Interview with Travel Journalist/Photographer
Judith Fein Offers Advice for Beginning Travel Writers
Aug 30, 2008
Judith Fein talks to Suite 101about her career and offers advice to beginning travel writers.
Suite 101: How did you start your career?
Judith: I was a Hollywood writer. I loved the writing but didn't enjoy having my soul stabbed for breakfast. I had no idea what else to do for a living. My sister called me and said they were starting a new travel show on national public radio and I should submit something. Fortunately, we had a recording studio in our house because my husband did voice-overs. I wrote a piece about going to a monastery for a silent retreat; turned out I got into a food fight with a nun and almost got arrested on a dark road. My silence was fraught with crazy drama. I recorded the piece and sent it in. Four days later a producer called and asked me to be on the show. I became a producer/contributor. From there, I segued into magazines and newspapers.
Suite 101: What should the beginning travel writer do to start?
Judith: Travel deeply. Have real experiences. Write about them. Find your voice. Tell a story. Don’t write an I-went-there-did-this-or-that kind of article.
Suite 101: Writing for magazines, newspapers or online—which is best for starting out??
Judith: It's difficult to break into magazines except with short pieces. It’s hard to break into newspapers because they are all cutting back. Don’t be discouraged. life is hard, but you try anyway. Online doesn't pay much or sometimes at all, but it's good to get clips and exposure.
Suite 101: What do travel editors want?
Judith: A good story well told.
Suite 101: How do you get ideas for travel stories?
Judith: When something excites me, I figure it will excite an editor and readers. I look for things that really engage, teach, challenge, enlighten or delight me when I travel.
Suite 101: How much research is involved?
Judith: I research very little before I travel. I like to arrive with a beginner's mind. On the road, I’m a sponge.......soaking up everything I can. I take copious notes with direct quotes. I pick up brochures and info sheets along the way. When I get home, I refer to the info I picked up, check with experts, use the net.
Suite 101: Can the novice expect to make a living at some point?
Judith: You can make a living, but not a killing. Right now things are hard in the industry. We just hope they will get better. Always look for niche publications. Try to develop specialties.
Suite 101: How important is it for the travel writer to have a website?
Judith: Very. It shows you are professional.
Suite 101: Note taking--importance? Any tips?
Judith: Take as many notes as you can. Never leave home without a little notebook and pen. Two years from now, if you find an outlet for an article, you can pull out your little notebooks and refer back to them. Photos will record information panels at sites and museums. But write down the quirky things that interest you. Describe how places look, smell, feel. You don't need to write full sentences. Get direct quotes from people. Their words will make your stories come to life.
Suite 101: Photography--how important to the travel writer? Any advice?
Judith: Many editors will not look at an article without photos. Get a point and shoot digital camera and learn to use it. Don't get hung up on the technology. The minimum for a camera should be 6 megapixels.
Suite 101: How important are classes and workshops?
Judith: There are at least four reasons to take classes or workshops. First, they teach you about the craft of travel writing. Second, they offer precious information on how to pitch and sell. Third, an active travel writer will keep you abreast of developments in a rapidly-changing market. Fourth, they put you in contact with kindred souls.
Suite 101: How important is belonging to a travel writer's organization?
Judith: They offer information, networking, tips and trips. Well-respected ones also give you credibility. I belong to SATW (Society of American Travel Writers) and am an officer of TJG (Travel Journalists Guild).
Suite 101: What are the rewards of travel writing?
Judith: You get to travel and can broaden your perspective beyond the boundaries of your country. You can encourage others to travel, and/or teach them about places they would never travel to themselves. You become a global citizen.
Suite 101: What advice do you give beginning travel writers?
Judith: Do not take rejection personally.
Suite 101: Any regrets?
Judith: Maybe that I didn't start sooner.....
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