Yes, those of us who are travel writers do make a living at it, but we have some colleagues who hold down two jobs, doing their thing at something else part of the time and dashing around as journalists whenever they get the chance. Whether you intend to make writing about travel your fulltime profession or a second occupation, check this out:
How to shape your writing and then market it successfully is the subject of a travel writing workshop being held down in balmy Key West this coming January. It's organized by the Heritage House Museum & Garden, a charming compound that includes the island's second oldest home, the Robert Frost Cottage (where the poet lived in winter), and a luscious garden with the Florida Keys' best collection of orchids. The teacher is our own Bob Fisher, a contributor to this website.
There are two classes, the first to be held from January 20 to 23, 2006, the second one week later, from January 27 to 30. Bob presents a "Travel Writing 101 Workshop" in the museum gardens and in the Frost Cottage, where he'll bring his updated curriculum (now including blogs) to a maximum of 14 students in each session. The cost is just $275 (payable to Heritage House) for two days of instruction (four hours per day on each Saturday and Sunday), an evening reception on Friday and optional tutoring and critique sessions between classes or on the Monday following.
There will be written and oral assignments. Students are strongly encouraged to bring a laptop, not for classes, but for the homework chores. An outline of the course can be found on the Heritage House website listed below.
Participants are responsible for their own transportation to Key West and accommodations while there. The Heritage House website gives current recommendations for moderately priced lodging and other helpful information about this popular winter getaway spot.
All events take place at Heritage House Museum, 410 Caroline Street, Key West FL 33040 (tel. 305/296-3573; www.heritagehousemuseum.org; e-mail: heritagehouse@aol.com). Questions about the course can be directed to Bob at bobharu@aol.com.
