First, thanks to Robin for last week’s blog. I agree with him wholeheartedly that non-deadline deadlines are the most terrifying thing. I have a strong tendency to procrastinate and unless I’ve got a firm deadline to work to I put things off. This leads to anxiety (when I know I should be doing a piece of writing but can’t quite make myself get on with it) and eventually panic when I have to rush to get it done in time. Some people, apparently, thrive on this but I just wish I had more self-discipline.

Now, I’ve got quite a few interesting things for you this week. First, the winner and runners-up in our Student of the Year Award 2018 are now on our website. Congratulations to them – especially the winner Vicki Harwood. They’ve all got inspirational stories to tell, so why not have a look. And don’t forget, if you’re a Writers Bureau student and have had some success you could be next year’s winner. We start accepting entries towards the end of the year and then the judging takes place in January. We aren’t just looking for the most successful person or the one who has earned the most money – we want people whose writing has taken them down a path that has helped to change their life in some way. Read the rest of this entry »

The weather has been wonderful recently and I managed to get away for a few days to glorious Wiltshire for some walking. At this time of year I’m sure many writers’ thoughts turn wistfully to travel journalism and how to break into the market. Sounds glamorous and glitzy, doesn’t it?  But a word of warning: until you’re established, and have a track record, hotels and airlines aren’t going to throw freebies at you.  So, it’s important that you make a name for yourself if you’re going to create a career in travel writing.  Here are some tips to get you on the way:

It’s not where you go, but what you uncover when you get there that’s important. Try to find an unexpected angle: what a resort or tourist destination is like out of season; the opening of a new venture, such as a theme park or perhaps you could tie in your article with a new TV series or film.  Never write about the routine – only the remarkable. Read the rest of this entry »