BCATW Meetup Announced for June 25, Travel Writing Basics

The BCATW has announced its first Meetup of 2014.

Just in time for the summer travel season, Ruth Kozak will give her short course, Travel Writing Basics.

The seminar will cover 8 various points of travel writing, to give travel writers the skills they need to sell their stories.

Travel Writing Basics

Types of Travel writing: ARTICLES, BLOGS, JOURNALS, MEMOIRS. What is the difference between a BLOG and an ARTICLE? Keeping Journals while you travel. Writing about trips you took in the past.

WRITING THE LEAD: The lead is an important part of your story as it draws the readers in. Practice writing leads. Make an outline of the story you wish to write

ARTICLE SLANT: Different aspects of one travel adventure (List a few new slants for your story.) * Write about a memorable meal you had while traveling

WRITING WITH ALL FIVE SENSES (Including DESCRIPTION) Sight (colours) Hearing (sounds) Touch (texture) Taste, Smell. (Write about a place where you’d love to be. Take us there by describing it with all five senses.)

PUTTING PEOPLE IN YOUR PICTURE (Describe a character you’ve met on your travels. Try to include some dialogue.)

HOW TO INCLUDE HISTORICAL INFORMATION and OTHER INFORMATION NEEDED FOR A TRAVEL ARTICLE SIDE-BAR. How much? Where to research? Getting your facts straight (difficulty of hike, length of time, altitude of mountains etc).

FINDING MARKETS: Where to look. Sending QUERIES. The importance of reading GUIDELINES before submitting.

EDITING TIPS: Make sure your story is error-free before you post or send it. Some simple editing tips.

The Travel Writing Basics Meetup will be held at Randi’s Room in Vancouver’s Yaletown.

Attendance requires RSVP at the BCATW Meetup page. Signing up to Meetup.com is free. The Meetup itself is $10, charged at the door. BCATW members get in free.

Capacity is limited so please sign up to Meetup.com and RSVP to Travel Writing Basics, June 25, 2014, 7-9 pm.

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