Freelance Journalist and Author
Chicago, Illinois
What inspired you to pursue a career in travel writing, and how did you get started in this field?
I’ve been a freelance journalist almost since college, and before working remotely and independent contractors were a thing. In the beginning I wrote anything anyone would pay me for–press releases, newsletters, brochures, advertising copy, and then editorial work with magazines and newspapers. Most of my work was in homes, architecture, lifestyle, retail, business and healthcare. In 2011, I had a life-threatening medical issue that raised questions about how I wanted to spend the rest of my life. I decided to write only about subjects I find interesting. My husband and I were fortunate to have traveled widely, so I thought I’d give it a try. I was starting at the bottom of an entirely different genre of journalism but little by little, it’s working out.
How do you find unique story ideas and destinations to cover, especially in an era where so much travel content is readily available?
First of all, there is so much BAD travel content available, and I believe serious travel consumers can see through it. Second, every destination and attraction is interesting to SOMEbody. I treat every travel story with the same integrity and tools I’ve employed throughout my professional journalism career; that is, giving accurate descriptions, answering the questions a reader will have, being non-judgmental, providing insider information, and keeping adverbs to a minimum. I’m proud to say I have never used the word “amazing” in a story.
How do you balance keeping the beauty and excitement of a place with the need for accuracy and honest reporting?
Some of it comes naturally–I taught AP Style and Grammar for Journalists as an adjunct professor at Columbia College Chicago for 20 years. I also take lots and lots of photographs, and I keep them in front of me while I’m writing to trigger the emotions I felt while I was there in person.
What advice would you give to aspiring travel writers looking to break into the industry today? Invest in yourself. Join travel writing organizations, and attend their conferences and programs. The connections are valuable. You’ll gain tips from other writers, and you’ll meet editors and destination representatives.
What role does your Midwest background play in your perspective on travel and the stories you choose to tell?
I grew up in small towns in Indiana before moving to the Chicago suburbs for college, so I can appreciate and relate to both rural and urban destinations. Also, many MTJA actives have strong Midwestern audiences. These travelers and tourists are ideally located to sojourn anywhere and in any direction. From Chicago, it’s roughly the same distance to Hawaii as to Amsterdam. Or Las Vegas and Cancun. With that in mind, I’m sharing travel inspiration and experiences around the country and the world.