspiring, be creative, be yourself and most of all, have fun! "
For more information head over to Mynatour's travel writing contest page.
Deadline: 23 October 2011 Sphere: Related Content
Tuesday, October 18, 2011
Guest Post: All About Go Girl Magazine
Kiwi writer and Go Girl contributor Shelley Greco writes about the founding of Go Girl Magazine and how anyone can become a part of this fast growing community.
In the summer of 2009, Beth Santos was sitting under her mosquito net as any other normal person would be on an equatorial island.
The young American was living and working in São Tomé e PrÃncipe, a small two-island nation off the west coast of Africa, far from any mental map that her friends or family could conjure up.
Because of São Tomé's size, it's often quite forgotten in the public mindset. Slavery was abolished there nearly a century ago and it often seemed that even that Portugal, its mother country, had moved on from the country's existence.
In many ways, Beth was very much alone. Yet in others, the 23 year-old was part of a new and exciting world.
This was the birthplace of Go Girl, an online magazine about the global perspective of women.
Originally created as a travel magazine for solo female voyagers, Go Girl has turned quickly into a community of 25 writers and thousands of visitors from over 95 different countries around the world.
It has become a gathering place for women to interact, network, and address issues like travel, feminism, and the challenges and benefits of living in today's multicultural, connected world.
Go Girl is always looking for new perspective, featuring articles on an array of topics ranging from acid burning in Cambodia to albanism in Tanzania, sexual health and even on becoming a grandmother.
Have something to say?
Share it at team@travelgogirl.com or visit http://www.travelgogirl.com for more information.
Kiwis strongly encouraged to apply!
Monday, October 17, 2011
Weekly Top 5 Blog Posts for Writers...
1. 7 Ways to Bump Up Your Productivity and Start Earning More as a Freelancer
2. “Are Travel Bloggers Worth Advertising With?” The Media Buyers’ Perspective
3. Writer’s Block? Take Your Blogging On The Road
4. 19 Ways to Get Paid for Your Writing
5. A Beginner’s Guide to WordPress Basics
Sunday, October 16, 2011
TED Video: The importance of doodling...
Fun talk by Sunni Brown about how sketching and doodling improve our comprehension and our creative thinking.
Saturday, October 15, 2011
Travel Writing Miscellanea....
Attending a writing conference can be an exhaustive and stressful time - you often don't know anyone, you feel that you know nothing, and there is so much to see and hear. But if you follow these top tips - Notes from a First-Time Attendee: What I Learned at NATJA - from Kristen over at Travel Writing 2.0, you'll be able to relax and enjoy the experience.
See,Go,Write features an Interview with Keith Jenkins of Velvet Escape.
Wild Junket has an interview with travel writer Annie Bennett.
Over at Travelblather, Jeremy Heard asks Is the travel blogger lifestyle really that great?
Photographer Dan Christopher considers What Wannabe Travel Writers Need To Know Immediately while at the 2011 NATJA writers conference.
Moon Travel Guides are offering a free ebook download of its all-new Moon Maya 2012 travel guide written by Central America travel expert Joshua Berman.
Friday, October 14, 2011
Photo Friday: The changing face of Christchurch
This is what 7000 plus shakes in 13 months looks like...
Although, in reality, it looks more like this...
Check out DeliciousBaby.com for more photo fridays from around the world.
This week's photo tips...
A Cowards Guide to Street Photography
10 Small Things that Make a Big Difference in Your Photos
S is for Simplicity: How Simplicity Will Improve Your Photography
18 Tips for Shooting from a Train
Travel Photography Made Simple – Improving Your Photos Through Composition
Thursday, October 13, 2011
Wanderlust and Lipstick Travel Writing Contest...
Wanderlust and Lipstick are seeking entries for their fourth annual travel writing contest.
Amateur and professional female travel writers are encouraged to enter this travel writing contest which features a grand prize of an Unlimited-Luxury® 7-day stay for two at Secrets Huatulco Resort & Spa in Conejos Bay, Mexico.
The contest runs October 1, 2011 through December 31, 2011, and the winning writers will be announced in mid- February.
Entries may be submitted under one of the following categories: Adventure, Food & Drink, Off the Beaten Path or Spiritual.
Click on submission guidelines for more details about the travel writing contest and how to enter.
Tuesday, October 11, 2011
Win a spot on a photo walk around New York City...
Western Digital is hosting a NYC Photo Walk with WD Creative Master and Canon Explorer of Light, Bruce Dorn, on Wednesday, October 26, the day before PhotoPlus Expo opens.
Keen photographers interested in being chosen to participate in this photo walk need to submit one of their photographs plus a brief, 100 word description on why they want to participate.
Eight lucky winners will spend three hours exploring NYC with renowned photographer Bruce Dorn, during which time they will get one-on-one photographic guidance.
Each of the eight winners will also receive a Lowepro bag, Lexar memory card and WD My Passport drive.
Plus, one of the participants will receive a Grand Prize package consisting of a WD TV media player, WD Livewire Powerline AV network Kit, WD My Book Live Personal Cloud storage drive, and a Lowepro roller bag.
All entries must be received no later than 11:59 p.m. on October 10 (Pacific Time).
Enter at www.wdphotowalk.com
Travel Writing Contest for North American writers...
The city of Richmond is British Columbia's fourth-largest city, a fact that not many people outside of British Columbia know. After all, the face of B.C. is Vancouver.
But Tourism Richmond is hoping to change that by way of a travel writing contest.
Open to all North American travel writers who have visited the area.
There are two $1000 prizes - one for the best Richmond food story and one for the best Richmond destination piece.
All entries must have been published in print or online media publications (ie magazines, newspapers, websites, and blogs) between April 1, 2011 to March 31, 2012.
All contest entries must also be submitted to Tourism Richmond by June 1, 2012.
All entries will be reviewed by an independent qualified panel with the winner in each category being announced in November 2012.
For more information check out Tourism Richmond's travel writing contest page.
Monday, October 10, 2011
Weekly Top 5 Blog Posts for Writers...
1. How to Get Blogging Jobs: 10 Quick Tips to Prepare Your Blog for Gigs
2. But Why Would You… Not Spend the Time to Learn Indie Publishing?
3. 10 Key Points Freelancers Must Know About LinkedIn
4. The 5-Step Process that Solves Three Painful Writing Problems
5. How I Got Lost…and Found 6 Fear-Busting Writer Tips
Saturday, October 08, 2011
TED Video: Andrew Evans talks about pursuing your travel dream...
Andrew Evans (of Where's Andrew fame) gives an inspirational talk at the TEDxDanubia conference in Budapest about how he managed to pursue his dream of traveling to the Antarctica.
Friday, October 07, 2011
Photo Friday: The doorways of Tallinn, Estonia
Check out DeliciousBaby.com for more photo fridays from around the world.
Thursday, October 06, 2011
MatadorU: From travel writing courses to press trips...
So you want to be a travel writer?
But where to start....
Matador U might just be able to help.
MatadorU has the answer to that question and many, many more. Since 2009, this online education center - an offshoot of it's online travel publication - has been offering a travel writing advice and courses.
And due to the success of their MatadorU Travel Writing Course and MatadorU Travel Photography Course, they are now also able to help their students and graduates secure press trips and writer in residence programs.
In other words, they don't just teach. They also nurture, support, and promote their students and graduates to tourism boards and media outlets around the world.
Sounds like just the thing for anyone starting out or for anyone looking to take the leap from amateur to professional.
Wednesday, October 05, 2011
Travel Writing Miscellanea....
Discover the 10 of the Most Beautiful Libraries and Bookshops to Visit on Your Travels with BootsnAll.com
Zoe Davis from The Quirky Traveler offers 10 questions & top tips before going on a Blog Trip
Three travel Editors Speak Their Mind over at Travel Writing 2.0
National Geographic listed the Top 10 Literary Cities
Tuesday, October 04, 2011
Stop Dreaming and Start Packing with Meet Plan Go
If taking a career break to travel is something that you've been thinking about, then Meet Plan Go might just be the ticket to get you moving.
Meet Plan Go's second annual nationwide event will be held in 17 cities around the USA on October 18th. It's the perfect chance to meet like-minded travelers who have decided that now is the time to jump out of the office cubicle and onto the road.
Benefits of attending:
• The opportunity to meet like-minded individuals who want to escape the cube.
• The chance to be inspired by those who have already done so.
• And gaining the motivation to actually make your travel dreams come true.
Meet Plan Go event locations:
Austin | Boston | Chicago | Denver | Honolulu | Las Vegas | Los Angeles| Minneapolis | New Orleans | New York City | Orlando | Portland | San Francisco | Seattle | St. Louis | Toronto | Washington DC
Monday, October 03, 2011
2012 Travel Bloggers Unite Conference to be held in Umbria, Italy...
Travel Bloggers Unite (TBU) has just announced that their 2012 conference will be held in Umbria, Italy between 20 - 22 April.
Following on the success of the recent TBU Innsbruck conference (read Ken Kaminesky's review), the gang at Travel Bloggers Unite are aiming to make next year's conference 'the best travel blogging conference yet' by bringing travel bloggers + writers together with travel PRs, tourist boards and travel companies and offering a variety of expert led workshops, city tours, and networking opportunities.
Learn more about schedule overview and how to book for this travel blogging conference here.
Travel to Europe wasn't really on my radar for next year, but having read a number of reviews of TBU's Innsbruck travel blogging conference, I've decided that this sounds like an opportunity too good to miss so I've gone ahead and booked a ticket.
Now I just have to work out the logistics of getting there.
Weekly Top 5 Blog Posts for Writers...
1.This Is Why You're Not Landing Blogging Jobs
2. How to Make Thousands of Dollars Monthly by Writing Guest Posts
3. From Blogging to Published Book: The Nitty Gritty Pros, Cons and Considerations
4. Here's Why No One Reads Your Blog
5. The Ultimate 15 point Checklist to Make Your Writing Come Alive
Sunday, October 02, 2011
Enter Lonely Planet's Great Journeys Contest...
Ever dream of taking a trip on the famous Trans-Siberian Railway from Moscow to Beijing via Mongolia?
Then Lonely Planet might just be able to issue you the required boarding pass.
They have teamed up with Railbookers to sponsor a Great Journeys contest with the winner (and their guest) will score not only a trip trip onboard the Trans-Siberian Railway from Moscow to Beijing via Mongolia, but also 2 nights hotel accommodation in Moscow, 1 night's hotel accommodation in Beijing and a budget of $5,000 (USD) towards flights.
To enter, visit the contest lonelyplanet.com/greatjourneys and vote for your favorite 'great' journey.
The contest ends on October 7th at 11:59pm GMT.
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