Ever read a book and found a typo? Of course you have. Despite all the rounds of editing and revision a book goes through (whether traditionally published or self-published), chances are, some sneaky little error will slip through. Before you leave a bad review or message the author, know that that typo or error isContinue reading “Will my book be perfect after editing? “
Category Archives: Boost your writing
There are already so many memoirs about walking this trail – is there space for mine?
I recently saw someone ask this question online: “There are already so many memoirs about walking Te Araroa. Is there even space for mine?”
YES! There is space for your story! It doesn’t matter if you’re writing about Te Araroa or the Pacific Crest Trail or the Camino de Santiago or any other popular trail. There is space for your story.
How to write accents in travel and adventure memoirs
We all speak with an accent. It might not feel like we do, but that’s because our own voices sound “normal” to us. But I know I have a Kiwi accent. When I worked in the UK, my accent wreaked havoc in the workplace. To my British colleagues, “Fish and chips” sounded like “Fush andContinue reading “How to write accents in travel and adventure memoirs”
Super quick writing wins
Some days you don’t want to have an in-depth revision session. You just want to make a few easy changes to your manuscript and call it a day. I get it. Here are a handful of straightforward changes you can make today.
The effect “before” and “after” have on your travel writing (aka timeline nudges)
Let’s start with an anecdote: When I arrived in the clearing, I set up my tent before putting my sleeping bag inside, then got my stove boiling so I could make a cup of Milo. I went for a walk to collect dry wood after I had warmed up, before lighting a camp fire. There’sContinue reading “The effect “before” and “after” have on your travel writing (aka timeline nudges)”
Busting myths that travel & adventure writers have about editing
Too many new writers let common myths about editing hold them back from working with the very people who can kick their writing up a notch. I’m taking about editors like me. I’m not here to just check your spelling and grammar, and I’m never going to tell you that you’re a bad writer. I’mContinue reading “Busting myths that travel & adventure writers have about editing”
Avoid boring travel narratives: six ways to bring your readers along for the ride
When you’re writing for readers who aren’t your mum or best friend, you want to avoid sounding like all you’ve done is gone from a to b to c. That’s a sure-fire way to turn off readers.
The best way to avoid that “I went here, then I went there” trap is to pepper in details that will make readers care.
How to use quotes and epigraphs
You’ve probably read a book that has a quote at the start, or maybe each chapter opens with a quote. They’re called epigraphs, and their purpose is to give the reader an idea of the tone or theme the story intends to set. But did that person actually say those words? And were those words the actual words they used?
Why adverbs deflate your writing
The best travel and adventure writing immerses readers in the story. We feel the cold water tugging at you as you’re struggling to make a river crossing; we hear the growl as you fend off wild dogs; we feel your serenity as you experience a transcendent sunrise. That immersion happens through precise word choices, andContinue reading “Why adverbs deflate your writing”
When do I capitalise animal names?
You meet all sorts of animals on your adventures, from dogs and cats to tigers, birds, snakes and centipedes. They’re generally easy to spell, right? But what about when you get into the details, when you’re writing about Labradors, Main Coons, snow leopards, tūī, and damselflies?