September 1, 2004 -- If you've ever thought travel writing would be a great way to make a living, here's your chance to learn. Is the job all about flying off to exotic climes, world capitals and adventure-laden treks or is it something else? How much actual work is involved, or is it just traveling leisurely and having a good time? You can find out in one of three workshops being held in sunny Key West this winter by Frommers.com contributing editor, Robert Haru Fisher. The two-day weekend workshops will be held from January 28 to February 13, 2005.
The Key West Travel Writing Workshop is open to anyone who wants to learn the craft of travel writing and reporting. The course is geared for those persons who want to write for publication in magazines, newspapers or blogs; or to become more articulate in personal journal-keeping as well. Each class will be limited to 14 students; course fees are $275 per person, the same as last year.
At the request of former students, Fisher will be teaching an "Alumni Class" for the first time this year. This course is open to those students who have previously completed the regular course. This master class will take place February 18-20, after the series of regular courses, thus making this year's students eligible as well. Tuition is also $275 per person; this advanced course follows a different curriculum including new writing assignments.
The regular workshops begin with an orientation on Friday evenings at Key West's lovely, old, award-winning Heritage House Museum, the site of the Robert Frost Cottage where the classes are taught. The sessions meet for two hours each morning and afternoon on Saturdays and Sundays. Students receive short overnight assignments that can be returned the following day or up to a month later (by mail, e-mail, fax or in person).
Over the short course weekends, class members can also schedule private conferences with Fisher for critiques of works in progress or to go over personal goals. Participants will also read and discuss each other's work. He will offer guidance on voice, style and maintaining an attention-getting approach, as well as advise on marketing articles, new trends in publishing and working on the Internet. (As a former Key West resident, he can also give you hints on where to go and what to do.)
In addition to his work for Frommers.com, Fisher has been a contributing editor to Arthur Frommer's Budget Travel magazine; served as an author and the editor-in-chief for the Fodor's travel guides; and has written or edited the Off Season series for St. Martin's Press, the Crown Insiders' Guides, The Gault Millau series and his own line, Fisher's Annotated Guides.
Airline and hotel reservations for Key West are the responsibility of the participant, but information about the latter is provided by Heritage House on its website, www.heritagehousemuseum.org, where you can also find curriculum details. You can contact Heritage House by phone at 305/296-3573, via fax 305/292-5723 or by e-mail at heritagehouse@aol.com.
More information on housing and transportation is available through The Florida Keys & Key West at 800/FLA KEYS (same as 800/352-5397) or at www.fla-keys.com.