Interview with Editor-in-Chief Stephen Kiesling
Magazine's Editor Offers Sage Advice for Novice Travel Writers
Sep 4, 2008
Suite 101: What does a novice travel writer need to enter and excel in the field?
Stephen: Starting out is like a piece of a puzzle. It takes a long time to do, but it allows one to do all kinds of interesting things on the way. It makes travel possible.
Know where and why you want to go.
Suite 101: Is intention important?
Stephen: Yes, it is important. As in all things, intention is the engine that drives manifestation and self knowing strengthens it.
Have a love of writing and a love of travel! Focusing on travel makes it possible.
Travel for other purposes first. Let your love of travel lead you into the writing.
Produce a whole lot of work--later the pieces of the puzzle will come together.
You will get glimpses of how good it can be by traveling--writing--publishing.
Work always, Don't submit or pitch a piece and wait. Immediately start the next--then the next and the next.
Becoming a real travel writer means simplifying life, not being burdened with lots of stuff. When the opportunity comes you are able to take it. Take risks!
We tend to insulate ourselves with stuff, mortgages, people. Have relationships that will allow you this kind of life or with someone who will go with you.
Don't become attached to one story--move on--keep the work in motion.
The goal for travel writing is: keep moving, keep writing! This takes a particular relationship with the world that most people don't have. But, one can develop it. The love of the craft helps.
Suite 101: Your writing philosophy sounds Zen.
Stephen: When I was a kid we had a zendo in the basement -- a Zen priest living there.
The travel writing path is not for everyone because to be good one has to be continually OPEN to new experience. That's difficult to pull off.
Suite 101: Do you have a spiritual practice?
Stephen: Rowing, kayaking--it involves the whole body, being in the world (Stephen was on a U. S. Olympic Rowing Team).
Travel writing is similar. Go out into the world. Touch it anyway you can.
Rowing in the flow. Travel writing in the flow.
Locked gates become unlocked!
The biggest mistake a travel writer can make is to lose the JOY of it--especially in the beginning when the payoff is so small.
Overcome that at some point and you know it will turn around and you will make a living at it, at least a spiritual practice of it.
Suite 101: How does one come up with stories?
Stephen: Have a wonderful time traveling, build a repertoire of experiences, let them ferment -- the stories will emerge. Write them. Sell them. It all gets richer with time.
Suite 101: Talk about place.
Stephen: Let yourself get caught up in the energy of a place. Some stories are rooted in the place. Become the tuning fork for the energy of that place. For example, In Mayan ruins (which Stephen had recently visited) find the power spot. Be transported to somewhere else by that experience.
There is more to these stories than I understand--but communicate them to someone else.
Take someone on that trip--create the experience for them and they don't have to go anywhere.
This is the goal.
Suite 101: Why do it?
Stephen: THERE IS REAL MAGIC TO IT!
RESOURCES
Spirituality & Health Magazine
Rancho Encantado, Eco-Resort, Retreat Center & Spa
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