Study Spanish in Antigua, Guatemala
It was after midnight when the plane touched down in Guatemala City. The streets were clear of traffic and the moon had risen high above the jacaranda trees silhouetting Pacaya volcano, with its molten lava spilling out the cone. A short winding ride later, I neared my hotel in Antigua. The streets were empty, the wrought-iron gates of the colonial homes locked up tight and the air chill as the driver jumped out and rang the buzzer. And rang and rang and rang. The sleepy owner finally woke up and led me past a lantern-lit courtyard to my room. It was the doorman’s first day and he...
Read MoreA Maritime writers retreat and a labyrinth
Looking at the circular shape of the labyrinth on the lawn at the Tatamagouche Centre, I’m hoping my writing does more than go around in circles while I’m here. I’m in Tatamagoughe, on the eastern shore of Nova Scotia. at an independent writers retreat. Tatamagouche is an educational and spiritual centre operated by the United Church of Canada. It offers a place of learning, creativity and renewal and is open to lay people of all denominations and faiths. I was lucky enough to get a bursary to attend its writers retreat. One of the highlights of the facility, in addition to its...
Read MoreAre freebies out of control?
Spread the word and you might stay free Freebies, swag, discounts, promos or comps, no matter what you call it, free stuff is a fact of life in the world of PR. But recently I’ve started to wonder if it’s all gotten a bit out of control. And I’ve even started to feel sorry for hotel PR reps. It all began when I read the Smart Cookie column in the May 24 issue of the Globe and Mail. Angela Self recommends in Travel Deals: ask and you shall receive that readers looking to save money on their next vacation should “Contact the PR representative listed...
Read MoreCareer advice at a conference in Bermuda
When I first started travel writing, many people told me the secret to success was to specialize. Pick a subject — golf, family travel, spa or even a country — and write about it. And only it. You’ll build your brand, increase awareness of your writing and grow your business. The strategy has worked well for travel writing friends like Carol Perehudoff (spas) and Sherel Purcell ( golf). I tried to do it. I really did. I wrote about cuisine and outdoor adventure – a lot. But I also wrote about NASCAR, sex museums, spas, spirituality and hotels for dogs. Basically...
Read MoreInside the NYC Pitch & Shop Conference 2011
Got a book to sell? This is the place to go. Held in the Ripley Grier Studios on the 16th floor of 520 Eighth Avenue in Midtown New York, Algonkian NYC Pitch & Shop is a workshop for writers who want to get their books published. It’s a 4-day event which involves developing a synopsis, honing it with your workshop leader (and 15 writers) and then pitching it to an editor. If they like what they hear, they’ll request a copy of your manuscript. Here’s what I learned: Soak up the excitement. You’ll be rubbing shoulders with aspiring actors auditioning for...
Read More12 sure-fire sources for stellar press trips
“Where to next?” If you’re a travel writer, January is an important time of year. Travel conference schedules have been finalized and, although invitations or editorial assignments can come up any time, it’s worth planning your schedule now so you don’t miss key events. Or, get stuck going somewhere nasty. Whether you love ‘em or hate ‘em, press trips will likely be part of the process. In his recent post Who would want to be a travel writer?, veteran freelance travel writer Mark Hodson notes that “when the recession first hit,...
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Wandering Carol
In 2003, I left the corporate world to try my hand at travel writing. Now, I travel the world, writing about people, places and cuisine. My writing has appeared in over 100 publications and anthologies. 
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