As promised, I am back with another edition of "Travel Writing Tips" from author L. Peat O'Neil.
Today's chapter focused on the travel journal itself, and specifications to make journal writing easier on you. In addition, there were a lot of good writing tips and how to make good entries, so let's dive right in.
1. BACK UP YOUR WORK.
This really should go without saying. No matter what kind of work you are doing, if it is being stored on an electronic, like a laptop, back it up. There needs to be more than one copy stored in different places. For example, if you have an article written on Word, save it on your desktop, email it to yourself, and put it on an external drive. This way, if something happens, you have back up and you don't need to go back to the beginning.
2. The more you write down, the better.
When writing in your journal, make sure to get as many details down as possible. Even if it seems like a small detail to you, jot it down. The clearer the words, the better picture you will be able to articulate through your writing. Use sensory details, they will let the reader experience just what you have experienced in your travels.
3. Go beyond the diary entry.
It is very easy to keep a diary. Self reflection, when no one else is reading it, is not a difficult concept. O'Neil is saying to step out of the self reflection box and go talk to people. Adding characters to your story and a voice that is not your own but offers a more descriptive story with additional layers.
4. Write as soon as it happens.
O'Neil offers this advice to novice travel writers. In order to be able to go back and have a clear memory, there needs to be as much detail written down as possible. The best way to do this, is to take out pen and paper the second something memorable happens. Having to look back on the day could result with some hazy details, which isn't good for your writing.
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