For a girl who traveled to more than a dozen countries and eight states in the past twelve months, writing Written Road has been one of my favorite highlights of the year. (Not to mention a much needed and appreciated source of structure). From the dark and chilly mornings in Belgium, to arriving in Prague after a few days on the train I was always excited to get online and see what was going on in our travel writing world and share it with you. Solo travel is considerably empowering as you all know, but it has it’s lonely moments. And in those moments, if I didn’t have anyone to talk to, I did have this blog. I could feel connected to other travel writers and following friends any time I wanted.
So, to give my thanks back to you, I’m offering to give feedback on your stories. This is content feedback and market leads. (I don’t do line editing)
Details:
Turn in your stories (the ones you really want to get published) by email as an attached Word doc by Christmas Eve and I’ll get them back to you by New Year’s Day. If we get more than 20 stories, I’ll need another week. If we get way more than that, I reserve the right to cancel this program, so consider it first come first serve. Oh yes, there is a limit of one story per person.
For the one or two of you that are already waiting for my feedback on stories, don’t worry, you are at the top of the list before this holiday project.
Happy Holidays everyone! Now, get writing!
I have no stories for you, but I wanted to extend the thanks too – to you for keeping us all entertained, informed and engaged. Your enthusiasm for the field re-sparked an interest in an old profession for me (I haven’t done any travel writing for many years), which I may or may not follow through on 🙂 But I appreciate your dedication to the blog, and your stories, in any case.
Happy Holidays!
Thanks, T! The emails have started to come in from this and I’ve already received the first submission. I swear those Canadians work harder than us lazy butts south of the border.
In other news, I can’t wait for stats this week!
I stepped out to lunch and now we’re up to #3! keep em coming.
Jen,
I want to echo everything Tonya said in her WR comments about your enthusiasm and interest and information about travel writing — and I will add inspiration. I wake up in the morning, fire up the computer, and read your blog like others read the comics. Then I’m ready to get on a train or plane for somewhere.
Unlike Tonya, I DO have a story (lots actually 🙂 that I’d love to get your feedback on, that I’d love to get published.
Thanks!
Jen,
Thanks for the offer but my well is a little dry these days (sitting in Rhode Island)…
The blog looks good. I wish I had more time to read it all!
Work is moving along on the website. I updated the Grants pages check it out! http://www.MyTravelBug.org/Links/Grants.html
Happy holidays and peaceful travels! Amanda
Have fun at the party. Happy holidays.
Ditto the above. And I have to add I enjoy your style of writing and sharp ideas. Example – the structure the blog has given you in a whirlwind life. The aspect of loneliness when travelling. And the link to others this blog has provided you AND vice versa.
Wow, what a fantastic offer! I was going to send my story this week to TT, but I’d definitely love to hear your thoughts first.
And to echo the other comments, thank you for your blog. As you know, it’s been a big inspiration for me and you’ve helped me gain momentum in my travel writing. I’ve already got 4 other stories near completion, and I’m working on a few magazine article ideas. The best part is, I’m enjoying it!!
And have fun at the BootsNAll Party. I had hoped to attend, but had to cancel. Bummer! I’ll expect to see many pictures of you with a drink in your hand and a smile on your face.
Happy Holidays!!!
Thank you again, everyone! It is great that we’re all getting something out of this virtual water cooler.
And Dave, if you have time, why don’t you be in charge of my party blog stats so I can use them for stats next week.
Photos Jen was smiling:
Photos Jen wasn’t smiling:
Photos Jen had a drink in hand:
Photos Jen was drinking out of a dog bowl: or whatever the craziness will be this year.
I think I could do that. Maybe we should have people submit requests for photos that you should pose for. Sort of like a scavenger hunt. Say, a picture of you balancing a drink on your head, etc. Then you try to get pictures taken of you with a drink on your head, etc. If you reach a certain percentage, then…I dunno, we can give you a prize or something. I haven’t thought this out all the way through.
Any suggestions, anyone?
Dave, I’m game. But from here on out you’ll have to be making your requests via the BnA Party Blog. or up in the party post I put up today. I will be in a car and hardly online at all this weekend except for posting my stats at the crack of dawn tomorrow. After that, it’s all beer and breakky with the BootBoyz.
Sounds good. Will do.
I’d suggest getting a picture with as many people as possible, although I wouldn’t be able to name many of them. I’ll give points for the following:
how many people you kiss on the cheek
how many people you pick up (lift off the floor) or who pick you up/carry you (bonus points for chicken fight competitions)
how many different types of drinks you’re seen holding (different brands of beer (label must be visible), different colored mixed drinks, whatever)
how many card games you’re seen playing (solitaire doesn’t count)
The award system for points will be purely arbitrary. Judges decisions are final, although this judge is pretty indecisive, so no worries there. Offer void in OH, VT, or FL. May cause skin irritation and temporary blindness. This offer will not be repeated. I repeat, this offer will not be repeated. Operators are standing by. Order now!