
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!
- 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
от *Great post however , I was wiatnng to know if you could write a litte more on this subject? I’d be very thankful if you could elaborate a little bit further. Bless you!