Travel Writing on Location

Travel and writing go hand in hand. The favorite pen, time alone in a cafe, late nights in the glow of your laptop screen. Travel writing is getting paid to research and write... in other words, to do what we love, all while enjoying a break from routine and finding surprises waiting around every corner when we travel.

Travel Writing on Location is offering a terrific opportunity:  Native American & Spanish Heritage in New Mexico: Santa Fe. May 2-6, 2013. Details on this and more workshops for writers can be accessed at their comprehensive site: http://travelwritingonlocation.com/writing-workshop-in-taos-santa-fe-nm/

As I frequently tell you, "There's never been a better time to be a writer." So, when you see a good opportunity to travel, take a writing workshop and return home with new skills, find a way to make it happen!  I'll see you after the conference!

A six-week course on self-publishing

Two publishing workshops I've done in 2013 attracted a total of nearly 150 people. Clearly, many of you writers are ready to explore the avenues to publishing. And a huge number of people are ready to produce an ebook, either as an adjunct to a current print book, or as a first step in the digital world. Your timing is great because Media Bistro has a six-week online class that might be perfect for you ...

Transform your manuscript into an eBook in our Self-Publishing Finishing School. Develop a strategy to design, market, and publicize your eBook with industry professionals such as Mark Coker (founder, Smashwords) and Guy Kawasaki (author, APE! What the Plus).

Register here.  The online class runs April 3 to May 8, 2013.

You've heard me speak highly of Mark Coker, of Smashwords, and if you aren't familiar with Guy Kawasaki, he is a real delight. He will be discussing two of his books. What the Plus refers to understanding the power of Google Plus. Here is my review of his recent book:  APE: Author Publisher Entrepreneur. I can guarantee, with these two speakers, the online workshop will also be great fun.

How long does it take to blog?

Many people think blogging is time-consuming. Judge for yourself. ...

We know creating a blog involves choosing a template and making a first post. But does it take a lot of time every week or every month to keep it up-to-date?  Not really. Your blog is a communication tool, and composing a blog post is as easy as sending an email:  Just like typing a subject line, message, and clicking Post.

For writers, who are busy juggling words all day, a blog can seem like one more item on the to-do list. But starting a blog gives you another opportunity to do what we do best -- write.

Your blog can be informative about your topic, inquiring or pondering issues that come up during your writing, aspects of your book, or those of famous writers, and general observations on the writing life.  You can quote other information sources, share photos, or ask questions.

As I mentioned yesterday in an OCWW workshop, you can always make the leap to a blog and keep it private at first. Or you can post references to items of interest that you read elsewhere, just to begin sharing and begin building the base of your readership.

Believe me, if you want to write for a magazine, get a column, or attract an agent, your blog will be crucial in showing off your personality, your voice, and your future.

You don't need to be profound.  Just be found.

Helen