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Travel Journaling in 10 easy steps

TRAVEL JOURNALING

1) KEEP COLORFUL AND FUN PENS, PAPER, OR BLANK JOURNALS CLOSE BY.
No need to jump up for supplies=lets the mind f l o w… No need to worry about typos, spell-check, or proper nouns…just get it all down as close to the event as possible for crisp detail

2) START WITH A FRAMEWORK
Buildings are constructed on a solid foundation, so choose a theme or concept to build upon. Writing about the Sistine Chapel could be detailed in 3 areas: Architecture, Works of Art, and trivia to spice it up.

3) BECOME AN OBSERVER, AND WRITE WHEN INSPIRED
Comedians have the uncanny knack to see a situation from another angle, and exploit it. Describe the scene like a fly on the wall, or as a foreigner in a exotic land.

4) START SMALL, BUT DREAM BIG….
Send your stories for publication: there is nothing like seeing your name in print, and letters to the editor/comments on blogs to spur you on! Start with local newsletters, newspapers, and a blog and see the exponential magic of social media at work.

5) USE YOUR CAMERA SPARINGLY
Yup, really. Ever been on a tour bus and watched all the folks MISS the beauty and vastness of the Washington D.C. mall due to camera focusing, malfunctions, and movement? Postcards work just fine, and are done by professionals.
Savor the teal color of the ocean, smell the cinnamon-apple pies, and let your vision capture the grandeur of an alpine lake.

6) USE KEY WORDS
Robust writing draws the reader in. Avoid clichés, weather reports, and repetitive vocabulary so your reader can’t wait to turn the page.

7) USE ALL 5 SENSES TO THE MAX
For those disabled/retired armchair readers, describe in vivid detail the surroundings. Close your eyes to activate sounds, smells, and touch. “The ground shook as lift-off was announced overhead on huge speakers, and dolphins magically surfaced on the brackish water right in front of my awe-struck eyes.”

8) PUT YOUR WRITING AWAY AND LET IT B R E A T H E
Yup, you’d be amazed at your perspective hours (or preferable days) later. Scrutinize every word to deem if it’s really needed, and cut the waste. Sculptures, paintings, and also writing take time, so set up loose deadlines to let the creative juices f l o w.

9) TICKLE A FUNNY BONE!
We learn with our Head (brain), Heart (love those stories), but the one component to really drive home a message is humor. Share your mishaps, including getting lost, sunburnt, or ripped off by a crafty street vendor. Your reader will relate believe you me!

10) SUBMIT IT FOR PUBLCATION
Then be prepared for REJECTION….remember who wrote a series of books in her CAR? J.R. Rowlings of the famed Harry Potter Series. Devlop a thick skin when submitting stories or poems. At the very worst your family will find them after you are gone. Many a business needs ‘filler’ articles. Approach your condo manager, fitness club, or travel agents who write newsletters. Connect with bloggers, and take time to meet your local newspaper/magazine editors (yes, they will take the time!) Be tenacious, edit edit edit, and you can and will get published!