On Saturday, September 13th, 16 travel writers turned their backs on the glorious autumn sun to attend the monthly BCATW Meetup held at Randi’s Room in Yaletown.
This month’s Meetup speaker was BCATW member Roberta Staley, an award-winning magazine editor and writer with experience reporting from the developing world and conflict and post-conflict zones. Her presentation, Reporting and Writing Off the Beaten Track, described ways to find stories in unusual places and how to find markets in which to sell those stories.
She said that contrary to perceptions, this is actually a great time to be a travel writer. Travel magazines and networks are doing well for one simple reason: baby boomers. They’re rich and spoiled and ready to travel.
Staley was especially enthusiastic about Matador Network, a travel journalism site, and its extension, Matador University, which offers online courses in travel writing, photography and filmmaking.
Pitch that Story
For pitching stories, she emphasizes the need for a good hook to reel in an editor. Plus, do your research on each publication you’re pitching.
“The pitch should be framed to fit the mandate and style of the publication you’re pitching to,” she says.
To write a good story, you must have new news, not old news.
Once you have an idea of what you want to report on, she says, ask yourself the following questions:
- What type of research do you need to do? Where and how will you do your research?
- How will you get to this place? What arrangements will you make to ensure that you are welcome?
- What materials will you take with you?
- What will you look for? What do you think your angle will be?
- How safe is it?
- How much preparation time will I need?
- What do I look for?
- What publication might take a story like this?
- Are there political overtones to this story? Is it cultural, sightseeing, or related to human rights?
- How do I ensure I have all the information that I need to write the story?
The advice came thick and fast as Staley roared through course notes that were provided to attendees.
We spent the last 20 minutes pitching Staley our story ideas and getting her feedback. This was quite a useful exercise as it reinforced the importance of having hook for a story.
Thanks Roberta Staley for providing an enlightening and invigorating meetup!
Upcoming BCATW Meetup
Meetup organizer Randi Winter announced speakers for upcoming Meetups. In October, we’ll have Rickey Shetty of YVR Bloggers to speak about monetizing your blog. More on that soon!
If you are not a registered user of Meetup, please join now!
Meetup membership is free and you can join any group that catches your fancy. Joining the BCATW Meetup is the best way to get news and information about our upcoming meetups.
See you at the next BCATW Meetup!
I’m disappointed I couldn’t attend due to a prior commitment, but I’m glad to read the meetup with Roberta Staley was successful and well attended.