What I Learned From Travel
This is my entry into Robert Hruzek’s group writing project on what I learned from travel. With apologies to Robert, I’m going to expand on the theme a little bit and share what I learned about writing from travel.
That’s right, this is a writing blog so I’ve decided to integrate writing into the project. Before you boo and hiss at me, let me assure you that the integration really does make sense.
When I worked in the corporate world I traveled a bit more than I do now. Almost all of that travel was done by plane. Here are three key points that I learned about travel that also apply to writing:
1. It’s Better To Travel Light
When you are traveling by plane you are only allowed to bring so much luggage with you on the plane. If you exceed that limit you will be faced with two problems. First, you will have to check that luggage, which means there will be an extra wait at the end of your trip while you gather your bags together. Second, you will have to carry all those extra bags to whatever transportation you have to wherever it is that you are going.
How does traveling light apply to writing? Simply put, just like with luggage, it’s better to pare away extra words when you write. Simpler is better. If you add the extra words anyway you will find yourself with two problems. First, your readers will need extra time to read your writing (which means that some readers won’t finish reading your piece at all). Second, just like the extra bags that weigh you down, extra words bog down your writing and make it heard for your reader to understand what you are saying.
2. The Direct Route Is Usually Best
As an airline traveler I had to choose whether I wanted a direct flight to my destination or flight with several layovers. If I chose the layover, I often found myself wasting an entire day in various airports all over the country. Yes, I eventually got where I was going, but by the time that I got there I was tired and cranky. By contrast, if I chose the direct flight I found myself at my destination after only a few hours. If my flight left in the morning, I still had the afternoon available at my destination.
How does the direct route apply to writing? You can probably guess. In most instances it is best to state your point directly and concisely. Yes, you can monkey around in your writing with all kinds of innuendos and other subtle tactics. In most cases an indirect approach will only lead to a tired and frustrated reader who may never discover the true meaning behind your words.
3. If You Pay Attention You Meet Some Interesting People Along The Way
When you fly on an airplane, most of the time there is someone else seated next to you. Now, you can bury yourself in a book or stare out the window and pretend that the person seated next to you doesn’t exist. Or, you can start a conversation. You just may discover somebody who is unique and, well, interesting.
Writing is the same way. You can try to work in a vacuum and pretend that other writers don’t exit. Or, you can network with other writers. When I was in the corporate world I networked through the Society for Technical Communication. Now that I work at home I do my networking through social media and forums. I meet some interesting people that way.
That summarizes the three key points that I learned about writing from travel. I hope that you enjoyed reading them.
If you haven’t submitted your own entry to Robert Hruzek’s group writing project, you’ll want to hurry. The deadline is July 8th.
Contents (c) Copyright 2007, Laura Spencer. All rights reserved.
Inspiration Meme
About the Author: I am a successful freelance writer with 20 years of copy writing experience. I am available for consulting, business writing, copy writing, editing, technical writing, and web content writing. In addition, I have written an ebook, 
Robert Hruzek | Jul 6, 2007 | Reply
Laura, thanks for the great parallels drawn from your traveling! Very nicely done.
By the way, no need to worry about “going in a different direction” with these projects. It’s sortof like… waving a habanero pepper over my food - it’s close enough! As long as the topic inspires your prose, then ya got it!
Thanks for your participation!
Laura | Jul 6, 2007 | Reply
Thanks for responding Robert. I’m glad I didn’t break any rules …
Lillie Ammann | Jul 6, 2007 | Reply
Excellent advice, and a great way to make the writing project fit the focus of your blog.
Laura | Jul 6, 2007 | Reply
Hi Lillie! I hope it doesn’t seem too contrived. I got to thinking about the group writing project and it just seemed to come together.
Web Urbanist | Jul 7, 2007 | Reply
Traveling is always a fascinating time for me to reflect on writing, too, as I refuse to try and write on or around planes - my excuse: that I’m petrified I’m going to die! So, I spend that time reflecting on my life (in case I were to die) and my writing, and, as such end up thinking a lot about what I’m writing and how I’m writing it. I love your analogies between travel and writing - spot on!
Jeanne Dininni | Jul 7, 2007 | Reply
Laura,
Great parallels between writing and travel–and an excellent tie-in to your blog’s topic! Bravo!
Jeanne
P.S. Your post doesn’t seem in the least contrived. After all, these ARE three lessons you’ve learned from travel. Your focus simply happens to be writing.
Yvonne Russell | Jul 7, 2007 | Reply
I agree with the others that is a great way to approach the writing topic. So much of what we do and learn in our everyday lives is readily transferable to our writing and vice versa.
In fact, maybe you could even expand on what you’ve done for a writing magazine article. Great job and very interesting!
Laura | Jul 7, 2007 | Reply
Welcome Web Urbanist! I’m glad that you liked the analogies between travelling and writing. I do think it’s a really good idea to keep a trip journal.
Hi Jeanne! I’m glad that you liked the post.
Hi Yvonne! Hmmm. Thanks for suggesting that I develop this into a magazine article.
Joanna Young | Jul 7, 2007 | Reply
Hi Laura
Great take on writing and travel. I think the best part of memes is the way we can get to link them to the theme of our blogs - otherwise we’d all end up writing the same old same old (and our own readers wouldn’t want to read them).
The more I think about it the more I can see other travel/writing connections along these lines. I’m sure there are lots more points you could identify to flesh this out for an article as Yvonne suggests.
My only area of difference - I’m a ‘to the point’ person when it comes to writing - but I do like to meander when it comes to travel…
Joanna
Laura | Jul 9, 2007 | Reply
Hi Joanna!
I’m glad you enjoyed the entry.
I think meandering when you travel is great if you are traveling by car, foot, or some other means where you get to see your surroundings. However, if you travel by plane meandering just means that you spend more time stuck inside airports instead of actually seeing the sights. (I try to spend as little time in airports as possible.)
Mihaela Lica | Jul 9, 2007 | Reply
What I love about Laura:
- she always finds ways to give a writing tip even in the most impossible memes,
- she always finds way to inspire us to learn from everything we find in our way,
- she knows how to make the best out of each topic.
Laura | Jul 9, 2007 | Reply
Thanks Mihaela! I’ll try to live up to your encouragement.
Robert Hruzek | Jul 9, 2007 | Reply
Laura, your post is in no way contrived! You just too the topic and made it your own - that’s all I ask. By the way, I agree with Joanna; you have the basis for a really good article here. Go with it!
Oh, and one last thing - sitting in airports is actually one of my most enjoyable times because I like to use it to people-watch. Fascinating what you’ll see if you spend the time looking around. Even better if you have a pad and pen ready to take notes…
Laura | Jul 10, 2007 | Reply
Thanks Robert! It sounds like you make good use of your travelling down time.
Nath | Nov 9, 2007 | Reply
An extremely well thought out post. We can all learn much by absorbing these kind of tips. Thanks.
Travel Attractions | Jun 16, 2008 | Reply
Excellent advice, and a great way for the traveling.Thanks
Timothy Lyrics | May 8, 2009 | Reply
Good post, detailed and well-written, which is rare these days.