Getting Started On The Content

I know I'm going off task (technically I'm still on task because I'm still working on my project, but off task because I'm not working on the aspect I should be 😬) but today I wanted to focus on learning how to write a travel article. I wouldn't say I'm the best writer, but I wouldn't say I'm bad either. I've read a couple articles and learned some tips on how to write my article and started making a sort of outline which will be shared when it is done.

On Writer's Digest, I was looking to get some tips and reading the article, "Breaking into Travel Writing: The 5 Elements of Writing Travel Articles" on how to write a travel article when I was introduced to this checklist. Now, it's not a very detailed, very specific set of guidelines, but I think it'll be handy to make sure my article meets its full potential. I have now decided that the main story will be a testimony as I briefly mentioned in my last post, and obviously since it has to tie into the cover image, it will be about Maui, Hawaii (the setting of the image).

So... I just realized I hadn't even told you guys that I chose my final image!!! I decided going with the more adventurous choice:

Like I've said before, this image is still subject to some changes. For example, I am planning on focusing the subject either the left or right third, enhancing the colors, and sharpening up a little bit.













Back to what I was saying about writing the content. The focus will be Maui, Hawaii. I have not yet chosen if I will do it from my own point of view but acting as if someone else is telling the story, or interviewing one of my parents who came on the trip, and doing the article from his or her point of view. I think making them my subjects would diversify the magazine a little bit because I'm already in full control of the rest of the writing (headlines, titles, table of contents, images, any extra writing, etc.). Another person would give it a different touch. I am conflicted, though, because interviewing them will take a lot more time than just writing what is at the top of MY head. Putting my thoughts into words will definitely be less of a challenge than taking someone else's and putting it all together.

I want my writing to evoke a sense of curiosity, adventure, and contempt. It will be specific and sophisticated, while still fun & personal. In order to do this I found more tips. For example, using dialogue. "10 tips for writing travel articles" says, "Dialogue brings a scene to life, gives personality to the people in your story, & allows you to convey important information in a punchy way." I will make sure to include some in mine.

Lastly for the night, I will let you guys know (in all caps so you can feel my fury):
I JUST FOUND ANOTHER TRAVEL MAGAZINE CALLED 'WANDERLUST TRAVEL MAGAZINE.' YES. WANDERLUST. LIKE MINE. I HADN'T THOUGHT TO CHECK IF THERE WAS ANY OTHER MAGAZINE WITH THAT SAME TITLE... SO NOW WERE BACK TO SQUARE ONE. I GUESS I WILL HAVE TO SLEEP ON A NEW NAME. IM ANNOYED. GOOD NIGHT READERS.

currently.