amanda castleman - travel writing course

On-line travel
writing instruction

Writers.com offers my ten-week travel journalism classes several times a year. The next introductory course begins on November 26, 2007. I conduct the course on-line, through the excellent Internet classroom service www.nicenet.org.

Travel writing:
From free trips
to flat tires
(10 weeks)

The glamour of travel writing attracts many people. After all, who wouldn't want free trips to exotic destinations? But it's not all easy living. Journalists must concoct ideas, sell them, plan the trip, research extensively and then craft a gripping article. It's work. Nice work, if you can get it, but a far cry from slobbing on the beach with a margarita.

The ten-week course prepares you to enter this competitive arena. Explore the different types of travel writing, including first-person memoirs, destination guides, historic reflections and news flashes for globe-trotting executives. Learn to devise appealing pitches and target the right editors. Discover the tricks of the trade, from filing taxes to building a journalism portfolio.

Other topics include narrative devices, polishing prose, research techniques and – perhaps the greatest challenge – how to earn a living wage. The class also covers ethical considerations (for example, those cushy subsidized trips alienate publications like The New York Times and The Los Angeles Times).

You don't need to be a world traveler to become a "writer about place". Reveal the secrets of your hometown for visitors. Record an exceptional hike or festival. Share family holiday hassles and tips on how to avoid friction. The important thing is to learn how to capture a journey's sensations – even the frustration of a flat tire – then spin them into published work and paychecks.

This course takes you through the process step-by-step, with feedback from the teacher and other students. It can help amateur and seasoned writers alike discover a new voice and inspiration. By the last lesson, you should have a polished draft ready for submission – and be on your way to making vacation a vocation.

Next dates: November 26 (includes a two-week holiday break); February 25, 2008; May 12, 2008; July 21, 2008; September 29, 2008.
Fee: $270 via Writers.com

Course
Outline

Class 1 : Specializing
What is travel writing? Controversy. Three catchall categories: inverted pyramid, commentary and features-style. The different facets of travel writing, including essays, adventure tales, destination guides, news briefs, special interest and historic articles. Capturing the moment. Goals and experience. Assignment: Travel journal (500 words or less).

Class 2 : Bright ideas
Generating concepts. News angles. Write what you know. Spotting trends. Press releases. Media kits. Press trip and tour traps. Online options. Research. Travel writing and literature. Guidebooks. Review journal entries. Assignment: Brainstorm ten story ideas (500 words or less).

Class 3 : Selling the goods
Researching your market. Keeping an eye on the competition. Writer's guidelines. Writing succinct and successful queries. Approaching editors. Simultaneous submissions. Writing on speculation. Portfolios. Trappings of the trade. Snail mail vs. electronic pitching. Do you need a Web site? Review story pitches. Assignment: Query letter. Focus on one story idea for development (500 words or less).

Class 4 : Building blocks
Interviews. A colorful palette. Revise concepts. Key volumes. Guidebooks. Online resources. Review query letters. Assignment: Find ten resources for your article (500 words or less).

Class 5: Story structure
Themes. A snappy start. Prioritizing information. Transitions. A strong finish. Sidebars. Review resources. Assignment: Article outline (500 words or less).

Class 6: Writing finesse/ On the road
Errors to avoid. Finishing touches. Fact-checking. Pre-trip research. Planning, but not over-planning. Tools. Cultural sensitivity. Reality versus romanticism. Review outline. Assignment: Begin the rough draft (500 words or less).

Class 7 : Travel photography
The pros and cons of self-sufficiency. Basic composition. Photojournalism versus snapshots. Model release. Equipment: getting started. Lenses. Accessories. Fim and slide. Digital. Submissions. Stock shots. Review rough draft. Assignment: Finish the rough draft (500 words or less).

Class 8 : Toning up
Target audience. Viewpoint. Colorful language and metaphor. AP style. Punchy headlines. Short, clear sentence structure. Avoiding word repetition. Writers to emulate. Review rough draft. Assignment: Polishing your article (1,000 words or less).

Class 9 : Ethics and etiquette
Subsidized trips. Freebie ethics. The middle road. The benefits of anonymity. Recycling material. Following up a pitch politely. Dealing with rejections. Courtesy in the face of frustration. Advertising pressure. Coping with rewrites. Review article. Assignment: Prepare package for submission (1,500 words or less). Post questions.

Class 10 : Nuts and bolts
Rates. Syndication. Earning a living wage. Rights. Invoices. Tax and Accounting. Where to go from here: Conferences, organizations and books. Q&A.

Frequently
Asked
Questions
Can I travel during class?
Students – and the instructor – frequently travel during the course. The lessons and discussions remain online, and late submissions are welcome by special arrangement throughout the ten-week period. The decision should hinge upon your work habits: can you work and focus well on the road? Will you have the discipline to make up assignments back home?
Is the introductory course suitable for experienced writers?
Absolutely. I've taught full-time travel journalists and professionals jumping genres or reviving old skills (including a former Los Angeles Times' staffer). Most find the pitching advice and line-critiques (detailed feedback on assignments) the most valuable aspects, as well as the class camaraderie.

How much time does it take?
The time commitment varies, of course, but students seem to average 30-60 minutes for the reading and at least 60-90 for the assignments (some may be quicker, like the outline). Ambitious students can delve deep via links and articles: some study is self-guided and entirely optional.

Why only one article?
Resources and rewriting separate beginners from the pros. I designed this course to address typical weaknesses.

I live outside the U.S. Is this a problem?
The class is entirely online with no fixed hours. All you need is a word-processing program, Internet access, a browser and a credit card. A recent session included students from Ireland, Scotland, Prague, India and New Zealand, as well as across North America; such a mix really invigorates the class.

When are the next classes?
February 25, 2008; May 12, 2008; July 21, 2008; September 29, 2008.

What happened to the advanced workshop?
My friend and colleague Edward Readicker-Henderson will be teaching this for a while. My course remains a prerequisite.

What if I have another question?
I'm happy to field questions about content (amandacastleman@hotmail.com), while Mark Dahlby can answer any administrative queries (writers@writers.com).

Tutoring

Private instruction allows one-on-one relationships between instructors and writers at all levels. I can critique and hone texts; help with plot and structure; tune dialogue; aid research; teach the fundamentals of craft; or prepare a manuscript for submission.

Fee: $53 per hour via Writers.com. I bill one hour for a detailed line-critique of 750 words or for a more holistic overview of larger texts, depending on the student's needs, budget and word count.

Money permitting, I would recommend at least one line-critique (where I edit the piece thoroughly and explain the rationale behind each suggestion). Most pupils – even experienced journalists for publications like the Los Angeles Times – considert this the most valuable service I offer. Please contact Mark Dahlby for further details.

Comments

"I haven't taken Amanda Castleman's class – I already make a living as a travel writer – but because she's a friend, she just looked over a 6,000-word piece I was doing for National Geographic Traveler. Plain and simple, her comments and suggestions were the best I have ever seen from any editor, anywhere. Amanda's a genius."
– Edward Readicker-Henderson
Winner of a 2004 Lowell Thomas Award.
"She is a dream teacher, just the right balance between a knuckle-rapping tutor and a mom full of hugs. Thanks again for Writers on the Net. The course fees are lots cheaper than a shrink!"
– Linda Petrucelli

"To have my first article accepted by the first publication I approached – the Christian Science Monitor – was like rocket fuel for me, and I have Amanda Castleman's expertise to thank."
– Anne Clippinger, PhD
Adjunct Lecturer, Department of English, Montgomery College, Md.

"After taking her class, I went on to publish a number of travel writing stories and currently have 20 travel assignments due to my favourite editor (Canadian Living's online presence: www.canadianliving.com) before July 1. I started picking up assignments while taking Amanda's class and have kept all my notes for easy reference. Cheers."
– Dee Van Dyk
Professional Member
Periodical Writers Association of Canada
Travel Media Association of Canada

Read more reviews

Resources

I am unable to respond to all requests for career advice, due to a busy work schedule. My best (and admittedly biased) recommendation? However, I've posted some advice here, as well as a list of books and sites useful for travel writing, part of my curriculum.

Updated September 2007

Back to the teaching index

On-line travel writing instruction		Writers.com offers my ten-week travel journalism classes several times a year. The next introductory course begins on November 26, 2007. I conduct the course on-line, through the excellent Internet classroom service www.nicenet.org.
Travel writing: From free trips to flat tires (10 weeks)		The glamour of travel writing attracts many people. After all, who wouldn't want free trips to exotic destinations? But it's not all easy living. Journalists must concoct ideas, sell them, plan the trip, research extensively and then craft a gripping article. It's work. Nice work, if you can get it, but a far cry from slobbing on the beach with a margarita. The ten-week course prepares you to enter this competitive arena. Explore the different types of travel writing, including first-person memoirs, destination guides, historic reflections and news flashes for globe-trotting executives. Learn to devise appealing pitches and target the right editors. Discover the tricks of the trade, from filing taxes to building a journalism portfolio. Other topics include narrative devices, polishing prose, research techniques and – perhaps the greatest challenge – how to earn a living wage. The class also covers ethical considerations (for example, those cushy subsidized trips alienate publications like The New York Times and The Los Angeles Times). You don't need to be a world traveler to become a "writer about place". Reveal the secrets of your hometown for visitors. Record an exceptional hike or festival. Share family holiday hassles and tips on how to avoid friction. The important thing is to learn how to capture a journey's sensations – even the frustration of a flat tire – then spin them into published work and paychecks. This course takes you through the process step-by-step, with feedback from the teacher and other students. It can help amateur and seasoned writers alike discover a new voice and inspiration. By the last lesson, you should have a polished draft ready for submission – and be on your way to making vacation a vocation. Next dates: November 26 (includes a two-week holiday break); February 25, 2008; May 12, 2008; July 21, 2008; September 29, 2008. Fee: $270 via Writers.com
Course Outline		Class 1 : Specializing What is travel writing? Controversy. Three catchall categories: inverted pyramid, commentary and features-style. The different facets of travel writing, including essays, adventure tales, destination guides, news briefs, special interest and historic articles. Capturing the moment. Goals and experience. Assignment: Travel journal (500 words or less). Class 2 : Bright ideas Generating concepts. News angles. Write what you know. Spotting trends. Press releases. Media kits. Press trip and tour traps. Online options. Research. Travel writing and literature. Guidebooks. Review journal entries. Assignment: Brainstorm ten story ideas (500 words or less). Class 3 : Selling the goods Researching your market. Keeping an eye on the competition. Writer's guidelines. Writing succinct and successful queries. Approaching editors. Simultaneous submissions. Writing on speculation. Portfolios. Trappings of the trade. Snail mail vs. electronic pitching. Do you need a Web site? Review story pitches. Assignment: Query letter. Focus on one story idea for development (500 words or less). Class 4 : Building blocks Interviews. A colorful palette. Revise concepts. Key volumes. Guidebooks. Online resources. Review query letters. Assignment: Find ten resources for your article (500 words or less). Class 5: Story structure Themes. A snappy start. Prioritizing information. Transitions. A strong finish. Sidebars. Review resources. Assignment: Article outline (500 words or less). Class 6: Writing finesse/ On the road Errors to avoid. Finishing touches. Fact-checking. Pre-trip research. Planning, but not over-planning. Tools. Cultural sensitivity. Reality versus romanticism. Review outline. Assignment: Begin the rough draft (500 words or less). Class 7 : Travel photography The pros and cons of self-sufficiency. Basic composition. Photojournalism versus snapshots. Model release. Equipment: getting started. Lenses. Accessories. Fim and slide. Digital. Submissions. Stock shots. Review rough draft. Assignment: Finish the rough draft (500 words or less). Class 8 : Toning up Target audience. Viewpoint. Colorful language and metaphor. AP style. Punchy headlines. Short, clear sentence structure. Avoiding word repetition. Writers to emulate. Review rough draft. Assignment: Polishing your article (1,000 words or less). Class 9 : Ethics and etiquette Subsidized trips. Freebie ethics. The middle road. The benefits of anonymity. Recycling material. Following up a pitch politely. Dealing with rejections. Courtesy in the face of frustration. Advertising pressure. Coping with rewrites. Review article. Assignment: Prepare package for submission (1,500 words or less). Post questions. Class 10 : Nuts and bolts Rates. Syndication. Earning a living wage. Rights. Invoices. Tax and Accounting. Where to go from here: Conferences, organizations and books. Q&A.
Frequently Asked Questions		Can I travel during class? Students – and the instructor – frequently travel during the course. The lessons and discussions remain online, and late submissions are welcome by special arrangement throughout the ten-week period. The decision should hinge upon your work habits: can you work and focus well on the road? Will you have the discipline to make up assignments back home? *Is the introductory course suitable for experienced writers?* Absolutely. I've taught full-time travel journalists and professionals jumping genres or reviving old skills (including a former Los Angeles Times' staffer). Most find the pitching advice and line-critiques (detailed feedback on assignments) the most valuable aspects, as well as the class camaraderie. *How much time does it take?* The time commitment varies, of course, but students seem to average 30-60 minutes for the reading and at least 60-90 for the assignments (some may be quicker, like the outline). Ambitious students can delve deep via links and articles: some study is self-guided and entirely optional. *Why only one article?* Resources and rewriting separate beginners from the pros. I designed this course to address typical weaknesses. *I live outside the U.S. Is this a problem?* The class is entirely online with no fixed hours. All you need is a word-processing program, Internet access, a browser and a credit card. A recent session included students from Ireland, Scotland, Prague, India and New Zealand, as well as across North America; such a mix really invigorates the class. *When are the next classes?* February 25, 2008; May 12, 2008; July 21, 2008; September 29, 2008. *What happened to the advanced workshop?* My friend and colleague Edward Readicker-Henderson will be teaching this for a while. My course remains a prerequisite. *What if I have another question?* I'm happy to field questions about content (amandacastleman@hotmail.com), while Mark Dahlby can answer any administrative queries (writers@writers.com).
Tutoring		Private instruction allows one-on-one relationships between instructors and writers at all levels. I can critique and hone texts; help with plot and structure; tune dialogue; aid research; teach the fundamentals of craft; or prepare a manuscript for submission. Fee: $53 per hour via Writers.com. I bill one hour for a detailed line-critique of 750 words or for a more holistic overview of larger texts, depending on the student's needs, budget and word count. Money permitting, I would recommend at least one line-critique (where I edit the piece thoroughly and explain the rationale behind each suggestion). Most pupils – even experienced journalists for publications like the Los Angeles Times – considert this the most valuable service I offer. Please contact Mark Dahlby for further details.
Comments		"I haven't taken Amanda Castleman's class – I already make a living as a travel writer – but because she's a friend, she just looked over a 6,000-word piece I was doing for National Geographic Traveler. Plain and simple, her comments and suggestions were the best I have ever seen from any editor, anywhere. Amanda's a genius." – Edward Readicker-Henderson Winner of a 2004 Lowell Thomas Award. "She is a dream teacher, just the right balance between a knuckle-rapping tutor and a mom full of hugs. Thanks again for Writers on the Net. The course fees are lots cheaper than a shrink!" – Linda Petrucelli "To have my first article accepted by the first publication I approached – the Christian Science Monitor – was like rocket fuel for me, and I have Amanda Castleman's expertise to thank." – Anne Clippinger, PhD Adjunct Lecturer, Department of English, Montgomery College, Md. "After taking her class, I went on to publish a number of travel writing stories and currently have 20 travel assignments due to my favourite editor (Canadian Living's online presence: www.canadianliving.com) before July 1. I started picking up assignments while taking Amanda's class and have kept all my notes for easy reference. Cheers." – Dee Van Dyk Professional Member Periodical Writers Association of Canada Travel Media Association of Canada *Read more reviews*
Resources		I am unable to respond to all requests for career advice, due to a busy work schedule. My best (and admittedly biased) recommendation? However, I've posted some advice here, as well as a list of books and sites useful for travel writing, part of my curriculum.
Updated September 2007		*Back to the teaching index*