To Write:  Go Traveling

K Wordbird Bate  The Writer's Life Coach

     I can think just now of three great reasons to consider writing about your travels this summer. Whether you're staying close to home or braving an entirely new culture or environment, when you keep a journal of your adventures you create a gift as you write, which remains a precious gift far into your future.

     The first reason to write about your travels is for your own pleasure and later enjoyment. You can journal what expect or hope to find; why you are traveling and with whom; the trails and joys along the way; and how you feel about the trip as the moments and the hours go by. You can share your writings with your kin, or journal together as a family. It's a great opportunity for your children to practice observation, self-expression and written communication skills.

     A second purpose for writing about travel is to share your trip with others who are elsewhere. You tell them about the Grand Canyon, the Amazon Forest, The Great Wall of China or any of the thousands upon thousands of amazing small treasures you may experience-you'll create a picture for them so they can imagine you there, and feel closer with you as you journey.

     A third inspiration for travel writing is to create a professional piece you'll research, smooth edit and sell. You may write a unique guide to places you know other people want to visit (such as biking paths, Bed and Breakfasts, or major historical sites); you may write about a specific culture or People (a German Beer Fest, Swedish dancers, artists who make Ice Sculptures, The Amish); you may write about ordinary people in an ordinary town who are experiencing something unusual (a flood, an anniversary, a historic event that occurred there). The topics are as endless as this world is fascinating.

     Be sure to take your camera, a journal and a pen to back up any electronic equipment, and your preferred writing methods. Bring along a sketch pad, and a manila envelope or similar way to carry any materials you pick up. Always start by dating the top of each page, and make any other important notes, such as location, time or topic. My best advice: don't take yourself too seriously. You'll ruin your trip, and your writing. Just relax, pay attention, have fun and....

Let Yourself Bloom!

© Kimberly E. Bate