Jeroo & Gustasp Irani are the rockstars of Indian travel writing. Warm, gentle and amazing in their dedication to their profession, the couple boast a resume that reads like a travel writer’s dream. We met them in Spain, and requested them to share nuggets from their wealth of wisdom. Read and be inspired!

travel-writing

  • Be professional and that includes how you write, your dealings with editors and while on assignment.
  • Use words to communicate; not to impress or confuse.
  • Use images and enthusiasm rather than adjectives. For instance, instead of saying ‘a beautiful church,’ talk about how its reflection crinkled in rippling waters. Instead of saying you saw a tiger kill, describe it: the tearing of raw flesh – the stirring of primitive savage instincts you did not know lurked within you.
  • When recording history, especially up front in an article, remember you are writing a travel piece, not a history book. Of course, if there is an interesting anecdote then go ahead and use it.
  • Avoid lazy writing, such as listing things one can see and do. Talk about the experience.
  • When on assignment, get involved… dig into local food, culture, adventure activities. It adds punch to the story.
  • Know the publication you are writing for and write to their specifications.
  • Keep to your deadlines. Let editors know you are reliable
  • If you are invited on a press FAM (Familiarisation Trip), respect others on the trip and your host. Avoid being late and remember: this is not a holiday but an assignment.
  • Travel writing and photographs go hand in hand: you can’t have one without the other. So if you don’t have a camera, make sure you know where to get stock pictures to illustrate your article.
  • If you do carry a camera, respect the people you are taking photographs of
  • A fancy camera does not give you the right of way: the point-and-shoots have equal rights to taking pictures.

Read more at www.gustaspandjeroo.com