Great Escape Radio: Recent Episodes
Lori Allen
Welcome to the Great Escape Radio with Lori Allen and Jody Maberry, where you’ll meet everyday people who broke out of their regular jobs and opted for an exciting life of getting paid to travel. Come along for the ride as we learn about breaking into travel writing, photography, import-export, and other exciting ways you can see the world and make an income with very little set-up.
“Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn’t do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover.”― Mark Twain
Great Escape Radio host, Jody Maberry and Great Escape Publishing Director, Lori Allen discuss what’s on Lori’s mind right now.
Always having her finger on the pulse of what’s happening at Great Escape Publishing, Lori’s constantly looking for new things to teach members. And, she’s eager to discover what they’re interested in.
Lori shares what that’s like…
“I’m constantly trying to figure out what challenges we need to face. How can we best help people? People are out there doing great things and we want to continue to help them.”
Lori followed a recent Facebook conversation in one of Great Escape’s closed groups. People were wishing they could do one of our expeditions but couldn’t afford it. Lori came up with the idea of creating a Great Escape Meetup in an interesting destination.
Listen in as she shares this interesting new concept.
If this new idea and experience interests you, visit the www.greatescapepublishing.com events page for more information.
“Take off on a quest or a personal search until you find yourself. You either find yourself or decide to go home.”--Bel Woodhouse
Great Escape Radio host, Jody Maberry and Great Escape Publishing Director, Lori Allen introduce us to Bel Woodhouse.
“Bel is quite the spitfire,” says Lori. “She’s an ex-Navy kick butt woman!”
Bel makes an indelible impression on everyone she meets. With her combination of British and Australian slang, she inspired the attendees at last September’s Ultimate Travel Writer’s Workshop in Austin, Texas where she was on the success panel.
Formerly in the Royal Australian Navy, she now lives in Mexico.
“I left the Navy, sold everything, went on a walkabout, and ended up in Guatemala teaching English for a couple of years.”
Bel attended her first Travel Workshop in Washington DC and decided she was going to write full time.
Today she’s living in Cozumel and loving the life she’s created. She’s added photography and creating travel videos to her skills too. Listen in as she shares her entertaining and inspiring story.
You can get started in Bel’s footsteps when you join us at The Ultimate Travel Writer’s Workshop this year. Live seats are SOLD OUT. But there’s a way to attend from the comfort of your home—and get access to every insider tip and secret—at a fraction of the price. Details here.
“Taking pictures is like tiptoeing into the kitchen late at night and stealing Oreo cookies.”—Diane Arbus
Great Escape Radio host, Jody Maberry brings Elizabeth Coughlin back to the show.
Elizabeth refers to herself as a geriatric nomad. For 14 years, she and her husband taught in international schools around the world—with their daughters in tow.
When her husband retired, she needed something to do. She discovered Great Escape Publishing and decided to attend a photography workshop.
As a result, she has become a successful stock photographer.
Elizabeth shares a story about visiting her daughter in Abu Dhabi at the time the Louvre was inaugurated in November 2017 by French President Emmanuel Macron.
“I took photos of the outside of the Louvre the day after the big gala for the opening.”
At the urging of her son-in-law, Elizabeth uploaded the photos to the stock agencies right away and to her amazement, the photos began selling immediately.
It was all about being first.
Listen in as Elizabeth offers advice on how to find new and noteworthy events and how those events can help with your stock photography sales.
If you’re inspired to explore travel photography visit www.greatescapepublishing.com and sign up for The Right Way to Travel newsletter which offers information on travel writing, photography and more.
“The world is a book, and those who do not travel read only one page.”—Saint Augustine
Great Escape Radio host, Jody Maberry brings travel writer, Terri Marshall back to the show.
Jody catches up with Terri while she is in Delray Beach, Florida attending the AWAI Copywriting Bootcamp where she’s learning new writing skills and more about running her business as a writer.
Terri’s background is in law and accounting. She spent decades working as an accountant specializing in trusts and estates for law firms. In short, she’s educated.
But the education she has learned from her travels is never-ending.
As she explains…
“When I travel—whether it’s internationally or just to a different region of the country—I’m continually learning.”
From watching science unfold before her eyes in Antarctica…to the fascinating reality of what life was like behind the “Iron Curtain” in Eastern Europe, Terri’s travels have exposed her to the world on a much deeper level.
Listen in as she shares some of her experiences and what travel writing has taught her about the world. She also shares some tips for seeking out those educational experiences no matter where you’re traveling.
Visit www.greatescapepublishing.com/start/travelwriting to learn more about travel writing and the opportunities it provides.
“Once you start writing about travel, you will never travel the same way again and your travels will become much richer.”—Jen Stevens
Great Escape Radio host, Jody Maberry brings Jen Stevens back to the show.
Jen is the Executive Editor for International Living magazine as well as the architect of the Ultimate Travel Writing Program for Great Escape Publishing.
Jen shares her thoughts on travel writing…
“Travel writing is arguably the best job on the planet. You’re getting paid to travel!”
That aspect of the travel writer’s life attracts people from really diverse backgrounds which is evident at the Ultimate Travel Writer’s Workshop.
“The workshop attracts people who have an interest in writing but don’t necessarily know how to pursue that as a career. Almost no one that comes to the Ultimate Travel Writer’s Workshop with a solid background in journalism.”
At the workshop, Jen pulls back the curtain on travel writing by teaching attendees actionable steps to becoming a travel writer.
Listen in as Jen shares some of the benefits of travel writing that many people don’t consider and how your unique background and hobbies can enhance your path to travel writing.
To learn more about the Ultimate Travel Writer’s Workshop in Little Rock, Arkansas this September, visit here.
“Every time I wander a few miles from where I live, I find something new.”–Theresa St. John
Great Escape Radio host, Jody Maberry brings travel writer and photographer, Theresa St. John back to the show.
Theresa has been on the show previously to talk about her travel writing career which she built by starting local. She has written for 16 local publications.
She shares with us her thoughts on writing about her hometown for local publications…
“People often ask me if I get bored writing about my hometown, but I love writing about local places. I’ve learned so much about my community. Every time I wander even a few miles from where I live, I find something new.”
Listen in as Theresa describes the benefits of focusing your writing on local attractions for local publications.
Join us at our next Ultimate Travel Writer’s weekend to get started.
“You don’t have to know all the steps to getting where you want to be, you just have to know the next step.” ―Valerie Young
Great Escape Radio host, Jody Maberry and Great Escape Publishing Director, Lori Allen introduce us to Valerie Young.
Lori introduces us to Valerie…
“Valerie describes herself as the “dreamer in residence” at changingcourse.com. I go to her when I have questions for people interested in transitioning to new careers.”
Valerie shares her insights into what it means to follow your passion and the role passion plays in the work that we do.
“I’m of the mind that it is important generally speaking that we find something we enjoy doing. But sometimes people get really hung up on finding their true passion.”
Valerie encourages people to think about what they want their lives to look like first and then figure out how to make that happen.
Listen in as Valerie shares her insights and advice on how to focus on life first and work second as a means to creating the life you want.
If you’re interested in pursuing a career that allows you to live life on your own terms go to www.greatescapepublishing.com/start/travelwriting and explore the ways travel writing can help you do that.
“I went all the way across the world and realized people there are just like me.”—Jody Maberry
Great Escape Radio host, Jody Maberry and Great Escape Publishing Director, Lori Allen reflect on Jody’s first international trip.
Jody had never left the country before his recent trip to Kuwait. It was a “go big or go home” jump into international travel starting with 14 hours of flight.
His first impression—he didn’t like it. He didn’t like flying with 300 people. He was bored and he couldn’t sleep. As a result, he suffered severe jet lag after arriving.
Lori shares a similar experience she had when she first visited Shanghai. Although she found a restaurant with a menu in English, the choices were something she would never eat. Hippo and bird nest soup were both offered—and that wasn’t going to happen!
Between the unacceptable food choices, trouble with taxis, jet lag and the overwhelming pace of the city, she cried the first night.
Ultimately, Jody and Lori both adjusted to their destinations and enjoyed their respective experiences. Listen in as they reflect on their experiences and what travel has taught them.
Lori is a big believer in digging deeper into travel to explore new cultures and places. If you’re interested in learning how to do that in your travels, the Great Escape Publishing travel writing and photography courses are the place to start. Visit www.greatescapepublishing.com/start/travelwriting and www.greatescapepublishing.com/start/photography for more information.
“The man who removes a mountain begins by carrying away small stones.”—Chinese Proverb
Great Escape Radio host, Jody Maberry welcomes Tracey Minkin, Senior Travel Editor for Coastal Living magazine back to the show.
Jody and Tracey met at the Ultimate Travel Writer’s Workshop in Austin, Texas last September where they both experienced the excitement and energy of the workshop through the attendees.
Tracey will be returning to the workshop again this year in Little Rock, Arkansas in September. She will be leading workshop sessions to help new writers get started.
One topic Tracey always focuses on when she’s talking to new writers is starting small. Listen in as she shares what it means to start small as a travel writer and its benefits.
For more information about Great Escape Publishing, visit www.greatescapepublishing.com.
“Social media is just a buzzword until you come up with a plan.”—Unknown
Great Escape Radio host, Jody Maberry welcomes Bonnie Caton back to the podcast.
At the recent Ultimate Photographer’s Workshop in St. Louis, Bonnie spoke to attendees about Instagram.
Jody confesses he resisted Instagram for years even though people told him he should be there. He’s on Facebook and wasn’t sure he wanted to add another social media channel to his life.
Jody’s not alone. Many people resist bringing more social media platforms into their lives.
Bonnie shares some of the benefits of Instagram…
“You can share your photos and see all the beautiful photos posted to the site, it’s stress free and it’s Facebook without the drama!”
Listen in as Bonnie shares more advantages of being on Instagram along with tips for getting started and for using the platform to build your business or brand.
Click here to follow Great Escape Publishing on Instagram.
For more information about Great Escape Publishing, visit www.greatescapepublishing.com.
“Good fortune is what happens when opportunity meets planning.”—Thomas Edison
Great Escape Radio host, Jody Maberry and Great Escape Publishing Director, Lori Allen talk about the recent Ultimate Photographer’s Workshop in St. Louis, Missouri.
Lori shares her thoughts on the event…
“This was our 174th live event and I think it may be my favorite one yet!”
From the outstanding staff at the Chase Park Plaza where the workshop was held to the enthusiastic attendees, the event was a huge success.
YouTube sensation and photographer Nigel Danson and National Geographic photographer Jad Davenport joined the already spectacular line up of presenters. Both were very popular with the attendees. They even had Lori taking notes during their presentations.
Listen in as Lori shares more about the workshop and other live events presented by Great Escape Publishing.
Next year’s event will be in Alexandria, Virginia in the Spring so it’s possible the attendees could catch the annual cherry blossoms.
The next event coming up is the Ultimate Travel Writers Workshop which will be held in Little Rock, Arkansas in September. Tickets are on sale now.
For more information about Great Escape Publishing events, visit www.greatescapepublishing.com.
“Life is either a daring adventure or nothing at all.”—Helen Keller
Great Escape Radio host, Jody Maberry and Great Escape Publishing Director, Lori Allen talk about Jody’s first international trip.
Believe it or not, Jody’s starting his experience with international travel with a trip to Kuwait. As he says, “the most exotic place I’ve ever been is Duluth, Minnesota!”
Lori asks Jody what he has done to prepare for this trip. His response: “I bought a plane ticket and got a passport!”
Jody definitely needs some tips to prepare for his big trip. Lori starts with the basics…
…passport and visa requirements
…vaccinations
…contacts for the US Embassy
…tips for using credit cards overseas
…packing and clothing tips
Lori has extensive international travel experience. The tips she shares with Jody will benefit anyone planning for international travel.
For more information about Great Escape Publishing, visit www.greatescapepublishing.com.
“You will never change your life until you change something that you do daily. The secret of your success is found in your daily routine.”—John C. Maxwell
Great Escape Radio host, Jody Maberry talks with Noreen Kompanik who is celebrating her 400th published article.
Noreen spent 34 years in nursing before transitioning into travel writing. In just over four years, she’s written and published 400 articles. She’s often asked how she does it.
“You will never change your life until you change something that you do daily. The secret of your success is found in your daily routine.”—John C. Maxwell
Great Escape Radio host, Jody Maberry talks with Noreen Kompanik who is celebrating her 400th published article.
Noreen spent 34 years in nursing before transitioning into travel writing. In just over four years, she’s written and published 400 articles. She’s often asked how she does it.
Noreen’s philosophy is “a little progress every day might not seem like a lot, but it leads to big results.”
Her secret to success lies in her daily practices…
…she’s committed to being a travel writer every single day
…she always carries a notebook
…she connects and reconnects with others in the industry
…she’s committed to continuous learning
Listen in as Noreen shares how she manages these practices and gives other tips for creating your own successful travel writing career. She also shares some of her favorite destinations and even a favorite article.
Noreen pioneered Great Escape Publishing’s Travel Writer’s Café which provides a supportive network for new travel writers. If you want to learn more about the Travel Writer’s Café there’s a special offer for podcast listeners to join in here: http://www.greatescapepublishing.com/start/cafe.
“I meet people and they become chapters in my stories.”—Avijeet Das
Great Escape Radio host, Jody Maberry brings travel writer, Noreen Kompanik back to the show.
Noreen has transitioned from a 34-year career in nursing to life as a travel writer. She attended the Ultimate Travel Writer’s Workshop in 2014 when it was in San Diego where she lives.
While she loves writing articles and traveling to so many wonderful destinations, she loves even more the people she meets along the way.
“What has been the biggest blessing of all to me is the people I’ve met along the way,” says Noreen.
Noreen’s always been a people person, but she didn’t realize how much she would enjoy interacting with people as a travel writer.
She shares some of the inspiring stories she’s gleaned through conversations with people she’s met along the way.
Noreen shares her tips for finding these inspiring stories along the way and how to use those in your writing. She also shares an amazing story she uncovered about Dr. Seuss.
Noreen pioneered Great Escape Publishing’s Travel Writer’s Café which provides a supportive network for travel writers. For information on how to become a member of the café, send an e-mail to noreen@greatescapepublishing.com. You’ll find more information about all of Great Escape Publishing’s programs at www.greatescapepublishing.com.
“Listicles are like the ‘crack’ of travel writing, we just have to read them.” –Kyle Wagner
Great Escape Radio host, Jody Maberry and Great Escape Publishing Director, Lori Allen bring Kyle Wagner to the show. To listen in to a previous episode with Kyle, go here.
Lori introduces us to Kyle…
“Kyle has a lot of spunk and I would imagine that’s why she’s such a great travel writer. She’s enthusiastic, funny and always entertaining. And she wants people to live a full life and love what they do.”
Kyle has 30 years of journalism under her belt. She spent 12 of those years as an editor at the Denver Post. Now she’s freelancing and loving the flexibility and freedom the freelance life brings.
She joins Jody to talk about “listicles” and the place they hold in today’s journalism… especially online.
“Listicles are a list of the ‘top 10 (or some other number) this or that’ held together by an introduction,” explains Kyle. “They’re just like the popsicles they’re named for—easily digestible.”
For a writer who’s in love with the narrative and wants to tell a story, listicles can be frustrating. However, they sell better than any other stories out there.
Listen in as Kyle gives tips on how to make your listicle ideas more valuable and unique which will make the publications love them.
Kyle has worked with Great Escape Publishing to develop an intern program for members who prefer small group travel writing instruction. Through this program, she teaches members how to write queries that will get their articles noticed and published.
If you want to learn more about GEP’s internship program with Kyle, go to www.greatescapepublishing.com/start/intern.
“Every secret of a writer’s soul, every experience of his life, every quality of his mind, is written large in his works.”— Virginia Woolf
Great Escape Radio host, Jody Maberry and Great Escape Publishing Director, Lori Allen bring Connie Pearson to the show.
Lori introduces us to Connie…
“Connie is this sweet Alabama Christian grandmother that has not only had several travel articles published in a variety of outlets, she also has her own blog.”
Jody talks with Connie about her blog and how it started.
“I started blogging in earnest in May 2015 a few months before I attended the Ultimate Travel Writer’s Workshop in Denver. I had used the Great Escape Publishing blogging program by Paula Pant to get started.”
It’s a program that Connie highly recommends as it helped her set up her blog and taught her how to manage it.
After Connie began pitching travel articles to various outlets, she began to realize how important her blog is in the process.
Listen in as Connie shares the ways her blog has enhanced her travel writing career. She also shares why she loves blogging and having the opportunity to let her personality shine through her words as she shares inspiration with her readers.
If you’re interested in exploring blogging, visit www.greatescapepublishing.com/start/blog where you’ll find more details about GEP’s program on creating your own money-making blog.
“If you want to be a writer, you must do two things above all: Read a lot and write a lot.”—Stephen King
Great Escape Radio host, Jody Maberry and Great Escape Publishing Director, Lori Allen bring food blogger Nathan Aguilera to the show.
Lori introduces us to Nathan…
“Nathan is a blogger that I found when we were looking for someone who was blogging about food. I found him on Instagram and reached out to see if he would help some of Great Escape Publishing’s members that were interested in blogging and building a social media following.”
Nathan has been solo traveling for the past five years. About 18 months into his travels, he decided to start his blog to document his travels. Today Nathan works with tourism boards and companies around the world to promote destinations and brands.
Listen in as Nathan explains the benefits of having a blog and the type of writing you should publish on your blog. Nathan also offers advice to those considering starting a blog.
If you’re interested in starting your own blog visit www.greatescapepublishing.com/start/blog and check out GEP’s blogging course.
“I don’t know where I’m going from here, but I promise it won’t be boring.”—David Bowie
Great Escape Radio host, Jody Maberry and Great Escape Publishing Director, Lori Allen bring back Janette Tepas to the show. You can listen to our last episode with Janette here.
In the past, people came to Great Escape Publishing to either study travel writing or photography. Generally, the two didn’t overlap. But things have changed, and Janette is a great example of that change.
Janette is living the “gig life” which means she’s doing multiple things at a time. She doesn’t have a corporate job that pays her a salary every two weeks. Instead, she’s doing all types of things which is fairly common with creative types.
Janette leads tours, takes photographs, dabbles in digital painting and she’s a seasonal stylist.
Baby boomers like Janette have been taught to value longevity but many boomers are changing direction and learning to value creativity over longevity.
Listen in as Janette shares more about her life and why the “gig life” appeals to her. She also offers advice to others who are interested in pursuing a life less ordinary.
If you’re interested in pursuing something different, one of our favorite opportunities is travel writing. You can visit: www.greatescapepublishing.com/start/travelwriting and check out the video to learn more about getting started.
“Less perfection. More authenticity.”—Anonymous
Great Escape Radio host, Jody Maberry is joined by Breakfast Stock Club Creator, Bonnie Caton again this week. (You can listen in to the last episode with Bonnie here.)
Jody talks with Bonnie about a term she uses in her photography: purposeful authentic.
Bonnie shares what that means…
“Thanks to social media, brands are looking to showcase real people in their advertising campaigns. They’re looking to get a peek inside the lives of real people.”
In the past, marketing campaigns would hire models and set up photo shoots to sell their products…it was fake.
“Now people want authentic looking photos. What that means is that you have many more opportunities to shoot photos to sell to stock agencies. Whenever you go out with your friends, take pictures of the things you’re doing whether its hiking, happy hour or whatever you’re doing.”
Purposeful means finding the iconic things either in your travels or in your daily life and photographing them in the best possible light.
“You’re doing things that are real, but the photos you’re shooting are curated and edited.”
Listen in as she shares how to incorporate purposeful authentic photography into your daily life. She also gives us tips on choosing the right type of photos to shoot if you want to sell your photos through stock agencies.
For more resources visit www.breakfaststock.com and sign up for the Breakfast Stock Club weekly newsletter or become a member.
“Follow your own passion—not your parents’, not your teachers’—yours.”—Robert Ballard
Great Escape Radio host, Jody Maberry is joined by Bonnie Caton to discuss making art for a living.
Bonnie has always loved art and was one of those kids in school who couldn’t wait for art day. But it took her a while to realize she could use her passion for art to make a living. She was told she should follow a “safe route” and study something “normal.”
When she discovered Great Escape Publishing and attended a photography workshop, she began to realize she could make a living as an artist—despite what others may say.
Listen in as Bonnie shares her story and offers advice and encouragement to anyone currently in a “safe” career that really wants to change direction and make a living from art or another creative endeavor.
If this inspires you to take steps toward a creative career visit www.breakfaststock.com and sign up for the weekly newsletter.
If anyone out there has benefitted from this podcast or any of the Great Escape Publishing programs, Lori would love to hear from you. She wants to hear what collateral benefits you’ve received. Go to www.greatescapepublishing.com, click on the “Contact Us” box and send a note!
“Each time we face our fear, we gain strength, courage, and confidence in the doing.”—Theodore Roosevelt
Great Escape Radio host, Jody Maberry and Lori Allen, Director of Great Escape Publishing discuss the collateral effect of taking the first step toward your goals.
Last week’s conversation about the power of streaks and taking a crow bar to bad habits set the stage for this week’s discussion. (You can listen to that episode here.) When you take the first step toward your goals—despite your fears—the collateral effect will surprise you.
Jody shares an example of the collateral effect…
“I have been podcasting for 5 years now. I began with my podcast for Park Leaders. I recorded six episodes of that show and held onto them for months because I thought my voice was terrible!”
It turns out Jody has a voice for podcast like none other and his voice has become his signature. In the past 5 years, Jody’s podcasts for the Park Leaders show have helped people get jobs in the parks and helped others get a promotion—not to mention the doors it has opened for Jody.
If you’re doing something positive to improve yourself, your community, your relationships, etc. it has a ripple effect—in a positive way.
Lori shares examples of people she’s been discussing this concept with and how their lives have changed in ways they never expected as a collateral effect of travel writing.
And she wants to hear from you…
If anyone out there has benefitted from this podcast or any of the Great Escape Publishing programs, Lori would love to hear from you. She wants to hear what collateral benefits you’ve received. Go to the “Contact Us” page at: https://www.greatescapepublishing.com/contact-us/ and send in a note!
“We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is not an act, but a habit.”—Aristotle
Great Escape Radio host, Jody Maberry and Lori Allen, Director of Great Escape Publishing discuss the power of a streak.
Jody’s on an amazing streak. He’s closing in on three years of walking 10,000 steps EVERYDAY!
Recently, there was a big snow storm near his home in the Pacific Northwest and he got so much snow he was able to bring back one of his favorite hobbies. He could leave from his front door and go cross-country skiing. But he learned something…
“I learned I’m not as young as I used to be, and I have to be careful about the vigor I put into my skiing efforts!”
Jody injured his calf and was told by his doctor to take three weeks off from exercise. But, he couldn’t… he had to keep the walking streak alive. He limped along, held onto things along the way but he kept that streak alive.
As he puts it: “It takes more than a strained calf to stop a bull moose!”
There’s incredible power in streaks—in the goal to keep a streak alive.
Lori shares how she has taken a crowbar to one of her habits and how that positive change has bled into other areas of her life… including her work.
Listen in… you’ll be inspired!
And for more inspiration on how to get started with your travel writing goals, visit www.greatescapepublishing.com/start/travelwriting or with your photography goals, visit: www.greatescapepublishing.com/start/photography.
“For every minute spent organizing, an hour is earned.” –Anonymous
Great Escape Radio host, Jody Maberry and Lori Allen, Director of Great Escape Publishing discuss The Lifechanging Magic of Tidying Up: The Japanese Art of Decluttering and Organizing by Marie Kondo.
Although the book came out in 2014, it’s getting more attention now because the author has a Netflix series. The book and the series are about tidying up, but it’s more than that. It’s about changing the way you do things.
As Lori watched the program she realized how much this bleeds over into her travel writing and photography.
For example, her photos stay on her computer instead of being on her wall where they should be.
The book is about how to clean-up and declutter—but the process isn’t just about cleaning up, it teaches you something about yourself. Lori realized this as she was going through the process of tidying up her clothes.
There are two main pieces to the process:
- You don’t organize by room, you organize by category
- Don’t declutter a little at a time, make it an event and do it all at once—even though it might take months.
Listen in as Lori describes the process laid out in the book and how it relates to photography and even other areas of life.
For more information on Great Escape’s programs, visit: https://www.greatescapepublishing.com/program/. Or if you’re not yet signed up for their free newsletter, you can do so here: https://www.greatescapepublishing.com/subscribe/?ref=podcast.
“Life is a gift. Wake up every day and realize that.”—Unknown
Great Escape Radio host, Jody Maberry and Lori Allen, Director of Great Escape Publishing introduce us to Nigel Danson.
Lori met Nigel by phone in the beginning of 2018.
“Every year at the start of the year I call 100 people—members of GEP—to see that’s working for them, what’s not working and what their plans are for the coming year.”
In 2018, Nigel was one of those people.
During their phone call she learned that Nigel was selling landscape photos—which surprised her.
“We encourage members to find opportunities to sell photos of all types of things connected with everyday life. They may not be perfect or pretty, but people need them. They are saleable.”
But here comes Nigel in 2018 and he’s selling landscape photos in a way Lori had never seen. He’s following a similar process to what Great Escapes has taught, using the same fundamentals. But he’s doing it in the digital world and on YouTube.
Listen in as Nigel shares the story about his journey from obtaining a PHD in Astro Physics to leaving it behind to become a freelance professional photographer after a life-changing event in Yosemite National Park.
He also offers tips to beginners and encouragement for everyone.
To learn more about how you can get started selling your landscape photos, you should join us on our first-ever Armchair Photo Expedition with Nigel in the Faroe Islands. Get more details here: www.greatescapepublishing.com/start/armchair.
“Just play. Have fun. Enjoy the game.”—Michael Jordan
Great Escape Radio host, Jody Maberry talks with Great Escape Photographer, Bonnie Caton.
Bonnie returns to the show this week to build on her last show where she talked about setting goals. You can listen to that episode here first if you missed it.
Jody shares his thoughts on goal-setting…
“Sometimes when I’m setting goals, I push myself a little too hard and it becomes work.”
But goal-setting and photography can be fun…it should be fun. Bonnie is back to help us maintain the fun factor with photography.
“It’s so easy to get frustrated with photography. It’s art but it’s also technical,” Bonnie explains. “You have a great dream in mind and sometimes it doesn’t go that way at all.”
The trick is to play and experiment with no expectations and to let yourself be OK with learning something new.
Bonnie shares ways we can manage expectations, embrace the learning and put the fun back into photography.
If you’d like to get started in photography with the support of a community that challenges you to set your own goals, consider joining the Breakfast Stock Club. Sign up for the free newsletter at: https://www.greatescapepublishing.com/sign-up/breakfast-stock-club/.
“Set your goals high, and don't stop till you get there.”—Bo Jackson
Great Escape Radio host, Jody Maberry talks with Great Escape Photographer, Bonnie Caton.
Good things have been happening for Bonnie. She moved from her home in Portland and bought a new home in Bend, Oregon. New environs bring new opportunities for photographers like Bonnie.
She’s also been setting her goals for the new year—it’s something she does each year.
“In the beginning, my photography was more of a hobby. I knew I wanted to make money, but I didn’t really know how I would go about it,” says Bonnie.
Bonnie began to make money when she started laying out specific goals each year. But those goal-setting strategies have changed over the years. She’s moved from results-based goals to actionable goals.
Listen in as Bonnie shares how setting actionable goals can help new photographers find direction. She also gives us useful tips for goal-setting whether you’re a brand-new photographer or more experienced.
If you’d like to get started in photography with the support of a community that challenges you to set your own goals, consider joining the Breakfast Stock Club. Sign up for the free newsletter at: https://www.greatescapepublishing.com/sign-up/breakfast-stock-club/.
“That the great secret of creativity. You treat ideas like cats: you make them follow you.”—Ray Bradbury
Great Escape Radio host, Jody Maberry and Great Escape Publishing Director, Lori Allen share some of the advantages of attending a live event.
In recent podcasts, Jody has spoken with Tracey Minkin, Travel Editor for Coastal Living magazine. He has also shared portions of her presentations from the Ultimate Travel Writer’s Workshop in Austin, Texas last September. You’ll find one of those previous episodes with her here.
Great Escape Publishing’s most successful members are those who attend live events. Lori shares why live events are so helpful…
“It’s the power of a group—doing things in a group is motivating. And it’s also the creative spark that can ignite from a comment made by one of the presenters like Tracey.”
Jody shares a small portion of one of Tracey’s presentations about finding your story lede where she gives us the four questions we should always ask ourselves when we’re out in the field traveling and reporting to find that perfect story lede.
For more information on getting started with travel writing, visit www.greatescapepublishing.com/start/travelwriting.
“Some people feel the rain. Others just get wet.”—Bob Marley
Great Escape Radio host, Jody Maberry brings award-winning photographer and videographer, Joe Sindorf back to the program this week. You can listen to last week’s episode with Joe here.
Jody shares a recent travel experience…
“I was in Orlando recently visiting Disney’s Animal Kingdom enjoying the safari when a storm rolled in which forced me to have to spend the rest of the day ducking in and out of places to avoid getting wet.”
It wasn’t how Jody wanted to spend his time at Animal Kingdom.
Of course we prefer sunshine when we’re traveling—especially when we’re trying to get great photos.
But Joe shares with us some insight into those rainy travel days…
“It’s all about how you face the rain when you’re traveling,” he says. “The difference between an ordeal and an adventure is your attitude.”
When it rains, it provides photographic opportunities that you don’t get when it’s dry.
Listen in as Joe shares some of his travel experiences in Africa and in Israel when the rain came down. He also shares tips for the types of photos you can capture when the weather changes to rain and clouds.
As Joe was reminded by his guides on a trip to Israel…
“Rain is a blessing… make the most of it.”
If you’re interested in traveling with Joe on a Great Escape Publishing expedition trip soon, you can see their upcoming list of events here: https://www.greatescapepublishing.com/events/.
“When we meet another person and experience the life they live as a local, it changes us.”—Joe Sindorf
Great Escape Radio host, Jody Maberry brings us a returning guest, award-winning filmmaker and photographer, Joe Sindorf.
If there’s anyone who exemplifies living an exciting life, it’s Joe.
At the time of the podcast recording, Joe is in the process of packing to go to Namibia…again.
Jody shares his observations about Joe…
“When Joe travels, I see him posting photos on social media of landscapes which are always gorgeous, but he also posts photos of himself with locals. Joe, that’s my question to you. You always seem to be connected to the locals, how do you make that happen?”
Joe shares his insights…
“I enjoy people, but I’m not really an extrovert…that’s my wife! I tend to seek out one or two people and they tend to bring me to others.”
Connecting with locals has brought Joe some incredible experiences… and friendships.
He shares an example of his time in Petra, Jordan where camel driver “Mohammad #10” opened his home up to Joe and Great Escape members for tea, laughs and music.
“It’s those kinds of moments that will stick in a traveler’s mind forever,” says Joe. “It takes a very cool photographic experience and turn it into an even more amazing personal experience.”
Joe shares the advantages of what comes from interactions with locals and how he develops those relationships.
Caviar, toast and vodka with Russians anyone?
If you’re interested in traveling with Great Escape Publishing to a new destination, you can learn more about their upcoming trips here: https://www.greatescapepublishing.com/events/.
“Start writing, no matter what. The water does not flow until the faucet is turned on.”— Louis L’Amour
Great Escape Radio host, Jody Maberry brings us a returning guest, Noreen Kompanik. You can find Noreen’s last interview with Jody here.
Noreen attended the Ultimate Travel Writers Workshop in San Diego four years ago and has been travel writing ever since. During that time she has published 372 articles and counting.
Noreen’s articles have been published in a variety of magazines both online and in print. Her credits include TravelPulse, Links & Libations Magazine, International Living, GoNomad, San Diego Family Magazine, Edible San Diego and more.
She joins Jody this week to discuss and debunk the common myths about travel writing.
Some of the most commons myths about travel writing are:
…You need a journalism degree to be a travel writer
…Magazines all have their own staff writers
…Travel writers don’t make any money
…You must travel to exotic destinations in order to be a travel writer
Noreen busts those myths with information on what you REALLY need to be a travel writer. She also addresses another myth…
…You have to have an “in” with an editor to be published
If you’re interested in travel writing but haven’t given it a try because of these myths, this an episode you don’t want to miss.
You can learn more about getting started after listening in here: www.greatescapepublishing.com/start/travelwriting.
“The most important sentence in any article is the first one.” –William Zinsser
Great Escape Radio host, Jody Maberry brings us another segment from the Ultimate Travel Writer’s Workshop in Austin, Texas.
This week we’ll hear from Tracey Minkin again. Tracey is the Travel Editor for Coastal Living magazine. You can listen to last week’s episode with Tracey here.
In this episode Tracey discusses the different types of ledes for articles. Understanding this will add a punch to your writing that editors and readers will notice.
Tracey came to her post as the travel editor at Coastal Living through working very hard at her craft. She compares it to building a table.
First you look at what you have in your toolbox…
Then you figure out how to put all the pieces together…
And then, you figure out how to make it beautiful.
As writers, one of the most important things we have in our toolbox is the lede—the opening few lines of an article.
There are six types of ledes…
- News
- Anecdotal
- Scene setting
- First person
- Observational
- Zinger
Listen in as Tracey deconstructs the types of ledes and gives tips on how to use each one.
If you’re interested in joining Great Escape Publishing at a live workshop like the one held last year in Austin, visit their events page at: www.greatescapepublishing.com/events.
“Knowledge is of no value unless you put it into practice.” –Anton Cheklov
Great Escape Radio host, Jody Maberry brings us another segment from the Ultimate Travel Writer’s Workshop in Austin, Texas. You can listen to last week’s here.
This week we’ll hear from Tracey Minkin, Travel Editor for Coastal Living magazine.
Tracey starts by asking questions…
“What makes travel writing really sing? What makes it leap off the page, what makes it memorable?”
It’s about the details. It’s about the descriptions used to bring the words to life. It’s about using your senses.
How do you learn to do that? You practice.
Tracey shares with us 5 daily exercises that have helped her develop her writing skills and they’ll help you too.
She’s given them interesting titles too…
- Do Me In Bed
- Sky Work
- How Big Is It?
- Face Off
- Color Wheel
Tracey explains what these exercises mean and how to do them. She also tells us how practicing these exercises every day will enhance your travel writing.
To learn more about how you can get started with travel writing, visit: www.greatescapepublishing.com/start/travelwriting.
“Rome wasn’t built in a day, but they were laying bricks every hour.”— John Heywood
Great Escape Radio host, Jody Maberry brings us the first in a series of episodes highlighting segments from the Ultimate Travel Writer’s Workshop in Austin, Texas
On this episode, you’ll hear from Great Escape Publishing Director, Lori Allen as she delivers the opening message to the workshop attendees.
We join Lori live on stage at Austin as she tells us it’s an amazing time to be a travel writer.
“One of our attendees, Caroline brought me something we gave out in 2007 about what it takes to be a travel writer. Back then we told people to buy stationary to send query letters and to put slides in folders to submit with articles,” says Lori.
Things have really changed!
There was a time when Lori was concerned that all the changes with blogs and online magazines would destroy travel writing. But, it’s done the opposite. Now there are even more places to get information which means it’s an awesome time for travel writers.
Listen in as Lori shares the importance of using the tools you already have to get started in travel writing.
For more information about how to get started with travel writing, visit: www.greatescapepublishing.com/start/travelwriting.
“Taking action attracts people and attracts opportunities.” –Jody Maberry
Great Escape Radio host, Jody Maberry talks with Great Escape Publishing Director, Lori Allen about the great things that can happen when you put yourself out there.
It’s the life of a travel writer… or in Jody’s case, a podcaster.
Jody shares a recent experience...
“I was invited to visit the Indianapolis Zoo for a behind the scenes look at the dolphins and walruses to see how things are done.”
This visit included Jody’s entire family and it was an incredible experience for all of them—especially his daughter who loves dolphins!
It’s these kinds of experiences that make the life of a travel writer so rewarding. Travel writers often have experiences that aren’t available to the average tourist.
And, as Jody experienced, realizing that the work you’ve done resulted in a special memory for your child is absolutely priceless.
Listen in as Jody and Lori discuss how asking questions can lead to richer experiences and deeper insights into the destinations you visit.
Put yourself out there and good things happen.
It’s not rocket science… and it’s not something that will cost you a lot of money. You can start from anywhere.
If you’re interested in getting started with travel writing, visit: www.greatescapepublishing.com/start/travelwriting for all the information you need to get going.
“Writing is a form of therapy; sometimes I wonder how all those who do not write, compose, or paint can manage to escape the madness, melancholia, the panic and fear which is inherent in a human situation.”—Graham Greene, Ways of Escape
Great Escape Radio Host, Jody Maberry brings Melissa Broughton back to the show to talk about writing a memoir.
Last episode Melissa talked to Jody about her career as a travel writer with a focus on spa writing. (You can listen in to that episode here.) This week she’s back to talk about a memoir she wrote about her father after he passed away.
“My dad passed away about 9 years ago when he was only 54 and I was 34. Overall it was a ‘write to heal’ time for me,” says Melissa.
She was doing so many things to go through the healing process, but as a writer it was writing that helped her heal.
Although she was only 34 at the time, writing the memoir Cowboy Dad: Love, Alcoholism and A Dying Way of Life was important to her… it’s not about age, it’s about life experiences.
Melissa shares with us how writing helped her deal with the trauma of losing her father—first to alcoholism—and, ultimately, his death.
She also talks about the benefits of writing for all types of struggles and chaotic emotions, whether you want to publish your words or just keep them private.
Melissa Broughton is the creator of Great Escape Publishing’s spa writing program, The Pampered Traveler. To learn more about it and grab a copy, visit: www.greatescapepublishing.com/start/spa.
“I’m so used to being pampered in spas, I’ve forgotten how expensive spa treatments are.”—Melissa Broughton, Spa Writer
Great Escape Radio Host, Jody Maberry talks with Melissa Broughton, a travel and spa writer.
Jody starts the conversation with a question Melissa is often asked, “Spa Writer? How does that work?”
Often people (especially men) that ask Melissa that question assume it has something to do with hot tubs. But it’s so much more than that…
“Being a spa writer means more than just relaxation and free treatments. It’s about the adventure and the overall experience. This is part of spa-ing—being aware of your surroundings, enjoying them, breathing with awareness, trying something new. And there are so many new things to try at spas,” says Melissa.
When Melissa started out as a travel writer, she began to notice the growing spa business… boutique spas… resort spas… and a general increase in wellness trends.
Melissa used her creative instincts to tap into the spa writing market and began to build her resume. She shares with us how that happened, what she did to become known as a spa writer and what she teaches people in her spa writing workshops.
Melissa Broughton is the creator of Great Escape Publishing’s spa writing program, The Pampered Traveler. You can get more details about how you can get pampered all over the world by writing spa-themed travel articles here: www.greatescapepublishing.com/start/spa.
“If you don’t like the road you’re walking, start paving another one!” –Dolly Parton
Great Escape Radio Host, Jody Maberry and Great Escape Publishing Director, Lori Allen introduce is to Kim Wilson.
“At Great Escape Publishing, we create a safe place for beginners to start in travel writing and photography,” says Lori. “But our audience is growing and now we are also a place for professional photographers.”
Kim Wilson was already a professional photographer when she attended Great Escape Publishing’s stock photography workshop a few years ago. She was interested in learning more about ways to use her photography skills.
Now Kim has branched off into something else…videography.
“Kim is the perfect poster child for when you’re standing at a crossroads and don’t know which road to take.”
Kim shares with us how she started in photography at the young age of 14 and how choosing to change direction in her career led to success and even challenged her to rethink her identity.
In this podcast Kim offers practical tips and advice for finding your own niche and building it into a successful business.
If you’ve been inspired by Kim’s story and want to consider transitioning into video, visit www.greatescapepublishing.com/start/video for more information on getting started.
“I get more out of a trip than any vitamin has ever given me in my life.” –Lori Allen
Great Escape Radio Host, Jody Maberry and Great Escape Publishing Director, Lori Allen discuss the recent Ultimate Travel Writer’s Workshop in Austin, Texas.
The workshop has just concluded and Lori is still recovering.
“It’s a lot of excitement, and even life-planning and I’m still coming down from it,” says Lori.
People typically come to Great Escape Publishing at a pivotal time in their life. Perhaps they’re transitioning out of a career… or out of a place they didn’t want to be… and into a world of travel.
“We’ve all had trips that changed us as a person. You know when you come home from certain places, you’ll never be the same… you’ll never look at the world the same way.”
The Great Escape live events affect people in a similar way. The environment rejuvenates and energizes the attendees and encourages them to continue on their journey toward a new life of travel or photography.
Listen in as Jody plays the testimonials he recorded from some of the attendees at the recent event.
For more information about upcoming events with Great Escape Publishing, visit the Events page on their website at: https://www.greatescapepublishing.com/events
“A healthy habit is a great habit in general, but it’s even better when you can use it in your work.”—Tracey Minkin
Great Escape Radio Host, Jody Maberry brings Tracey Minkin, the Senior Travel and Features Editor for Coastal Living back to the podcast broadcasting live from the Ultimate Travel Writer’s Workshop in Austin, Texas. You can listen to the previous episode with her here.
This week, Jody and Tracy are talking about some of the daily practices for travel writing.
Jody asks Tracy to share some of the things new writers can do to change their mindset and begin thinking like a travel writer.
“The thing I need to do the most hour after hour…place after place…morning, noon and night is harvest really good details. I need to be on constant prowl for specifics… about landscapes… people… how things sound… the smells… the color of the sea—a really big deal for us at Coastal Living!”
The key to bringing those details to your writing is to note them while you’re in the moment. Days… even hours later, you won’t easily recall specific details of a place or experience.
Tracy shares with us five easy mental exercises to employ in our daily lives. Following these exercises will help us build habits that will be effective in making our notes…and subsequently, our articles really strong.
If you’re interested in getting started with travel writing, you can sign up for a free video with more details here: https://www.greatescapepublishing.com/start/travelwriting/.
“It’s very hard to get the essence of a place just by looking at it… you have to talk to people.”—Tracy Minkin
Great Escape Radio Host, Jody Maberry talks with Tracy Minkin, the Senior Travel and Features Editor of Coastal Living, live from the Ultimate Travel Writer’s Workshop in Austin, Texas.
Tracy’s a great conversationalist, which was proven when she won a conversation competition in high school—a title that came with a $1,000 prize!
Her inherent conversation skills have served her well…
“Loving to chit chat, hangout with locals and hear their stories is what makes travel writing better…and it makes it super fun!”
By nature, most journalists are curious and anxious to talk to people. As Tracy says, “We’re nosey!”
But what if you’re shy about opening up a conversation with a stranger?
Tracy suggests hiring a local guide.
“When you hire a local guide, you not only gain unique insights into a place, you also support the local economy.”
Listen in as Tracy and Jody discuss some of the interesting stories they’ve gathered from starting conversations with strangers. You’ll also get more tips on how to use these conversations in your writing.
If you’re interested in learning more about getting started with travel writing, visit: https://www.greatescapepublishing.com/start/travelwriting/.
“Rome wasn’t built in a day, but they were laying bricks every hour.”—John Heywood
Great Escape Radio Host, Jody Maberry and Great Escape Publishing Director, Lori Allen talk with Jed Vaughn live at the Ultimate Travel Writer’s Workshop in Austin, Texas.
Lori invited Jed back to the workshop to be on the success panel for a second time.
Jed’s travel writing success is unique in that he hasn’t chosen a specific niche to focus on. He’s written about sailing, fishing, coffee, wine and beer. He’s also written about music.
“I think I haven’t narrowed and focused on one niche because I get bored easily. But I’m also passionate about a wide variety of things,” Jed explains.
When Jed discovered the Great Escape travel writing program, he hadn’t written anything since high school.
He started by taking the travel writing course at home—which provided the formula. But attending the workshop brought networking into the mix and that’s what launched his career.
As Lori explains…
“Our editors and speakers give you the formula and the writers speaking on the success panel show you the formula really works.”
Listen in as Jed shares some of his experiences and why he thinks not having a niche works best for him.
If you’d like to get started with travel writing, like Jed, you can learn more here: https://www.greatescapepublishing.com/start/travel-writing/.
“To see your name for the first time in print is a thrill.” –Cynthia Notti
Great Escape Radio Host, Jody Maberry and Great Escape Publishing Director, Lori Allen introduce us to Cynthia Notti who is in Austin, Texas attending the Ultimate Travel Writer’s Workshop as a member of this year’s success panel.
Lori talks about the success panel…
“This is one of my favorite parts of our annual workshop. We hear from editors, writers and others who have had very large successes… and who’ve been writing for a while. But the success panel includes former attendees who have found success after attending the Ultimate Travel Writer’s Workshop.”
The stories shared by the success panel are an inspiration to attendees. It’s motivating to hear from people who were in the audience not too long ago.
Cynthia is one of those people. She attended the Denver workshop in 2015 and within one month she had her first article published.
“Being a travel writer means a lot to me,” says Cynthia. “I came from a finance and accounting background, but it’s always been my dream to write… and I love to travel.”
Cynthia shares more about her recent successes, talks about how her work has progressed and what she believes are the benefits of attending the Ultimate Travel Writer’s Workshop.
By attending Great Escape Publishing’s Ultimate Travel Writer’s Workshop you’ll experience the inspiration and energy Cynthia and Lori are talking about—and you’ll receive an actionable plan for starting your own travel writing career. To add your name to the Workshop Alert List for first details on next year’s event go here: https://www.greatescapepublishing.com/events.
Or to get started with GEP’s home study travel writing program, visit: https://www.greatescapepublishing.com/program/travel-writing/.
“It doesn’t matter how many years you’ve been writing, it’s always inspiring to see your byline in a magazine.” –Ian Aldrich
Great Escape Radio Host, Jody Maberry talks with Ian Aldrich, the Deputy Editor of Yankee Magazine, and Great Escape Publishing Director, Lori Allen live from the Ultimate Travel Writer’s Workshop in Austin, Texas. (You can listen to last week’s episode with him here too.)
Jody asks Ian what he likes about speaking at this event.
“Coming to an event like this, meeting other writers, talking story ideas and being with like-minded people recharges my batteries,” Ian explains.
Lori agrees…
“These events provide a creative spark—you can see it in the eyes of the attendees and you can feel the energy in the room.”
Ian and Lori also share more about finding your way around writer’s block, using a creative spark as inspiration to finish projects and the benefits of being around the positive energy generated at live events.
By attending Great Escape Publishing’s Ultimate Travel Writing Workshop you’ll experience the inspiration and energy Ian and Lori are talking about. For more information about upcoming live events, https://www.greatescapepublishing.com/events/. Or for more information about getting started with travel writing at home, you can learn more about their online Ultimate Travel Writer’s Program here: http://www.greatescapepublishing.com/start/travelwriting.
“We are all, each and every one, unique in the Universe. And that uniqueness is what makes us valuable.”—James A. Owen
Great Escape Radio Host, Jody Maberry talks with Great Escape Publishing Director, Lori Allen and Deputy Editor of Yankee Magazine, Ian Aldrich live from the Ultimate Travel Writer’s Workshop in Austin, Texas.
Jody poses the question, “Can anyone be a travel writer?”
Ian answers with a resounding “Yes!”
“The idea that magazines have their set writers and aren’t open to new writers isn’t true,” says Ian. “We’re looking for good ideas and welcome the opportunity to work with new writers.”
Ian shares the story of a woman who pitched Yankee Magazine an idea for a story on the Cape Cod National Seashore.
“We’ve written about Cape Cod and the National Seashore many times, but this writer pitched a story about the places her husband, a park ranger and his colleagues go when they’re hiking the area.”
She had no clips, had never written for Yankee Magazine but they gave her the assignment because it was a great idea… and she made the case for why she was the one to write the story.
Ian shares the importance of looking at things through your unique perspective and presenting fresh ideas from places that have been written about many times.
By attending a live event like the Ultimate Travel Writer’s Workshop, you can gain access to editors like Ian Aldrich and learn firsthand what it takes to get published in their magazines. For more information about upcoming Great Escape Publishing events, go here: https://www.greatescapepublishing.com/events/. Or to get started at home with their online travel writing program, visit http://www.greatescapepublishing.com/start/travelwriting.
“If you’re always trying to be normal, you’ll never know how amazing you can be.” –Maya Angelou
Great Escape Radio Host, Jody Maberry brings Kathy Sindorf back to the show.
Kathy is a university professor. She’s traveled the world as a television producer and reporter and she’s co-lead photography expeditions for Great Escape Publishing with her husband, Joe Sindorf. (You can listen in on their last podcast episode about traveling together and solo here.)
Kathy shares her thoughts on her Great Escape experiences…
“Leading the trips for Great Escape Publishing is such a joy! Joe and I have really enjoyed getting to know the photography and travel writer community associated with Great Escape. We’ve found a whole new group of friends…it’s a community of support and friendship.”
This week Kathy helps those of us who take a lot of photos during our travels by sharing what photos we should post on social media, how we should caption our photos and what we can do to protect the security of our photos. If you’re trying to make your social media posts amazing, Kathy’s tips will help.
If you’re interested in getting started selling your photos, you can learn more about Great Escape Publishing’s flagship photography program, Turn Your Pictures into Cash, here: https://www.greatescapepublishing.com/program/photography/.
“A rising tide lifts all boats.” –John F. Kennedy
Great Escape Radio Host, Jody Maberry and Great Escape Publishing Director, Lori Allen talk about what’s new in stock photography.
“It’s my job to notice trends and stock photography is a conversation that comes up a lot with new photographers as well as those who’ve been very successful.”
Lori looks at someone like Carli Davidson, author of the New York Times bestselling photo book, Shake.
“I started working with Carli when she wasn’t as well-known as she is today. Now she’s doing commercials for Friskies, Pedigree and other huge companies. She’s also doing some work for Great Escape Publishing on the side—leading workshops and interacting with beginners to pull them along on their journey.”
It’s Lori’s job to explore what people like Carli and other successful photographers can do to encourage members who are just starting out on their photography journey. That’s where stock photography comes in.
Professional photographers often talk about shooting the things they’re passionate about. Stock photography can help beginners discover their passion and more.
Listen in as Lori shares the latest trends in stock photography as well as its benefits… especially for new photographers.
If you’re interested in learning more about stock photography, visit https://www.greatescapepublishing.com/sign-up/breakfast-stock-club/ to sign up for the free Breakfast Stock Club newsletter.
“Each day is a new chapter in your life, and you get to decide what chapter comes next.” –Lori Allen
Great Escape Radio Host, Jody Maberry and Great Escape Publishing Director, Lori Allen explore the idea of freedom.
People want freedom.
Lori shares a recent example she heard in the news…
“Two elderly men broke out of their nursing home to attend a heavy metal concert. They were just a couple of old “metal heads” seeking freedom from their lives in the home. After the men were located and returned to the nursing home, the festival organizers tweeted about it saying, ‘You’re never too old to rock!’”
These men aren’t unlike many others…no one likes feeling trapped.
Lori shares her experiences growing up in a family of prison guards. It was a good job that came with benefits.
“What it was to me was a constant reminder of what happens when people are trapped…when their freedoms are taken away.”
Loss of freedom comes in many forms…a job you hate…a toxic relationship…lack of options for change.
But the truth is, you control the destination of your life…you get to choose the next chapter.
Sometimes it just takes a little encouragement or inspiration from others to realize you can regain the freedom you crave.
Listen in as Jody and Lori discuss some of the ways people are finding the keys to the new chapters of their lives.
If you’re looking for your own type of freedom, explore the options Great Escape Publishing offers to help you on your journey. A great place to start is with their travel writing program. You’ll more details about it at www.greatescapepublishing.com/start/travelwriting.
“The man who goes alone can start today, but he who travels with another must wait till that other is ready.” — Henry David Thoreau
Great Escape Radio Host, Jody Maberry brings humanitarian photographer and filmmaker, Joe Sindorf back to the show along with a mystery guest…Joe’s favorite friend in the entire world…his wife, Kathy Sindorf.
Kathy teaches digital media, video and photography at the university level. She’s also traveled around the world as a television reporter and correspondent.
Jody, Joe and Kathy discuss the pros and cons of traveling as a couple and traveling solo.
“I am continually amazed by the number of people who have the courage to travel solo… even if they are happily married and have plenty of friends,” says Kathy.
One of the advantages of solo travel is meeting people with like-minded interests and travel styles.
When Joe and Kathy were first married, they often traveled separately due to assignments for their respective television programs. They travel together as often as possible now, but sometimes solo travel is still on the calendar.
“Even though I travel by myself a little more than I want to, I always travel with Kathy in mind…I look for things that I want to show her when we could do this together,” says Joe.
Listen in as Jody, Joe and Kathy discuss aspects of solo travel…
…How to travel alone and not feel guilty that your spouse isn’t there
…How to share your travel stories with those who weren’t able to go through your photos
…Some of the advantages of traveling alone
If you’re interested in ways you can get paid to explore the world on your own or with others, you can sign up for Great Escape Publishing’s free newsletter, The Right Way to Travel here: https://www.greatescapepublishing.com/subscribe/?ref=podcast
“Travel is like a giant blank canvas, and the painting on that canvas is only limited by one’s imagination.” –Ross Morley
Great Escape Radio Host, Jody Maberry and Great Escape Publishing Director, Lori Allen introduce us to Kevin Wenning.
“Out of all of the get paid to travel opportunities we publish at Great Escape Publishing, I REALLY love our tour program,” says Lori. “It’s super trendy to go on unique, customized, non-touristy tours—which makes it very profitable right now.”
Kevin is a true entrepreneur who has combined two of his passions into tours: biking and photography. He shares with us the back story…
“I used to commute to work by bike, so it was natural for me to want to jump on a bike when I would travel to a new destination.”
Renting a bike to get where he wanted to go became a regular part of Kevin’s travel style. Later, he added photography to his biking trips. Over time, he began to piece his ideas together. He talked to some friends who were also taking international biking vacations and discovered there was a market for this unique travel style.
Listen in as Kevin shares with us several things including…
- What inspired him to create his tours
- His marketing strategy
- The types of people who are interested in his style of tours (it wasn’t what he expected)
- The excitement of traveling with like-minded people
- The importance of staying prepared for opportunities that come your way
If you want to learn more about creating your own customized tours, visit www.greatescapepublishing.com/start/tours for information about Great Escape Publishing’s program, Leading Tours for Fun and Profit.
“Shoot for the moon. Even if you miss, you'll land among the stars.”—Norman Vincent Peale
Great Escape Radio Host, Jody Maberry brings Joe Sindorf back to the show.
An international humanitarian filmmaker and photographer who has traveled to more than 75 countries, Joe is a favorite guest on the program.
This week Jody and Joe are talking about life travel goals… creating a bucket list.
“I think it’s always important to have goals… to have something to look forward to… a reason to get up in the morning,” says Joe.
Many people have travel bucket lists, but Joe believes adding photography goals to the list deepens the experience.
“Photographing a destination or experience seers it a little more into your memory.”
For example, visiting a national park we can see landscapes and animals, but once we photograph it, the experience becomes more than a check on the bucket list. We’ve created a memory—and, it can become an inspiration to someone else.
Joe talks about what to consider when choosing the places you want to add to your photography bucket list and why it’s important to choose a mix of attainable destinations as well as the seemingly unattainable.
You’ll find ways to make some of your goals and dreams happen by visiting www.greatescapepublishing.com and signing up for their free newsletter, The Right Way to Travel at: https://www.greatescapepublishing.com/subscribe.
“The journey of a thousand miles begins with one step.” –Lao Tzu
Great Escape Radio Host, Jody Maberry brings Bonnie Caton back to the podcast.
Bonnie’s back in the USA after living abroad earlier this year. She’s refocusing on her photography business and training for a triathlon—she’s been busy!
Inspired lately by the success stories she’s seen through Great Escape Publishing, Bonnie wants to share her thoughts about some of them.
“A lot of our members are doing incredible things…most of them later in life. People age 57, 60 and beyond who never thought they would be able to travel the way they are now. These people have been able to really go for it and get into the program and apply all the things we talk about.”
She shares some of the success stories that have inspired her…
Theresa St. John who was going through a tough divorce when she decided to venture into photography and travel writing—now she’s turned her life around and is following her dreams…
Terri Marshall who left behind a life career as a tax accountant to become a full-time travel writer and now has adventures all over the world—many of them involving chocolate…
Jed Vaughn who dove right in and immediately started taking press trips and publishing articles—he’s having amazing experiences…he’s even danced with Miss Mexico!
Listen in as Bonnie shares more about these successes and others, the importance of taking the first step and the importance of scheduling a few minutes to do something every day to advance you toward your goals.
To follow in these successful members’ footsteps and help you get started living the life of your dreams, sign up for Great Escape Publishing’s free newsletter, The Right Way to Travel here: https://www.greatescapepublishing.com/subscribe/. Or to learn more about Great Escape Publishing programs, visit: https://www.greatescapepublishing.com/program/.
“We give our members a roadmap, they get in the ‘car’ and use that roadmap to get to their destination…a published article.” –Noreen Kompanik
Great Escape Radio Host, Jody Maberry bring Noreen Kompanik back to the show to talk about the Travel Writer’s Café.
Noreen has just returned from a two-week trip in Europe that included Croatia, Italy and the Greek Islands.
Unlike many of her trips, this wasn’t a press trip, it was supposed to be Noreen’s vacation.
“As travel writer’s we’re not always on assignment, we need breaks, sometimes we need to take our own vacations.”
But that doesn’t mean Noreen didn’t come back with stories to write… she has 14 in the works right now and expects more to come.
Noreen has returned to the podcast to talk about the 2nd anniversary of the Travel Writer’s Café.
This was a membership program Noreen pitched to Lori Allen after she attended the Ultimate Travel Writer’s Workshop in San Diego 4 years ago.
“I thought Great Escape Publishing needed a program where writers have a place to contact other writers, connect with experts and share their successes as they learn to navigate the everchanging environment of the world of travel writing.”
Listen in as Noreen shares what happens when you join the Travel Writer’s Café and how it has become a successful program helping writers meet their expectations.
To learn more about the Travel Writer’s Café and sign up, visit: www.greatescapepublishing.com/start/café.
“There’s a lot of the world I have left to check off my list, but I keep wanting to go back to Africa.”—Lori Allen
Great Escape Radio Host, Jody Maberry and Great Escape Publishing Director, Lori Allen talk about her recent trip to Kenya.
Kenya is usually the first country people go to when they go on an African safari. Lori did it backwards.
“I visited South Africa, Tanzania, Botswana and Namibia before making it to Kenya,” says Lori.
Lori thought it would be more of the same things she had already experienced. But she was wrong.
“I didn’t think I would see anything different in Kenya than I hadn’t already seen in Tanzania. But you drive a mere two or three hours and it feels like you’re in a different world.”
“There’s something about Africa that calls you back. I’ve been eight or nine times now and every trip blows me away.”
Listen in as Lori shares some of the new experiences she had on her most recent trip to Africa where she explored Kenya. She even had a fun celebrity spotting experience when she met Ellen DeGeneres in the restroom!
Africa is becoming one of the top tourist destinations in countries like Kenya, Tanzania and Namibia. The time to go is always now.
Great Escape offers photography expeditions to these locations and others throughout the year. To learn more about upcoming trips visit their events page at: https://www.greatescapepublishing.com/events/ and sign up for the Workshop Alert List to receive “first alerts” about future events.
“You have a choice to look for rainbows or look for dirt, I choose to look for rainbows.”—Janette Tepas
Great Escape Radio Host, Jody Maberry and Great Escape Publishing Director, Lori Allen introduce us to Janette Tepas.
“After attending the Great Escape Photography Workshop last year in San Diego I was inspired to try something new with my photos,” says Janette.
Focusing on her hometown of Chicago, Janette photographs local points of interest and uses her artistic skills to create unique art as note cards, jewelry, ornaments and paintings.
“I print my photos in black and white then, using watercolors, I hand-paint color directly onto the photos.”
And… she’s selling them!
“The workshop in San Diego helped me focus on what I could do by combining photography with the art skills I’ve developed over the years. It gave me inspiration and direction.”
Listen in as Jody and Janette talk more about her work and the various paths it has taken her so far.
Lori also talks more about how we can take things we have special access to and turns those into a unique photography niche.
If you’re interested in getting started on your unique path to photography, Lori suggests checking out a “Power Hour” recently created by Bonnie Caton, on her path to earning $10,000 from her photos in her spare time. You’ll find it at www.greatescapepublishing.com/start/10k.
“I can see someone’s idea without the lens of their fear…without the lens of their stories. And then I can help them take the first step.” – Allegra Stein
Great Escape Radio Host, Jody Maberry brings life coach Allegra Stein back to the show. To hear Allegra’s previous podcast episode, go here.
Allegra identifies herself as a “Thought and Action Coach for Women With Big Ideas.”
In the year since she last appeared on the show, Allegra’s been in family mode caring for her young children—which is always at the top of the list. She’s also been shifting the focus of her coaching practice a bit.
Allegra explains…
“I originally connected with Great Escape Publishing because my personal background involved a lot of travel. After college I joined the Peace Corps and lived in Bulgaria. Later I moved to New York City on my own.”
Allegra’s personal experience with picking herself up and moving somewhere else and her understanding of what it’s like to leave one thing and move into another led her to a coaching career focused on transitions and relocations.
“What I’ve come to see in my 6 years practicing as a coach is that what I really love most is a big idea!”
Allegra has shifted her practice to a focus on bringing ideas to life. Sometimes it’s professional, sometimes it’s personal, but helping people bring their ideas to life is what lights her up.
She’s embarking on a project to activate 100 ideas from September through June.
“If someone’s big idea is really divergent from their current expected or predicted path, they often don’t even want to say it out loud.”
Allegra is there to help her clients take that first step and get the momentum going. She calls that micro-action.
Listen in for her inspiring advice and viewpoint. It only takes one step to change your life.
Allegra is committed to activating 100 ideas this September through June – get in on that project by connecting with her at www.allegrastein.com or on Instagram @Allegrator.
Great Escape Publishing has several programs that will help you activate your ideas, too. Visit www.greatescapepublishing.com to see what inspires you.
“Money comes and goes, but time only goes.” –Lee Cockerell
Great Escape Radio Host, Jody Maberry brings time management guru, Lee Cockerell back to the show.
Recently Lori Allen surveyed several members of Great Escape Publishing to ask them what their biggest challengers were. Two common themes emerged: not enough time and feeling overwhelmed.
As the former Executive Vice President of Walt Disney World Resorts, Lee knows a thing or two about getting things done—and he has the same 24 hours in a day that we do.
Over the years Lee taught his time management strategies to his employees at Marriott and at Walt Disney World.
“We all have many responsibilities—maybe more than we realize,” says Lee. “If we don’t take care of our responsibilities by planning for them, it will catch us by surprise and becomes a crisis.”
Juggling too many responsibilities and feeling overwhelmed creates stress and that can result in anxiety and depression.
Listen in as he shares his thoughts on the importance of planning and the importance of having a system in place.
Lee’s time management tips are outlined in his book, Time Management Magic: How to Get More Done Every Day and Move From Surviving to Thriving. You can find the book along with Lee’s videos, podcasts and the Morning Magic Planner at LeeCockerell.com.
Lee says, “it’s time to get started.”
If you’re interested in getting started in travel writing visit www.greatescapepublishing.com/start/travelwriting to learn more about it. Or if you’re interested in photography, you can get started at www.greatescapepublishing.com/start/10k to learn how you can make your first $10,000 in photography.
“Above all, enthusiasm sells.” –Steve Roller
Host, Jody Maberry and Great Escape Publishing Director, Lori Allen introduce us to Steve Roller.
Steve has always loved traveling but only recently started profiting from his travels by leading tours.
Steve says his parents were his inspiration for getting started.
“Four years ago, my family and I spent the summer in Ecuador. My parents visited us for two of the weeks while we were down there. I played tour guide to them while they were visiting despite my concerns that their expectations would be too high.”
It turns out Steve’s parents were thrilled with his tour guiding skills and encouraged him to lead tours for other people.
Steve was inspired, and that inspiration really caught fire when he discovered Great Escape Publishing’s program, Leading Tours for Fun and Profit.
“The program provided me with a step-by-step process for putting together a tour and running it with all the details I needed.”
Listen in as Steve shares the simple ways he markets his tours…without spending a penny on advertising!
He also shares what appeals to him about running tours…and it’s not just about making money.
If you’re interested in organizing a tour to a destination or leading a small walking tour around where you live, you can learn more about getting started with Great Escape Publishing’s program, Leading Tours for Fun and Profit here: http://www.greatescapepublishing.com/start/tours.
“You make your own luck.” –Ernest Hemingway
Host, Jody Maberry and Great Escape Publishing Director, Lori Allen talk with travel writer, Tricia Pimentel.
Lori introduces us to Tricia…
“Tricia came to Great Escape Publishing expecting her journey toward travel writing would be like some of the success stories she had heard from other members. But, like the algorithms of the birds that take one step toward the flock and one step out on their own…Tricia found her journey to be one of stepping out on her own.”
Tricia shares her story…
“I started my writing career with a blog where I posted stories from my travels with my husband.”
Tricia had no idea where that blog and her love for travel and writing would lead her.
“My husband and I had sold our house outside of Park City, Utah and were touring the Pacific Northwest and the National Parks when we decided to go to San Francisco.”
Tricia’s husband had read about the Ultimate Travel Writers’ Workshop in International Living—which he had subscribed to for many years.
“We needed to go to San Francisco to get our documentation in order for the move to Portugal, so it made sense for me to attend the workshop while I was there.”
Tricia’s intent was to learn more about how to improve the writing on her blog, but she found much more. The workshop opened the door for her to write for International Living and now she is a regular contributor as an expat living in Portugal.
Listen in as Tricia shares more about how she landed the International Living gig, what she loves about Portugal and what advice she has for others interested in travel writing.
The best place to get started is by attending a live event. To sign up for the upcoming Ultimate Travel Writers’ Workshop in Austin, Texas this September at www.greatescapepublishing.com. If you can’t attend, check out the blogging program at www.greatescapepublishing.com/start/blog.
“It’s more important to click with people than it is to click the shutter.”—Alfred Eisenstaedt
Host, Jody Maberry welcomes award-winning photographer, Joseph Sindorf back to the show.
Last time Joe was on the show he was getting ready to go to Namibia in West Africa—which turned out to be an amazing trip.
Every time Joe is on the show it seems he is packing for another trip. This time is no exception—Joe is packing for a trip to Jordan where he’ll be leading another Great Escape Publishing Photography Expedition.
He’ll be visiting Petra—the old Nabataean city carved out of red sandstone.
He’ll spend a night in the Jordanian desert following in the footsteps of Lawrence of Arabia and float in the Dead Sea.
There will be lots of images to capture and Joe will want to include people in those images.
“Photography isn’t about the camera,” says Joe. “It’s about telling powerful stories and often those stories revolve around people.”
In his humanitarian work, Joe has developed several techniques for getting the photographs he wants of the people in the environment that speaks to who they are. It’s all about making contact.
Listen in as Joe shares how a smile and three basic words in the language of the country he’s visiting opens doors, allows him to take the photos he wants and gives him more than photos—it gives him stories.
To keep up to date on the Great Escape Publishing Photography Expeditions Joe leads, visit www.greatescapepublishing.com.
“Writing local feels comfortable—like a talk with a good friend, and it’s always fun to come home.” –Theresa St. John
Host Jody Mayberry talks with Theresa St. John, a travel writer and photographer who has built an impressive resume since attending Great Escape Publishing’s Ultimate Travel Writers Workshop a few years ago
When Theresa first started her journey as a travel writer, she didn’t have the money to travel and she was working fulltime, so her time was also limited. The solution? She started local.
Theresa’s hometown is Saratoga and she’s found some of her best stories locally.
“They say, ‘bloom where you’re planted’ and that’s what I did when I first started my travel writing and photography career. I still write local today and love finding new places in my hometown.”
Theresa shares some of the discoveries she’s made and the stories she’s been able to publish from her local explorations.
“I started local because I had to, but I keep coming back to local because I love where I live and it’s fun to learn more about my hometown.”
Great Escape Publishing’s next Ultimate Travel Writer’s Workshop, where Theresa got her start, will be in Austin, Texas this September 14-16. You’ll learn about travel writing and photography—and find your pack—the people who will support you on your journey. Seats are going fast so visit www.greatescapepublishing.com to register today!
“I found out a long time ago, the harder I work, the luckier I get.” –Joe Sindorf
Host Jody Mayberry talks with Joseph Sindorf, an award-winning photographer and a favorite of everyone at Great Escape Publishing.
Joe is heading to Namibia on the West Coast of Africa. It’s a new country for him and has been on his list for a while.
He’ll be exploring the country and introducing it to Great Escape Publishing members on a photography expedition.
Although Joe has been traveling for a long he still gets excited before a trip.
“Traveling is an incredible thrill for me and also a huge privilege,” says Joe. “It’s not something I take lightly. I realize many people dream of a life like this.”
Joe also understands the need to continue working hard.
“I have to continually market myself and my work. One assignment leads to another and a happy client leads to repeat work and introductions to new clients.”
Joe shares information about the gear he’s taking to Namibia and what he’s most looking forward to photographing while he’s there.
Visit www.greatescapepublishing.com for articles about GEP’s Namibia Photo Expedition with Joe. Also, check out the Ultimate Travel Writer’s Workshop that will be held in Austin, Texas September 14-16. The workshop is an opportunity to learn about travel writing and there will be one day add-on workshops about photography as well. More details here: https://www.greatescapepublishing.com/events/ultimate-travel-writers-workshop/.
“The strength of the wolf doesn’t come from its fangs, it doesn’t come from its speed, it comes from its pack.” –Unknown
Host Jody Mayberry and Great Escape Publishing Director Lori Allen, talk about the strength of a pack.
It’s all about the wolves…
“I really love wolves,” Lori shares. “One day I’m going to make the mascot for Great Escape Publishing a wolf.”
Lori once heard a broadcaster say, “The strength of the wolf doesn’t come from its fangs, it doesn’t come from its speed, it comes from its pack.”
That’s how Lori feels about the Great Escape Publishing community. It’s what happens at the live events and every success story that emerges from these events is partially due to the strength of the pack.
Listen in to learn more about the benefits of creating your own community—your own pack.
“A creative spark will help motivate us to explore new things. But, if we can find the right pack, that can also take us to success.”
Visit https://www.greatescapepublishing.com/events/ultimate-travel-writers-workshop/ and sign up for the Ultimate Travel Writer’s Workshop in Austin. It’s your chance to find your pack.
“We rise by lifting others.” –Robert Ingersoll
Host Jody Mayberry and Great Escape Publishing Director Lori Allen, discuss technical difficulties, good and evil and much more in this week’s podcast.
Spurred on by the technical difficulties Jody has been experiencing lately with recording the podcasts, Lori shares other technical difficulties that happen when the “evil” side of her camera shows up, or when a technique she uses for writing fails her.
“Life’s a constant battle of good vs evil!”
She shares the message she found central to the plot of the recent “Wonder Woman” movie about spreading love as the way to save the world.
This philosophy is at the heart of the Great Escape Publishing community.
“One reason I believe our community is so special is that we help each other. People are joining our community after having successful careers in other fields. We have to reinvent ourselves and we do it by lifting each other up.”
Lori had the vision for the Great Escape community to be one that pays it forward years ago…
“Our community is built on accepting beginners and sharing our expertise with those just starting out.”
If you want to be more involved in what Great Escape is doing and have an interest in photography, check out the 10k Plan for Photographers power hour here: www.greatescapepublishing.com/start/10k. With it, you’ll have a complete step-by-step plan for making your first $10,000 with photography.
“If you had told me that I would be a 75-year-old moneymaking photographer, I don’t think I would have believed you!” –Elizabeth Coughlan
Host Jody Mayberry and Great Escape Publishing Director Lori Allen, introduce us to Elizabeth Coughlan.
“One of the great things about these podcasts is that the people we interview are inspiring. Elizabeth is one of those people,” says Lori. “And, she’s doing some really cool stuff with her photography.”
After 40 years of teaching for international schools around the world, Elizabeth retired and began looking for something to do. She stumbled onto the Great Escape Publishing website and found its photography workshops.
Elizabeth had owned various point and shoot cameras in her life, but when she got a real camera, she wanted to learn how to use it. Attending the Great Escape Publishing photography events not only taught her how to use her camera, it taught her how to sell her photos.
“My first workshop was in Seville, Spain and Efrain Padro was the teacher. Efrain is a great teacher and I learned so much. I was really, truly hooked.”
Elizabeth has attended several additional workshops since then… mainly because they’re so much fun.
“I always meet so many interesting people while having the opportunity to hone my photography skills.”
Elizabeth shares what photographing the Louvre when it opened in Abi Dhabi taught her about event photography. She also shares what she’s learned about including people in photographs.
If you’re interested in learning more about selling your photos, start here: www.greatescapepublishing.com/start/photography. Or if you’re ready to make your first $10,000 as a photographer this year, check out Bonnie Caton’s 10k Plan for Photographers Power Hour at: www.greatescapepublishing.com/start/10.
“The Great Escape Publishing expeditions have launched my photography skills into another dimension.” –Stephanie Wolden
Host Jody Mayberry and Great Escape Publishing Director Lori Allen, introduce us to Stephanie Wolden.
“Photography is one of the only professions where you can get paid as you’re learning how to become an expert,” says Lori. “And Stephanie is doing exactly that.”
Working as a sommelier over the last couple decades, Stephanie has had the opportunity to travel and gain an appreciation for fine food and wine. Now that she’s more focused on her photography, she’s working her way through the business side of it and learning as she goes.
Stephanie shares her background with us…
“My journey to photography has been a wiggly one! I’m from Southern California where I studied art history. After I earned my masters, I moved to Florence so that I could walk the streets of my favorite Renaissance artists—which led to my interest in photography.”
Stephanie found Great Escape Publishing through a Google search.
“I literally googled ‘how to get paid to travel’ and Great Escape Publishing was the first thing that came up.”
Stephanie started by attending the Ultimate Travel Writer’s Workshop followed by the Ultimate Photography Workshop. She also traveled with Great Escape Publishing to Tanzania for a photography expedition.
She shares with us how she has combined her interests in wine, photography, and travel into a new career… and how she approaches the challenges of new projects.
If you’re interested in learning how to sell your photos, go to www.greatescapepublishing.com/start/photography and sign up for a free video on how to get started.
“Authenticity over everything.”—Anonymous
In this episode, host Jody Mayberry talks with Breakfast Stock Club Creator, Bonnie Caton.
When Jody last spoke with Bonnie she was in Buenos Aires. You can listen to her last podcast episode here. Since then she’s backpacked through the Andes in Patagonia and spent a month in Bali. Now she’s back in Portland, Oregon and focusing on what’s new in photography.
Jody asks Bonnie about a recent newsletter she wrote for Great Escape Publishing about a huge new trend in photography… how fake is out and real is in.
“One of the things we talked about at our stock photography workshop in Provence, France was the trend of creating real photos versus the cheesy fake photos traditionally used for stock photography,” says Bonnie. “We’ve all seen perfect stock photos with a lineup of business people jumping in the air or perfect models set against white backgrounds.”
But now, stock agencies want authentic looking photos. They want real people—not models—doing real jobs.
“As a photographer, this takes the pressure off and makes stock photography a lot more fun!”
Bonnie shares her experience in the Provence workshop and her tips for creating authentic photos.
Keep up with the latest trends in stock photography by subscribing to Bonnie’s weekly Breakfast Stock Club newsletter. You can sign up for free at: www.greatescapepublishing.com/breakfaststock.
“I had nothing to lose, so I answered the call and landed a fulltime writing gig!”—Jessica Pickett
Host Jody Mayberry and Great Escape Publishing Director, Lori Allen, introduce us to Jessica Pickett.
When Jessica came to GEP’s Ultimate Travel Writer’s Workshop in 2014, she didn’t see herself having much in common with other attendees because she was working full-time and would be traveling and writing in her limited spare time.
But now, Jessica has already had more than 100 stories published—an ambitious undertaking for someone who works full-time.
She says, “I was 29 when I first attended the Ultimate Travel Writer’s Workshop, married to a farmer and working in a fulltime career. Many of the people I met at the workshop were retired or getting ready to retire and I thought there was no way I would be able to do this.”
Using the skills she learned at the workshop, she sent a query to a regional publication that was looking for writers.
“I had nothing to lose, so I answered the call and landed a full-time writing gig!”
Although Jessica can’t travel long distances often, she started with weekend trips and has managed to land another position as a writer for her local tourism office.
Listen in for more information on how Jessica has managed to balance her full-time career and home life while following her dream of travel writing.
If you’re interested in building a career as a travel writer, you can learn more about getting started here: www.greatescapepublishing.com/start/travelwriting.
“Some people dream of success, while other people get up every morning and make it happen.” –Wayne Huizenga
Host Jody Mayberry and Great Escape Publishing Director, Lori Allen, bring Noreen Kompanik back to the podcast to talk about aspects of her travel writing career. (You can listen to Noreen’s last podcast interview with fellow member and writer, Theresa St. John here.)
Noreen has had hundreds of articles published and is a great resource for beginners. She’s helped other writers get past their first two or three articles and into the hundreds. She’s consistently positive, hard-working and helpful to others.
Noreen shares how she transitioned from her career in nursing to travel writing.
“I was a presenter at the Ultimate Travel Writers Workshop in Washington DC last September,” says Noreen. “On the break, some of the attendees asked me how I got to this point and I told them I re-wired my brain.”
She also shares her thoughts on Robert Sperry’s theory of right brain/left brain dominance. She believes learning to use both sides of her brain has helped her to succeed.
If you’d like to learn more about getting started with travel writing, you can sign up for a free video here: www.greatescapepublishing.com/start/travelwriting.
“You’re never too old to set another goal or to dream a new dream.” – C. S. Lewis
Host Jody Mayberry talks with travel writer, Terri Marshall about her role as the success story manager for Great Escape Publishing.
“I’m fortunate to see all the success stories that come in through letters and on the various Facebook pages and the Travel Writer’s Café,” says Terri. “The stories inspire me, give me a boost of creativity, and remind me of how far I’ve come in my own travel writing journey.”
Most of Great Escape Publishing members don’t start with a journalism degree. They come to the programs from all types of backgrounds. Terri had a long career in tax and law before attending a Great Escape Travel Writer’s Workshop and ultimately becoming a full-time travel writer.
“Great Escape Publishing does a wonderful job of providing the programs and tools to help people realize they can change the direction of their lives… and get out of that office cubicle!”
Terri shares some of her favorite success stories and how those stories encourage her. Listen in for inspiration to start working on your own success story.
If you’re interested in learning more about becoming a travel writer Terri suggests visiting www.greatescapepublishing.com/start/travelwriting. If you’re interested in photography, visit www.greatescapepublishing.om/start/photography. And while you’re in the website, take a look at the testimonials and events.
“A good first impression can work wonders.” –J K Rowling
Host Jody Mayberry and Great Escape Publishing Director, Lori Allen, talk with travel writer, Terri Marshall about the importance of networking.
Once a tax accountant, Terri transitioned to a part-time travel writer before making the leap to full-time travel writer a couple years ago. Having been writing for about a decade now, she’s a great person to talk to at Great Escape Publishing events.
Terri shares her tips for successful networking and what it can mean for a travel writer.
“Live events are excellent networking tools,” says Terri. “I’ve met most of the editors I write for at live events—either conferences, media marketplace events, or tourism and public relations events like cocktail parties and luncheons.”
Terri shares with us the benefits of developing relationships through networking.
Her suggestions for making a good impression and successfully navigating networking events include…
…Presenting yourself as a professional
…Dressing appropriately
…Mingling and making small talk
…Asking questions and really listening to the answers
…Courtesy and good, common-sense manners
Listen in for more of Terri’s networking tips. She also shares what’s new in her travel writing career for 2018.
If you’re interested in learning more about becoming a travel writer, you should start with the Ultimate Travel Writer’s Program to build a strong foundation then sign up for a live event to build on that, like Terri did.
Visit www.greatescapepublishing.com/start/travelwriting for more details on how to get started.
“By failing to prepare, you are preparing to fail.” –Benjamin Franklin
Host Jody Mayberry and Great Escape Publishing Director, Lori Allen, introduce us to Betsi Hill.
Lori shares her insight into Betsi…
“People like Betsi are attracted to travel writing because that’s what drives them. Betsi loves the idea of having fun, living life, loving what she does and not being bogged down with commutes and other ordinary career issues.”
Betsi’s quest for fun in her life has brought her success as a freelance writer, blogger and now as an editor-in-chief of a new publication. A key component of her success has been a result of attending trade shows and events.
“As a travel writer, blogger and a new editor-in-chief of a start-up magazine, I go to trade shows, media marketplaces and other specialized shows with a three-pronged approach,” explains Betsi. “I’m interested in meeting people for the possibility of writing about a destination, garnering that precious perk called free travel, and finding out destinations and products that we could potentially review in the magazine I’m editing.”
Betsi shares with us how she maximizes the benefits of the trade shows and media marketplace events she travels by…
…Researching the destinations and products in advance
…Developing a 30-second elevator pitch that presents the “who, what and why” every destination wants to know
…Maintaining a press or media kit that showcases her work and illustrates how her work can benefit brands and destinations
Betsi also shares how she follows up after an event and what has helped her achieve an 80% success rate of working with the contacts she’s developed.
If you’re interested in learning more about becoming a travel writer or a photographer, Lori suggests starting with the Ultimate Travel Writer’s Program to build a strong foundation then sign up for a live event to build on that foundation. Visit www.greatescapepublishing.com/start/travelwriting for more details.
“Grammarly is an online service that quickly and easily makes your writing better and makes you sound like a pro, or at least helps you avoid looking like a fool.” - Forbes
Host Jody Mayberry speaks with a returning guest this week, Mary Charlebois. Since starting her writing career, Mary has become a big fan of Grammarly.
“There’s more to writing than beautiful words and prose,” says Mary. “Our work needs to be professional.”
So, what is Grammarly?
It’s an app that you can add to your writing applications such as Microsoft Word. Or it can be used in connection with your e-mail. Grammarly checks your spelling, punctuation, grammar and context. It even checks your documents for plagiarism—just in case you used too much of your cut and paste research in your document.
Mary and Jody both use it. They agree that Grammarly is making them better writers.
Listen in as they discuss all the ways Grammarly can be used to improve your writing across umerous platforms—including social medial where we tend to write more casually.
For more information on launching your own writing or photography career, or to check out GEP’s upcoming live events, visit: https://www.greatescapepublishing.com/events/.
“If there’s some synergy in your own interests and what we’re doing at International Living, you’re the best kind of writer for us.” - Jen Stevens
Host Jody Mayberry has Jen Stevens back on the show to talk more about what she does specifically as the Executive Editor for International Living magazine. (You can listen to last week’s episode with her here.)
Jen explains the philosophy of International Living…
“We believe our mission is to find opportunities around the world and help our readers take advantage of those opportunities. We strive to show our readers how to retire internationally, invest internationally and to become citizens of world.”
The International Living team fundamentally believes the world is full of opportunity and you don’t have to be wealthy or well-connected to take advantage of those opportunities.
“Every month we bring our readers information that is worth their while.”
International Living has regular contributors living around the world who keep an ear to the ground to keep up with what’s happening in places like Colombia, Malaysia, Mexico and more.
But, they also use freelance writers.
Listen in as Jen reveals what types of stories they accept from freelancers.
She also shares what she wishes new writers would do better, what traits her favorite writers have in common and more.
Listening to Jen will inspire you! For more information on becoming a travel writer go to: www.greatescapepublishing.com/start/travelwriting.
“If you want to be a travel writer, this is what you need to know. Does it work? YES!” – Jen Stevens
Host Jody Mayberry and Great Escape Publishing Director, Lori Allen, introduce us to Jen Stevens, Executive Editor at International Living and architect of The Ultimate Travel Writer’s Program.
Jen Stevens tells us how it all started…
“Working at International Living, I spent a lot of time working with writers who were not professionals. We were working with expats to get their expertise and experiences and to get them to share their stories about what it was like to live in the places we were featuring.”
Jen spent a lot of time working with these expats and writing and rewriting the stories she received.
Then an idea struck her…
“I thought, it’s not that hard to write a good article. If these people understood the fundamentals, they could write these articles on their own.”
International Living and Great Escape Publishing teamed up and asked Jen to architect The Ultimate Travel Writer’s Program to share the fundamentals of travel writing.
Jen created a program that “pulls the curtain back” and shows people the basics…
…How to know what an editor is looking for
…How to write a story the way and editor will want
…Whose door to knock on to get that article published
…How to knock on that door
It’s been 17 years since The Ultimate Travel Writer’s Program was first published. The program ultimately led to the live event, The Ultimate Travel Writer’s Workshop and has seen many revisions to incorporate the changes brought on by online publishing and the wealth of opportunities it provides for writers to get published.
Listen in as Jody and Jen discuss the program, the live workshop and other interesting trends in travel writing.
For more information on travel writing, go to: www.greatescapepublishing.com/start/travelwriting.
“Why should I pick a favorite destination for photography when I can enjoy them all?” – Daniel Nahabedian
Host Jody Mayberry and Great Escape Publishing Director, Lori Allen, introduce us to professional photographer, Daniel Nahabedian.
Light is so important to Daniel that Lori refers to him as the “Master of Light” and looks to him on a regular basis for his post-processing techniques in Lightroom…
“Daniel approaches photography from an artistic point of view and puts a lot of time and thought into his images.”
Daniel talks to Jody about how it all started…
“I studied law in France then moved to Abu Dhabi and worked for 5 years in Human Resources. But I was bored and wanted to do something creative.”
A case of camera envy led Daniel to buy his first camera although he had no prior experience in photography.
“Photography became my passion and a year after I bought that first camera, I quit my job and became a fulltime travel photographer.”
That was 10 years ago.
Listen in as Daniel shares with us some advice for beginners and…
…the importance of practice
…the importance of sharing your photos for feedback
…the importance of shooting in the right light.
He also talks about what’s up next for him in travel and why Tanzania was the country that surprised him most.
Daniel will be at Great Escape Publishing’s Ultimate Photography Workshop in Baltimore this April. The event has been sold out for months, but there’s a backdoor way to get in... For the first time ever, this year’s event will be live-streamed, so you can access all the information the attendees receive, but for significantly less, from home. For more information and to sign up, visit www.greatescapepublishing.com/livestream.
“Supporting another’s success won’t ever dampen yours.” -- Anonymous
Great Escape Radio host, Jody Maberry, talks with Great Escape Publishing Photographer and Instructor, Bonnie Caton about a new livestream event taking place in April.
The Ultimate Photo Workshop in Baltimore is sold out; you can’t attend live. But this year, GEP is going to record the whole workshop and stream it LIVE in real time. So it’s the next best thing to being there.
As Bonnie says, “You can attend in your pajamas if you want to and no one will laugh at you!”
The Ultimate Photography Workshop is one of Great Escape Publishing’s biggest workshops. Professionals come in, open up their hearts and brains and give you all the information you need to succeed.
“The great thing about the professionals we bring in is that they are very approachable,” explains Bonnie. “These are seasoned pros who’ve been doing this for years, but they know what it’s like to be in your shoes.”
Bonnie shares more details of what the Ultimate Photography Workshop offers for anyone interested in a career in photography including photography tips, marketing options and even tips for making short videos.
Virtual attendees will receive all of the benefits of live attendees including access to a private Facebook group for added support after the workshop is done
For more information on GEP’s first-ever Ultimate Photography Workshop Livestream event, go to: www.greatescapepublishing.com/livestream.
“Moving abroad has pushed a restart button in my brain…it’s kept me from getting into a rut.” – Bonnie Caton
Great Escape Radio host, Jody Maberry, talks with Great Escape Publishing Photographer and Instructor, Bonnie Caton about how life as a photographer opens up new worlds.
“One thing about working with Great Escape Publishing like I do is that you can live anywhere. My partner’s job situation changed too which means he can now work from anywhere. So we decided to go to Buenos Aires for a month,” explains Bonnie.
After Buenos Aires, Bonnie will be moving to Bali, Indonesia for a month or two too.
Listen in as Bonnie and Jody talk about the benefits of moving to a new location—even if only for a month or two. They discuss how it jumpstarts your creativity and how the freedom of living the photographer’s or travel writer’s life can open doors and new opportunities.
Bonnie is already seeing the possibilities for projects that will come from her time living abroad. The opportunities are endless…
For more information and ideas for creating a life of travel through travel writing, photography or other exciting ventures, visit: www.greatescapepublishing.com.
“Don’t tell people your dreams. Show them.” - Anonymous
Great Escape Radio host, Jody Maberry, talks with Great Escape Publishing Photographer and Instructor, Bonnie Caton.
Bonnie has been working on a new project for Great Escape Publishing called the $10K Photo Power Hour.
“In the Great Escape “Power Hour” series, we take something and break it down to the essentials required to succeed and deliver that to you in just an hour,” explains Bonnie.
In the $10K Photo Power Hour, Bonnie breaks the steps down to take you from where you are now to where you want to be in your photography career.
As she says, “$10k represents a benchmark for the amount of money someone can make when they move beyond doing photography as a hobby.”
Listen in as Bonnie and Jody discuss some of the stumbling blocks new photographers encounter like inaction, lack of confidence and negativity from others. Bonnie also explains why it isn’t always the “pretty” pictures that will make you money as a photographer.
“If you think about something that you want but don’t take any steps toward it, the year passes by and you’re still just thinking about it,” says Bonnie. She hopes this hour session will help people take the next step with their photography in 2018.
To learn the essential steps you need to turn your dream of photography into a reality with the $10k Photography Power Hour visit: www.greatescapepublishing.com/10k.
“Imperfect action always trumps inaction.” –Lori Allen
Great Escape Radio host, Jody Maberry, and Great Escape Publishing Director, Lori Allen, talk about a recent Great Escape Publishing newsletter that went out in reference to the story, Finding Garcia.
The simple message of the story is this: When you’re asked to perform a task, don’t ask how and don’t ask why—just do it.
Lori and Jody discuss how this relates to the tasks we are assigned in life.
As an editor, photo buyer and employer, Lori just wants someone who can get the job done.
“It’s always refreshing when someone just calls it and says ‘I’ve got this and I’ll get it to you’,” says Lori.
Listen in to the discussion and see why it’s important to act…to call the fly ball…and to make decisions without excessive questioning and research.
It’s what editors want in the travel writers and photographers they work with. Editors are looking for anyone who can find a Garcia.
To sign up for Great Escape Publishing’s free newsletter, The Right Way to Travel, and receive messages of encouragement and opportunities, https://www.greatescapepublishing.com/subscribe/. It could change your life for the better.
“Paying it forward is the right thing to do, it’s the good thing to do and for me, it’s the only option.” Theresa St. John
Great Escape Radio host, Jody Maberry, and Great Escape Publishing Director, Lori Allen, bring Noreen Kompanik and Theresa St. John back to Great Escape Radio.
Noreen and Theresa met through GEP and formed a friendship—despite being from completely different locations and backgrounds. That friendship has resulted in collaborations for press trips and articles.
They share how they collaborated on one trip in particular together - to New Orleans. By splitting up the tasks of reaching out and scheduling tours, reserving hotels and securing restaurant reservations, they were able to plan a very successful visit much more efficiently.
By pooling their resources they were able to get 11 published stories from that one trip!
Noreen and Theresa also work together to encourage other Great Escape Publishing members who are finding their own way in the travel writing world.
It’s all about paying it forward—and they use Great Escape Publishing’s Travel Writers’ Café to focus on helping others.
Noreen says, “Every time a new writer posts about getting an article published, it’s like reliving that experience.”
“It’s a real tribe—everybody wants everyone to be successful,” says Theresa.
Listen in to hear more about their experiences in collaboration for trips, articles and the encouragement of other writers.
If you’re interested in meeting other travel writers to build the foundation for relationships, the Travel Writers’ Café is a great place to start. The purpose of the café is for new writers to be a part of a supportive, inspiring community as they work together to get their first 100 bylines. You can learn more and join the café by visiting https://www.greatescapepublishing.com/start/cafe.
“There are two sides to travel writing—the income side and the side of loving what you do, the side that makes you wake up happy every day.” – Lori Allen
Great Escape Radio host, Jody Maberry, and Great Escape Publishing Director, Lori Allen, bring Gwyn Goodrow back for a second time as a guest on Great Escape Radio. You can listen to our last episode with Gwyn here.
Gwyn was one of the travel writers on the success panel at the 2017 Ultimate Travel Writing Workshop in Washington DC. She spoke about a moment when things went from being about the nuts and bolts of travel writing to being about the heart of travel writing.
“There are two sides to travel writing—the income side and the side of loving what you do. The side that makes you wake up happy every day,” says Lori.
Gwyn has discovered both sides and she shares her story with us.
Listen in to hear how meeting a cat named Mrs. Bentley in a New Orleans rug shop led Gwyn to the realization that the true heart of travel writing are the connections she makes with people along the way.
She also shares with us what it was like being on the success panel just one short year after being a new attendee at the workshop and how she benefitted from being at the workshop a second time.
Gwyn’s husband is also interested in travel writing and attended this past year’s workshop in Washington DC. She shares with us how they plan to incorporate their mutual love of travel and travel writing into their lives individually and as a team.
To get started writing your own stories from the heart, visit https://www.greatescapepublishing.com/start/travelwriting to watch a video that shows you how the travel writer’s life works.
For more information about this year’s Ultimate Travel Writer’s Workshop in Austin, visit: https://www.greatescapepublishing.com/events/the-ultimate-travel-writing-workshop/.
“When you think you know everything, you stop learning.” Efrain Padro
Great Escape Radio host, Jody Maberry, and Great Escape Publishing Director, Lori Allen, bring Efrain Padro back to the podcast to discuss the myth of talent.
Efrain is one of GEP’s most popular instructors, and recently taught two sessions to writers at the Ultimate Travel Writer’s Workshop in D.C. about how to become better photographers.
The marriage of travel writing and photography is a necessary union. If a writer can submit articles and photos as a package, he or she is more likely to get published (and can earn twice the income). But many writers don’t think they have the talent for photography.
Efrain explains the “myth of talent” that often holds us back from attempting something new.
He was first introduced to the concept of the myth of talent back in 2001 when he attended a lecture by Craig Tanner.
“Craig said everyone starts out not being very good, including him. I knew I wasn’t very good and since Craig Tanner started out not being very good, I knew I was on the right track.”
Now Efrain is labeled as a talented photographer.
“As Craig Turner said in his lecture, being talented only means you survived being untalented.”
It’s not about talent, it’s about two things:
- Acquiring information
- Practice
Listen in as Efrain and Jody discuss the concept of the myth of talent more and how you can move beyond that myth to become a better—even talented—photographer.
For more information about selling your photos, you can visit www.greatescapepublishing.com/start/photography where you’ll find a video about the various markets you can get started.
“We don’t make mistakes, just happy little accidents!” – Bob Ross
Great Escape Radio host, Jody Maberry, and Director, Lori Allen, discuss the benefits of planning and leading niche tours—and what to do when something goes wrong.
For 12 years, Great Escape Publishing has offered a program that teaches you how to create niche tours and then sell them to cover your own travel expenses and make a profit.
If you have a place you like to go to over and over again, creating tours offers you a way to go back once every year or two and bring people with you and show them the amazing things you do when you’re there.
For Lori it’s Paris, Africa and Thailand.
Great Escape Publishing typically runs 13 to 16 of their own tours a year. And over the past 17 years, Lori has managed over 160 events total.
Listen in as Lori explains how niche tours work—and how they differ from typical tourist experiences.
For more information on getting started planning your own tours like these, visit www.greatescapepublishing.com/start/tours.
“One’s destination is never a place, but a new way of seeing things.” – Henry Miller
Great Escape Radio host, Jody Maberry, and Director, Lori Allen, continue the series of introductions to the varying types of people who are attracted to travel writing and Great Escape Publishing.
This week they introduce us to Mary Lou Osmond.
Originally from Connecticut, Mary Lou met her Australian husband skiing in Vail one winter, moved down under with him and they began a business together as the owners of a precious gemstone mine.
Their business took them all over the world—selling gemstones along the way. Mary Lou loved to travel with her husband. She would always write about their travels in letters and e-mails to keep in touch with friends.
After Mary Lou’s husband died unexpectedly, she needed a new start. Traveling wasn’t the same without him. Her desire to find a new purpose in her travels led her to Great Escape Publishing.
“Having been a writer for so long sharing my stories with friends, I decided to give the Ultimate Travel Writer’s Workshop a try,” she says.
Listen in as Mary Lou shares what the workshop has done for her, what she’s learned about starting local and what her plans are for the future.
For more information on our GEP’s next ultimate event, which will take place in Baltimore in April, visit: www.greatescapepublishing.com/events.
“Sometimes the best stories are the ones that are right in our backyard—and we overlook them because they’re in our backyards.” – Ian Aldrich, Yankee Magazine
Great Escape Radio host, Jody Maberry, and Director, Lori Allen, introduce us to Ian Aldrich, Deputy Editor of Yankee Magazine.
“Ian is one of my favorite editors,” says Lori. “I met him when he spoke on the editor’s panel at our event in Boston. He was so willing to open up and be completely honest with our writers. He gave them such great ideas and told amazing heartfelt stories.”
Since that first event, Lori has invited him back several times to be on the editor’s panel. And at this year’s event in Washington DC, Ian also taught two sessions, one on why we’re drawn to a story.
“It’s in our DNA—storytelling has always been a part of all of our cultures,” explains Ian. “It’s how we pass down traditions, how we talk about our past and how we describe who we are.”
Listen in for Ian’s thoughts on…
…The value of strong storytelling
…What makes a story unique
…The value and importance of starting local
…The value of insider knowledge
…How he finds a story
…How to improve your writing
Ian also shares how he got started in travel writing.
If you want to get out there and start finding stories for yourself, you can learn more about travel writing at:
www.greatescapepublishing.com/start/travelwriting. Or if you’d prefer to tell stories with your photos, you can learn more about photography at: www.greatescapepublishing.com/start/photography. Or you may even want to consider telling stories with moving pictures. To learn more about video, visit: www.greatescapepublishing.com/start/video.
Great Escape Radio Episode 88: Lift the curtain
“A traveler without observation is a bird without wings.” ― Moslih Eddin Saadi
Great Escape Radio host, Jody Maberry, and Great Escape Publishing Director, Lori Allen, introduce us to Great Escape member, Ken Staeck, another attendee from this year’s Ultimate Travel Writer’s Workshop in D.C.
Ken shares what led him to the DC event…
“Photography is my first love. Growing up my dad, my brother and I always had cameras. Our dad even had a dark room in the house. I was looking for a way to use travel writing as a bridge to photography.”
Ken found information on Great Escape’s travel writing programs through Facebook.
“The information talked about photography along with travel writing. I knew I could take photos but I was a little concerned about the writing. But, I do some writing in my work, so I thought I’d give it a try.”
Ken was able to sandwich the Ultimate Travel Writing Workshop in Washington DC between two business trips. Now he feels that he has the tools to work toward a future after retirement that blends photography with travel writing.
“When I arrived at the workshop my thoughts were: How am I going to write these stories? What am I going to do? So I took a lot of notes and listened to the speakers—many of whom started with nothing and made things happen. Once I sat down and followed the steps, it wasn’t as hard to write a story as my brain told me it was.”
Listen in for more of Ken’s story and to see why he believes traveling with your children helps create solid relationships with in a family.
By attending the workshop, Ken lifted the curtain to discover the process of travel writing. He followed the steps he found behind the curtain and is on his way to a new career as a travel writing and photographer.
Which curtain are you the most curious about lifting: travel writing, photography, blogging or video?
Consider that question and then you’ll find…
-details about travel writing here: www.greatescapepublishing.com/start/travelwriting
-more about photography here: www.greatescapepublishing.com/start/photography
-how to get started with blogging here: www.greatescapepublishing.com/start/blogging
-how to create saleable travel videos here: www.greatescapepublishing.com/start/video
Lift the curtain of your choice at the above links.
Great Escape Radio Episode 87: That family feeling
“The family feeling I felt at the Ultimate Travel Writers Workshop is the closest feeling to home anyone can get while on the road.” – Brenda Nelson
If you’re interested in learning more about travel writing, go here: www.greatescapepublishing.com/start/travelwriting.
Great Escape Radio host, Jody Maberry, and Great Escape Publishing Director, Lori Allen, introduce us to Great Escape member, Brenda Nelson.
Like a lot of members, Brenda was looking for a way to reinvent herself. With her four sons now grown and out in the world on their own, it was the right time for her to join GEP in D.C. for their annual Ultimate Travel Writers Workshop this past September- something she had wanted to do for years.
Listen in as she shares more about her story, her experiences and the “family” she found at that event—a family that has offered her encouragement and support to embark on a career in travel writing.
“After attending the workshop and speaking to editors and others who have been where I am now, I realize I have what the editors are looking for. I know I can do this—I have confidence.”
If you’re interested in learning more about travel writing, go here: www.greatescapepublishing.com/start/travelwriting or, if photography is more your style go here: www.greatescapepublishing.com/start/photography.
Great Escape Radio Episode 86: Begin with the end
“Start with the end in mind.” – Stephen Covey
For more information on getting started with travel writing, visit: www.greatescapepublishing.com/start/travelwriting.
Great Escape Radio host, Jody Maberry, and Great Escape Publishing Director, Lori Allen, introduce us to Great Escape member, Scott Kendall.
Scott attended the 2016 Ultimate Travel Writer’s Workshop in New Orleans and had so much success in just one year, he was invited back to this year’s success panel in D.C. to share his story.
Scott comes from a self-help background—having been a certified coach for the 7 Habits of Highly Effective People series by Stephen Covey. And he is now using travel writing to improve his life, be more interesting and to travel.
He is still teaching full-time and is the high school tennis coach so he does his writing on the weekends and on summer breaks. But already he has experienced numerous perks in the form of complimentary lodging, dining, and special experiences.
He shares with us more about his story, his success and why he believes you should always begin with the end in mind. He also tells us how meeting travel writers who found success with Great Escape Publishing gave him a clearer picture of exactly what the “end” looks like.
Getting involved with other members is one of the best ways to find success and encouragement. If you’re not yet connected to us on Facebook, you’ll find our page here: https://www.facebook.com/GreatEscapePublishing/.
For more information on getting started with travel writing, visit: www.greatescapepublishing.com/start/travelwriting.
Great Escape Radio Episode 85: Invest in Yourself
“If you don’t have a plan, then you plan to fail.” – Cat Holladay
For more information on getting started with travel writing, visit: www.greatescapepublishing.com/start/travelwriting.
Great Escape Radio host, Jody Maberry, and Great Escape Publishing Director, Lori Allen, introduce us to Great Escape member, Cat Holladay.
Lori starts us off…
“We’re talking about the different types of people that are attracted to Great Escape Publishing. From highly professional skilled photographers, writers, and journalists all the way to people who have never tried anything remotely like this up until this point in their life. We have adventure seekers and knitters, golfers and whitewater rafters. Cat represents the younger side of our members that are attracted to this ideal.”
Cat falls into the millennial category. She left a high-pressure corporate job a decade ago to do something more exciting. She initially started consulting but realized that with all the travels she and her husband were doing, she had tons of tips to share. She began blogging about her family’s experience and that led her to travel writing.
Cat recently attended the Ultimate Travel Writer’s Workshop in Washington DC. Here’s her thoughts on the workshop…
“Several things brought me to the workshop. There are plenty of workshops that promise different things, but the Ultimate Travel Writer’s Workshop stood out to me because I felt like its claims were realistic. And the past attendees seemed satisfied and successful. After attending, I know that I chose the right program.”
Investing in yourself isn’t something a lot of millennials do, but this seminar gave Cat all the tools she needed to get started and to add an income stream to her bottom line.
Just 10 days out of the conference, Cat has already had one query and one pitch accepted.
Cat is not taking a traditional approach to her work/life balance. She shares with us the plan she and her husband have devised to allow them to escape the “live to work” mentality that is so prevalent in the USA. It’s a plan that will give them more time to teach their young son about the important things in life.
If Cat’s story has inspired you, there’s more information on getting started with travel writing at www.greatescapepublishing.com/start/travelwriting.
Or if you’re not yet on Great Escape Publishing’s free e-letter, The Right Way to Travel, you should sign up for more get-paid-to-travel tips and secrets here: https://www.greatescapepublishing.com/.
“Instead of putting things on a bucket list, I decided I needed to live my bucket list.” – Becky Breshears
For more information on getting started with travel writing, you can visit www.greatescapepublishing.com/start/travelwriting.
Great Escape Radio host, Jody Maberry, and Great Escape Publishing Director, Lori Allen, introduce us to Great Escape member, Becky Breshears.
Lori met Becky at the Ultimate Travel Writer’s Workshop in Washington D.C. and found her story and message inspiring.
“I love Becky as a person. She is indicative of the kinds of people who are attracted to this life of getting paid to travel.”
Becky had a stressful career before retirement. Her husband was in an equally stressful career. They put off planning for retirement until the stress died down. But that time came sooner than expected because the stress of it all took her husband’s life.
While it’s a sad story, Becky’s approach to dealing with the changes in her life is inspiring.
Becky shares her story…
“I started in travel writing because I love to travel. For much of our business lives we are coached to put things on a vision board—to write down a bucket list for the future. But I decided I needed to live my bucket list instead of just writing it down.”
Becky’s losses in life made travel almost vital to her survival. She started blogging about her travels because people told her they were living vicariously through her Facebook posts.
“Out of tragedy sometimes comes a different perspective on life,” Becky says. “You need to make those memories you want in your life. Don’t put it off.”
Always interested in immersing herself in the local culture when she travels to find the stories no one else has found, Becky shares with us how she plans her travels. And she also shares her plans for a remote year where she’ll be living in different cities over the course of the year—an experience that is bound to boost her travel writing career while helping her grow as a person.
If Becky’s story has inspired you, there’s more information on getting started with travel writing at www.greatescapepublishing.com/start/travelwriting.
Great Escape Radio Episode 83: There’s no stopping Verna
“Travel writing gives me a reason to get up. It gives me an identity, and it gives me a different viewpoint when I travel.” – Verna Bevens
For more information on getting started with travel writing, visit: www.greatescapepublishing.com/start/travelwriting.
Great Escape Radio host, Jody Maberry, and Great Escape Publishing Director, Lori Allen, introduce us to Great Escape member, Verna Bevens.
Lori says, “I thought it would be fun to start looking at who some of our members are. It’s a varied group with everyone from people like Joe Sindorf, an award-winning photographer, to retired grandmothers looking to reinvent themselves. Verna is a good example of someone that I might call part of the ‘upset apple cart group.’ She thought she knew where she was going in life, but things changed.”
While in college, Verna took a job at a hospital just to pay the bills. She was majoring in journalism and studied magazine writing and photography.
She got busier at work and ultimately stopped her studies for a while. It wasn’t until she turned 50 that Verna quit working, went back to school and finally finished.
Even after obtaining her degree, she returned to work in healthcare amid concerns she wouldn’t find a job in journalism.
Now she’s retired but that hasn’t turned out as she planned either. Due to her husband’s illness, they are unable to travel as they had hoped.
But none of that is stopping Verna. Listen in as she shares her story—one that may resonate with and inspire you to keep following your passions no matter which road leads you there.
If Verna’s story has inspired you, there’s more information on getting started with travel writing at www.greatescapepublishing.com/start/travelwriting or, if photography is more your style go to www.greatescapepublishing.com/start/photography.
An excellent way to get started right away is by ordering the recordings from the recent Ultimate Travel Writer’s Workshop in Washington DC workshop here: www.greatescapepublishing.com/start/workshoprecordings.
Great Escape Radio Episode 82: Art vs. Marketing
“A dream doesn’t become reality through magic. It takes sweat, determination, and hard work.” – Colin Powell
To get your hands on all the information shared at the recent Ultimate Travel Writer’s Workshop, go to: www.greatescapepublishing.com/start/workshoprecordings.
Great Escape Radio host, Jody Maberry, and Great Escape Publishing Director, Lori Allen, talked about the recent Ultimate Travel Writer’s Workshop in Washington DC in the last few episodes of Great Escape Radio. (Listen to Episode 80 here: https://www.greatescapepublishing.com/podcasts/become-a-travel-writer/great-escape-radio-episode-80-ultimate-event/ and Episode 81 here https://www.greatescapepublishing.com/podcast/become-a-travel-writer/great-escape-radio-episode-81-ultimate-attendees/ to listen in.) This week, Lori talks about the next steps to success.
Jody poses a question:
“Lori, have you ever seen an article or photograph jump off the computer and publish itself?”
“Not once,” says Lori. “People need to recognize that writing travel articles and getting them published are two different skills. The same is true for photography. Taking photos and selling photos are two different skills.”
In fact, the same is true for all types of art—musicians, painters, etc. What it takes to be successful and what it takes to create art are often two different things.
Lori explains…
People often attend a travel writing or photography workshop with the mindset that they need to learn how to write a good story or take a good photo. But, you also need to take the time to learn how to market those stories and photos.
A lot of people respond to the romance of travel writing—getting paid to go to a destination and write about it. But it’s important to carve out the time to research publications, write queries and handle the business side of travel writing. And for photography, setting aside time to edit and upload images for stock agencies.
The Great Escape Publishing programs and workshops provide all the information you need to cover the art and business side of travel writing and photography. Listen in as Lori and Jody discuss the process in more detail.
And to get your hands on all the information shared at the recent Ultimate Travel Writer’s Workshop, check out this special offer: www.greatescapepublishing.com/start/workshoprecordings.
Great Escape Radio Episode 81: The Ultimate Attendees
“If you want to be a travel writer, you need to be here!” – Diane from Chandler, Arizona
For information on Great Escape Publishing’s upcoming live events, visit https://www.greatescapepublishing.com/events/.
And to learn more about travel writing, go to: https://www.greatescapepublishing.com/start/travelwriting.
Great Escape Radio host, Jody Maberry, and Great Escape Publishing Director, Lori Allen, talked about the recent Ultimate Travel Writer’s Workshop in Washington DC in the last episode of Great Escape Radio (https://www.greatescapepublishing.com/great-escape-radio-episode-80-ultimate-event/). This week we hear exciting testimonials from participants who came from all over the world and from all types of backgrounds.
“I have a travel blog now and I wanted to figure out how to monetize my blog. I always thought I could write but I didn’t know how to get it to the right people. Now I know I can do this!” – Becky from Boise, Idaho.
Candace from San Diego says, “Thank you for all the expert advice. It was phenomenal! I’ve had lots of experience writing but not this kind of writing experience. The handouts were really really good and the food was excellent!”
Chuck Warren from Michigan didn’t know what to expect from the workshop.
“I almost canceled due to some family matters, but I’m so glad I didn’t. I’ve done some online courses with Great Escape Publishing but I had no idea what a live workshop would be like. I love the energy from everyone and can’t wait to get started. How I have the tools I need and the parts I was missing to take that first step.”
You’ll hear in these stories so many reasons to attend a live workshop like…
Support groups that spring up around the workshop It’s about collaboration not competition Honest insight from editors All the tools you need to be successful
Listen in for more inspiring and motivating testimonials!
For information on Great Escape Publishing’s upcoming live events, visit https://www.greatescapepublishing.com/events/. And to learn more about travel writing, go to: https://www.greatescapepublishing.com/start/travelwriting.
Great Escape Radio Episode 80: The Ultimate Event
“The heart of travel writing is the stories of people who live all around the world.” – Lori Allen
For more information about how you can get started with travel writing, visit: www.greatescapepublishing.com/start/travelwriting.
Great Escape Radio host, Jody Maberry, and Great Escape Publishing Director, Lori Allen, talk about the recent Ultimate Travel Writers Workshop in Washington DC.
“The Ultimate Travel Writers Workshop was full of intense days, late nights, cocktails, good conversations, networking and talking with editors,” Lori shares. “It was a full three days.”
Lori is still recovering but she also feels very strong, encouraged, motivated and powerful as a result of her experience at the workshop with people from all around the world.
“It’s empowering in a way that you can’t duplicate when you take a course at home.”
Every time Great Escape Publishing has one of these events there are always a few themes that emerge.
“Every year we invite back members who have had success after attending a previous workshop for the success panel. Some of those people are getting more than 200 bylines published. Others are balancing travel writing with a full-time career. It’s one of my favorite things about the workshop.”
Lori shares more about how these success stories resonate with attendees and encourage them as they are starting their travel writing journeys.
She also introduces us to the instructors who led sessions at the workshop including Jennifer Stevens, International Living’s Executive Editor and the architect of the workshop.
Listen in to learn more about this year’s workshop and some of the amazing opportunities for travel writers today.
And for more information about how you can get started with travel writing, visit: www.greatescapepublishing.com/start/travelwriting.
Great Escape Radio Episode 79: Start where you are
“The cure for boredom is curiosity. There is no cure for curiosity.” – Ellen Parr
For more information about getting started with travel writing, visit: www.greatescapepublishing.com/start/travelwriting.
Great Escape Radio host, Jody Maberry, and Great Escape Publishing Director, Lori Allen, introduce us to Mary Charlebois.
For Mary, getting started with travel writing was a solution for avoiding a boring retirement.
She has always loved traveling, ever since she was a child, earning her the nickname “Mary Go” from her mother. So after retiring as a technical writer, she decided to combine her two loves—writing and traveling.
But an injury prevented her from getting started as fast as she would have liked.
“I retired early—before the usual retirement age—with the plan to travel. But in less than a year, I broke my neck. That took my time and money,” Mary shares.
She regained her health but she was broke and bored, with no money to travel. Her friends kept pushing though and in September 2015, she borrowed the money to attend the Ultimate Travel Writer’s Workshop in Denver. There she saw all kinds of people from all walks of life and that set her on fire.
“I believe all things come to be in their own time, we have to believe in ourselves in our own time. I really thought that you had to be somebody who is a world traveler. I believed I wasn’t a good enough writer. I didn’t really think I had the ability to write about the exotic destinations I thought I had to go to.”
But all she really had to do was walk out of her front door and start writing about her hometown.
As Mary says, you should, “Grow where you’re planted. Start where you are.”
Since that Denver event, she’s now had over 100 stories published, and each new byline is as exciting as the first.
Listen in as Mary shares her experiences and adventures that have taken her retirement years from boring to fun!
For more information about getting started with travel writing, visit: www.greatescapepublishing.com/start/travelwriting.
Great Escape Radio Episode 78: Write Around Portland
“We know how powerful the written word is and how that experience of writing and being heard can really change your life.” -Allison Specter
For more information about getting started with travel writing, visit: www.greatescapepublishing.com/start/travelwriting.
On this episode of Great Escape Radio, host Jody Maberry introduces us to Allison Specter, Development Director for Write Around Portland, an organization based in Portland, Oregon that partners with local social service agencies, to write with and publish those who have had the least access to writing and the creative arts.
Allison says, “We’re writing with women and youth who are incarcerated, people who are experiencing homelessness, folks living with disabilities, immigrants and refugees, members of the LGBTQ community, and many others.”
She talks about how powerful the 10-week Write Around Portland experience can be- how writing and being heard can change people’s lives.
In the 18 years that Write Around Portland has been around, they’ve written with and published over 6,000 people and they hold 40 workshops every year.
Allison talks about some of her favorite stories from past members and plans for future expansion outside Oregon. She also highlights their three core values, which are:
-Respect
-Writing
-Community
For more information on how to get involved and/or make donations and to read the most recent featured story, you can visit their website at writearound.org.
For more information about getting started with travel writing, visit: www.greatescapepublishing.com/start/travelwriting.
Great Escape Radio Episode 77: Fear of Overflow
“Yes, you can be overwhelmed. You can have too much on your plate. But if it gets to be too much, you’ll stop, regroup and make a new plan.” – Lori Allen
For more information about getting started with travel writing, visit www.greatescapepublishing.com/start/travelwriting.
Great Escape Radio host, Jody Maberry, and Great Escape Publishing Director, Lori Allen, discuss how to manage the fear of overflow.
It starts with a personal story about overflowing toilets…
How do overflowing toilets relate to travel writing?
It’s about fear.
Lori explains…
Sometimes people buy into the idea of travel writing. It’s a romantic way to travel and share their stories. They’ll travel and even write the article, but when it comes to pulling the trigger by sending it to an editor—they’re afraid. They are worried about overflow. What if they don’t have the time to support this new travel writing career they want to develop? What if it’s too much?
Listen in as Jody and Lori discuss how to tame those fears, pull the trigger and manage the overflow.
For more information about getting started with travel writing, visit www.greatescapepublishing.com/start/travelwriting.
Great Escape Radio Episode 76: It’s about choice
“It’s a relief to know the professional photographers are better than we are because they’ve made a choice—a choice to do all the right things required to make a good photograph.” – Jody Maberry
If you’re inspired to make the choice to become a great photographer, you can get started at www.greatescapepublishing.com/start/photography.
Great Escape Radio host, Jody Maberry, and Great Escape Publishing Director, Lori Allen, discuss photography and how you can be a better photographer just by making a choice.
Lori recently wrote a newsletter about how good photos aren’t just born- they’re made with the right mix of learning your camera, understanding good composition, light, exposure and post processing.
“A lot of people want the answer to be in the camera. They want to be able to buy a piece of equipment and have that transform their images,” explains Lori. “Some of that is true. You buy a certain level of quality, focus, stability, color saturation and all those things when you upgrade to a professional level camera. But there’s another magic formula—and it’s not in the camera.”
It’s about choice. Choosing to make a photograph instead of a snapshot.
It’s what happens before and after the click of the shutter that makes a snapshot into a photograph.
Lori explains…
“A professional will walk up, see where the light is coming from, kneel down, get behind a tree, shoot between something—they will look at everything in layers.”
By choosing to learn the pre and post decisions that go into making a good photograph, Lori has enhanced her photography skills. You can too.
By following the simple steps Lori outlines, you can have better photographs quickly.
If you’re inspired to make the choice to become a great photographer, you can get started at www.greatescapepublishing.com/start/photography.
Great Escape Radio Episode 75: It comes down to decision
“The act of taking the first step is what separates the winners from the losers.”- Brian Tracy
For more information on getting started with travel writing, go here: www.greatescapepublishing.com/travelwriting.
Great Escape Radio host, Jody Maberry, and Lori Allen, Great Escape Publishing Director, discuss the importance of making a fast start—even if it isn’t perfect.
Lori started thinking about the importance of taking a first step—even when you’re not ready or trained—while watching her daughter in the swimming pool.
“When my daughter Charlie was four years old, she wouldn’t put her face in the water. But by the next year, she was diving to the bottom of the pool.”
She wasn’t actually swimming, just doing a dog-paddling type of move. Lori knew she could learn how to really swim with the help of lessons and she promised Charlie she would get her lessons and goggles.
“You’ll be swimming all the way across the pool after you take lessons.”
But Charlie had other ideas—she swam across the pool THAT day. She didn’t have training or the right goggles, but she made a decision she was going to do it and she did.
“Watching Charlie in the pool that day, I realized this is kind of how everything important happens in our life. It comes down to decision. The decision to do something.”
It’s not necessarily the people with the best skills, the best equipment, the most training that get things done. This is true in sports, in life and in photography and travel writing.
The stories Lori and Jody share are inspiring. And, if they inspire you to get started—to jump in the water quickly—you can find more information on photography here: www.greatescapepublishing.com/start/photography and travel writing here: www.greatescapepublishing.com/start/travelwriting.
Great Escape Radio Episode #74: How Bad Do You Want it to Work Out?
“If you want it to work bad enough, it will work.” – Theresa St. John
For more information on getting started with travel writing, visit www.greatescapepublishing.com/start/travelwriting.
Great Escape Radio host, Jody Maberry, brings travel writer and photographer, Theresa St. John back to the show.
Since we last heard from Theresa she’s been a busy lady. (You can listen to her previous podcast here: http://www.greatescapepublishing.com/great-escape-radio-episode-51-its-about-emotions/.)
“One of my goals for this year was to go on 12 media trips in 12 months. As of mid-July, I had already been on 10—I’m pretty sure I’m going to make my goal and then some,” says Theresa.
All of Theresa’s traveling started with a decision.
After a difficult divorce that saddled her with a significant financial burden, she decided to invest in herself.
Theresa attended the Great Escape Publishing Photography Workshop and also the Ultimate Travel Workshop in 2013. The workshop fees took a lot of money out of her pocket at a time when she really couldn’t afford it.
Theresa didn’t let her financial situation deter from following her dreams. She used it as motivation.
“After attending the photography workshop, I decided to attend the travel writing workshop. I was going to be the best student possible—going to make an ‘A’ and not going to make any friends. I was there to earn my money back.”
But as life would have it, she did make friends at the workshop. And those friends, along with the knowledge she obtained, have helped Theresa forge a new life.
“I was so inspired by the success panel, the editors and the Great Escape Publishing staff,” says Theresa.
In about 11 months, Theresa had made back every single penny she invested.
“You just have to make up your mind and somehow find the means to get there,” she says of her journey.
And, about those friends, she has traveled with many of them along with other friends. She’s quit her full-time job and she has discovered new places and new interests.
Listen in as Theresa shares more with us about her journey so far and what her plans are for the future.
Our upcoming Ultimate Travel Writer’s Workshop in Washington D.C. is now sold out but for more information on getting started with travel writing at home, go to www.greatescapepublishing.com/start/travelwriting.
Great Escape Radio Episode #73: Are You Growing or Decaying?
“You need to do something every day to tell your body it’s springtime.” ― Chris Crowley
To learn more about Breakfast Stock Club, go to: www.greatescapepublishing.com/breakfaststock.
Great Escape Radio host, Jody Maberry talks with Bonnie Caton, Breakfast Stock Club Creator, about the importance of staying active.
Bonnie shares her thoughts…
“Lately I’ve been thinking about this a lot and I’ve realized that getting involved in travel writing and travel photography gets me off the couch and out of the house. It sends me on adventures and I end up having a much more interesting life in general.”
In Chris Crowley’s book, Younger Next Year he states that 70% of aging is a choice.
As humans, we exist in basically two states, we’re either growing or decaying.
Bonnie explains…
“As a holdover from the past when people endured times of famine, our bodies have a built-in decay mechanism that kicks in when we’re not moving.”
Jody can relate – he moved from a job as a park ranger to an indoor job in an office without windows. He felt the decay. But he’s combating that with a concerted effort to keep moving. In fact, he’s closing in on 500 days in a row with 10,000 steps or more.
Travel writing and photography gives you a reason to get off the couch, get moving and get out of the house. It also keeps you curious—almost in a state of child-like wonder. And that helps keep you young.
Listen in for Bonnie’s tips on breaking out of the decay stage and staying active even when you’re not off on a grand adventure.
To hear more from Bonnie, you’ll want to check out the Breakfast Stock Club here: www.greatescapepublishing.com/breakfaststock. You can subscribe to the newsletter for free and be a part of a fun community while learning about stock photography.
Great Escape Radio Episode #72: Give Your Photos an Edge
“You don’t take a photograph—you make it.” – Ansel Adams
Take your photos to the next level with Lightroom here: www.greatescapepublishing.com/lightroom.
Great Escape Radio host, Jody Maberry welcomes back Bonnie Caton, Creator of Great Escape Publishing’s Breakfast Stock Club, to talk about Lightroom. You can listen to her previous podcast about how she got started with Great Escape Publishing here: https://www.greatescapepublishing.com/great-escape-radio-episode-71-try-stock-photography/.
What is Lightroom?
Bonnie explains…
“You know how everybody loves Ansel Adams’ photos, right? He was one of the best photographers in history. You look at one of his photos and you know that he spent days and weeks and months and years trying to find the right time and the right light to take a good photo. But, Ansel spent a lot of time in the dark room when he was developing his film adding light and subtracting light—making sure the contrast was just right and perfecting everything in the dark room. Back then he would use light and chemicals to do that. Now, we use software and the industry standard is Lightroom.”
Great photographs don’t come straight out of the camera—no matter how good of a photographer you are. Even trained photographers need to edit their photos and Bonnie refers to this as “reality plus” which means taking the photos to look like what you saw with your eyes and then giving them an extra edge.
Bonnie gives us an idea of the types of things she does to enhance her photos and how Lightroom can help you take your photographs to the next level.
“You can bump up the contrast, straighten the horizon line, and do other fine tune edits. Or you can remove a piece of trash out of a photo, soften wrinkles on someone’s face, and much, much more.”
Lightroom even keeps your photos organized. Listen in for more information on all the perks of using Lightroom to give your photos an edge.
Bonnie just created a course on Lightroom that has over 40 videos to help you learn to use the program. You can learn more about it and sign up at: www.greatescapepublishing.com/lightroom.
Great Escape Radio Episode #71: Try Stock Photography
“When I have a camera in my hand, I know no fear.” – Alfred Eisenstaedt
To learn more about stock photography and sign up for the free Breakfast Stock Club newsletter, go to https://www.greatescapepublishing.com/sign-up/breakfast-stock-club/.
In this episode, Great Escape Radio host, Jody Maberry brings back Bonnie Caton, Creator of the Breakfast Stock Club. (You’ll find her previous episode/s here: http://www.greatescapepublishing.com/great-escape-radio-episode-7-stock-photography/.)
She talks about how she got started with Great Escape Publishing more than 10 years ago, and why she encourages everyone—even beginner photographers—to give stock photography a try.
Bonnie has three reasons she thinks stock photography is great…
***It’s approachable
***It gets you out for adventures
***It provides an avenue to passive income
Listen in as Bonnie elaborates on each of these reasons and shares how each point can help you increase your portfolio while you’re earning income from your photographs.
To learn more about stock photography and sign up for the free Breakfast Stock Club newsletter, go to https://www.greatescapepublishing.com/sign-up/breakfast-stock-club/.
Great Escape Radio Episode #70: Ultimate Travel Writer’s Workshop
For information on Great Escape Publishing’s upcoming live events, visit www.greatescapepublishing.com/menu/?type=event.
“Action is the foundational key to all success.” -- Pablo Picasso
Great Escape Radio host, Jody Maberry, talks to us about the impact of attending a Great Escape Publishing live event.
Jody’s been listening to recordings from last year’s Ultimate Travel Writer’s Workshop and ran across a number of testimonials from attendees speaking to the quality and value of this live event.
He shares several of those stories with us this week.
You’ll hear from an attendee who traveled a day and a half all the way from Perth, Australia to attend the event in New Orleans last year—and he says he wouldn’t have missed it for anything.
Others share how the event has given them the encouragement, tools and confidence to pursue a freelance career as a travel writer.
Cindy from Baton Rouge, Louisiana shares how she spent three years trying to figure out how to be a freelance writer—banging her head against the wall the entire time.
“In the first half-day at the Ultimate Travel Writer’s Workshop in New Orleans I learned more than I’d learned in the last three years I spent trying to figure this out!”
The next Ultimate Travel Writer’s Workshop is in Washington DC from September 15th through 17th but unfortunately sold out before we could even release this podcast!
For information on other upcoming Great Escape Publishing live events, visit www.greatescapepublishing.com/menu/?type=event.
Great Escape Radio Episode #69: Making a Difference through Photography
“There are stories that need to be told. People need to get out there and tell the stories in a way that compels people to take action.” – Joe Sindorf
Great Escape Radio host, Jody Maberry, and Great Escape Publishing Director, Lori Allen, bring Joe Sindorf back to GEP radio and he’s definitely back by popular demand.
Joe Sindorf is an international humanitarian filmmaker who has worked in more than seventy-five countries around the world. He goes into the places where people are suffering: victims of tornados, tsunamis, social injustices, and other tragedies.
His still photographs have been published in National Geographic Traveler, Outside, American Photo, World and Professional Photographer among others. His video work has won international film festivals, the NATAS Emmy Award, the George Foster Peabody Award (commonly referred to as the Pulitzer Prize for Television) and others (You can learn more about Joe and listen to his previous podcast here: https://www.greatescapepublishing.com/great-escape-radio-episode-43-creating-great-stories/)
Last time Joe was on Great Escape Radio he was heading to the Middle East. He’s still making those trips and continuing to work with NGOs who serve refugees.
Joe has seen the worst of humanity. If there is a natural disaster, he’s been there. And it’s not just natural disasters but also man-made disasters: slavery, human trafficking, and so many other horrific situations.
“I typically see people at their worst: natural disasters, hurricanes, tornados, tsunamis or whatever. Or it may be due to human neglect, slavery, human trafficking, other injustices. I go on behalf of a NGO or charity to document what life is like in those places,” explains Joe.
Joe doesn’t want to just take pretty pictures or pictures that make people cry or tell entertaining stories. His goal is to make a difference, to put an end to poverty, human suffering, and injustices.
He has traveled the world’s most dangerous road, had a gun held to his head more than once, and he’s been abducted. For him, it’s worth it if his photographs and videos can help bring an end to human suffering.
Joe shares several deeply personal stories about his experiences over the years and how what he has experienced and seen has affected him personally.
His stories are riveting and also inspiring for the difference he is making in the world.
This is Joe’s vocation. Photography and video allows him to make a living– he’s thankful that he gets paid, but he’s not doing it just for the money. He’s doing it to try to make a difference in the world—to give a voice to people who are voiceless. He shares his thoughts on how others can develop their skills in photography and video to make a difference in the world.
For more information on breaking into photography visit www.greatescapepublishing.com/start/photography
Or for information on breaking into videos visit www.greatescapepublishing.com/start/videos
Great Escape Radio Episode 68: Take care of yourself
“It’s not selfish to love yourself, take care of yourself and to make your happiness a priority. It’s necessary.” – Mandy Hale
To learn more about how you can live better, travel farther and earn more as a travel writer, visit: www.thetravelwriterslife.com.
Great Escape Radio host, Jody Maberry, and Great Escape Publishing Director, Lori Allen, discuss the importance of putting yourself first.
We’re all guilty of it. We don’t always eat right, or exercise, or go to the doctor when we need to. But who are we hurting when we don’t do those things? We’re actually hurting all of those around us.
It’s like Lori said in a previous podcast:
“You have to take care of yourself. If you don’t take care of yourself, you’re hurting your whole family.”
Lori has been pushing this same concept with Great Escape Publishing members recently.
“A lot of our members are heading into retirement. And they are also feeling the effects of aging. Their bodies are breaking down. Mentally they are still in their 30s. Physically, they’re not. Some of that comes down to choices—food, exercise, and visiting the doctor.”
But if we take the time we need to make positive changes today, we’ll save ourselves months and years of struggles later—and we’ll be able to live life to its fullest.
This isn’t just about health, it’s about quality of life.
“When we’re miserable in our careers and not following our dreams because we think we don’t have time, we are stressed out. But again, who is paying the price for that? Your body, your family, and your friends.”
We always hear the saying: “Life is short.”
But, the truth is, life is really really long. It’s a marathon, not a sprint. And if we want to make the most of it, we have to make the changes necessary to keep ourselves healthy and to follow our dreams.
If we don’t, everyone around us suffers.
As Lori points out…
“At Great Escape Publishing we sell courses on travel writing and photography. But that’s not what we’re really selling. What we’re really selling is the idea that there is a better way to live. A unique way to see the world. A way to make an income doing things that inspire you… things that inspire others.”
Listen in for more inspiration to not only take care of yourself but also your dreams.
And for more information on breaking into travel writing visit: www.greatescapepublishing.com/start/travelwriting.
Or for information on breaking into photography visit: www.greatescapepublishing.com/start/photography.
Great Escape Radio Episode #67: 1 Place in 6 Photos
“They say a picture is worth a thousand words, and we’re going to give them a whole lot of pictures.” - Tom Smith
To learn more about how you can get started selling your photos, visit: www.greatescapepublishing.com/start/photography.
Great Escape Radio host, Jody Maberry, and Great Escape Publishing Director, Lori Allen, bring Efrain Padró back to the show to talk about his strategy for showcasing a destination through photographs.
Efrain is one of Great Escape Publishing’s most sought after photography instructors. (You can listen to the previous podcast episode about him here: https://www.greatescapepublishing.com/great-escape-radio-episode-66-introducing-efrain-padro/.) He sells his photos to magazines, guidebooks, as fine art, and as stock. He has developed a system for showcasing a new place in six photographs.
“I just visited the Grand Canyon and completely forgot to take photos of my food,” says Lori. “I really wish I had photos of the Navajo tacos or the prickly pear cocktails and jellies that are unique to that area.”
Efrain’s concept for capturing a place in six photos includes photos of food along with five other types of images that tell the story of the destination.
He came up with the idea for the six types of photos when he was trying to put a concept together to teach beginner photographers to approach a location that they travel to with a framework to help them get the photos they need.
Efrain explains…
“The concept is six types of photos, but you’re going to take a lot more photos than that. And after taking the six photos, I always say now take number seven.”
Here are the six types of pictures Efrain suggests...
- What does the location look like?
- What’s a fun thing to do?
- What’s a fun thing to see?
- What’s a typical thing to eat?
- Where do you stay?
- What do you buy?
Listen in as he explains what each of these points means, how to capture it in the destination you are visiting and why each is important to tell the story of the destination.
And as Efrain says…
“The most important take away from my suggestions, is that it’s only a frame work. When you get home you’ll have a nice collection of pictures.”
Efrain’s concept for taking six types of photos was originally explained in Great Escape Publishing’s newsletter, The Right Way to Travel. To sign up for the newsletter for free go to https://www.greatescapepublishing.com/subscribe/. Or to get started selling your photos today, visit: www.greatescapepublishing.com/start/photography.
Great Escape Radio Episode #66: Introducing Efrain Padró
“The beginning is the most important part of the work.” - Plato
For more information about how you can get started selling your photos, visit: www.greatescapepublishing.com/start/photography.
Great Escape Radio host, Jody Maberry, and Great Escape Publishing Director, Lori Allen, introduce us to Efrain Padró.
“Efrain is probably Great Escape Publishing’s most sought after instructor,” says Lori. “He’s kind, humble, even-keeled, and mellow. And, he’s super smart coming from a legal background.”
Efrain’s also creative. He approaches the art of photography in his own unique way.
Lori explains…
“Efrain loves photographing nature. He especially loves evening photography: stars and night skies. I’ve seen him sit for hours in one spot to get a great photo.”
You would think someone like that would be boring or not very interesting—but that’s not the case with Efrain.
He’s known for his sense of humor.
“Efrain’s very funny, you want him to be in your inner circle, and you want him to be your friend.”
And Efrain’s everybody’s friend.
He’s very open with his teaching and telling everybody exactly how to do what he’s doing.
Efrain shares his story with Jody…
“I practiced law in Denver for almost 20 years. Around 2001 I started getting into photography.”
Efrain was in his early 40s at the time and the plan was to take pictures, get better at photography, and then move into photography full-time after he retired when he was around 65. His plans were derailed when his wife got a job opportunity in New Mexico.
“New Mexico does not have reciprocity with Colorado for practicing law, which meant I would have to take another bar exam.”
Efrain was not excited about taking another bar exam, so he jumped in and started a new full-time career as a travel photographer, writer, and teacher.
“I started from scratch—I didn’t even have a single photo of New Mexico,” says Efrain. “But I always start at the beginning and go from there.”
Efrain’s beginning has led him to a very successful career as a travel photographer, writer, and teacher.
That career has taken him to Puerto Rico, Morocco, Peru, Thailand, Cambodia, Spain, and Holland as an expedition leader with Great Escape Publishing.
Listen in as Efrain explains how he got started, how he used his legal background to break into teaching photography classes, and what led him to Great Escape Publishing.
He also shares what he wishes he had known when he first started out. Hint: You can get it all in one place with Great Escape Publishing!
For more information about travel photography and to see all of the ways you can sell your photos visit: www.greatescapepublishing.com/start/photography.
Great Escape Radio Episode #65: When all the “stuff” doesn’t bring happiness…
“$1,000,000 in the bank isn't the fantasy. The fantasy is the lifestyle of complete freedom it supposedly allows.” – Tim Ferriss, The 4 Hour Workweek
Great Escape Radio host, Jody Maberry, and Great Escape Publishing Director, Lori Allen, introduce us to Laura Carswell.
Lori just returned from Tanzania and today’s guest, Laura Carswell, was also on that trip.
“Tanzania gets in your blood and it’s like a fever. You can’t shake it until you go back,” says Lori.
It’s a combination of things…
…animals
…food
…kind and generous people
…diverse cultures
…being outside in nature all day
It’s also a place that makes us understand that we don’t need to accumulate so much stuff in life.
Today’s guest, Laura Carswell, discovered this on her visit to Tanzania.
“What I love about this podcast is that we have the opportunity to a large variety of different kinds of people who are all attracted to travel writing and travel photography – putting life back into their years. They’re looking for something that means something, looking to leave their mark on the world,” says Lori. “Laura is one of those people. She has a very successful business background and has done very well. In fact she has 5 houses.”
But now, Laura wants to get rid of all that stuff.
“In Tanzania, you see how little the tribes have, and you see how happy they are with less.”
Laura shares her story with Jody…
“I attended some of the International Living conferences over the years, and that’s where I learned about Great Escape Publishing.”
Laura knew she had always been good at writing manuals and contracts so she thought, “Why can’t I write about something that is more interesting to read?”
“It’s invoked my imagination to write more and more, and I’m thoroughly enjoying it.”
Laura talks about her success and the “stuff” that comes along with it…
“I was raised in an era where you were measured by the stuff you owned: homes, cars, nice furniture, etc.”
It all adds up to an accumulation of stuff.
“The young people today are more about experiences. They’re not stuck with all this stuff.”
Laura talks about how she’s working towards simplifying her life.
She also shares with us what her first trip to Africa meant to her, and what her future travel plans will include.
And, she offers tips for anyone interested in looking into travel writing or photography.
“If you knew what you were doing, you’d already be doing it,” says Laura. “It’s a process: you crawl, then you walk and then maybe somewhere down the road you can sprint.”
The very basis of Great Escape Publishing is that life is not about stuff, it’s about experiences.
And the travel writing, photography, and video programs are all ways to help you create a lifestyle that provides those experiences.
For more information on travel writing, visit www.greatescapepublishing.com/start/travelwriting
For more information on travel photography, visit www.greatescapepublishing.com/start/photography
For more information on travel videos, visit www.greatescapepublishing.com/start/video
Great Escape Radio Episode #64: How I Balance Travel Writing with My Full-time Job
Plan your work and work your plan! – Amy Piper
Great Escape Radio host, Jody Maberry, and Great Escape Publishing Director, Lori Allen, introduce us to Amy Piper—a new travel writing success story.
“Everybody has a different approach to travel writing,” says Lori. “We have the creative types who like to throw a bunch of paint at the wall and see what blooms. And we have the business types who like to plan and meticulously map out their path to travel writing success.”
Amy falls into the latter category—she’s a strategic thinker.
As a well-established and successful project manager, Amy is a pro at meticulously methodically mapping out what she needs to accomplish. She’s applied those skills to her travel writing journey—and it’s working for her.
Amy’s path to travel writing began with the home study program but it really picked up after she attended the Ultimate Travel Writing Workshop in New Orleans last September.
In the first three months since attending the workshop she managed to have 3 per month since attending the Ultimate Travel Writer’s Workshop – even with a very demanding full-time job. It’s working.
Amy shares her story…
“While I was working on an international assignment in Argentina for my position as an IT project manager I was googling various travel subjects about exploring South America. For some reason, the search led me to Great Escape Publishing and the travel writing program.”
Amy is an avid scrapbooker. She was documenting her travels through her scrapbooks.
“When I saw the travel writing program I thought it might give me another way to get my travel stories out there.”
Amy signed up for the newsletter then ordered the study at home program. She used what she learned there to get her first article published.
Then she learned more about Great Escape Publishing’s live events.
“I’m an extrovert. I love the energy I get from being around people. So, I attended the Ultimate Travel Writer’s Workshop in New Orleans and it was fantastic!”
Amy accepted the challenge of the 10-day success plan at the end of the workshop and within a few weeks, she had her first article published. Since then she has published 23 articles.
Listen in for more details on what has motivated Amy and her tricks to finding the time to pursue her travel writing goals despite having a full-time career.
For more information on getting started as a travel writer visit www.greatescapepublishing.com/start/travelwriting
Great Escape Radio Episode #63: Skill vs Equipment
“Investment in your skill brings confidence and confidence brings opportunities.” – Lori Allen
Great Escape Radio Host, Jody Mayberry and Great Escape Publishing Director, Lori Allen discuss the basics of getting started in photography: what equipment you need and which investment is more important—the investment in your skill or investment in equipment.
At Great Escape Publishing’s recent Photography Workshop in San Diego, Lori received a lot of questions about cameras. She brings forward some of those questions and answers them for listeners.
“Nobody asks a chef what kind of pots they use,” says Lori. “Nobody eats a good meal and says ‘man, this guy must have a great set of pots,’ but, when people see a great picture, they want to know what kind of camera it was taken with.”
Lori breaks down what you’re buying when you choose a camera…
Cameras do affect the image quality – there is some truth to that. But it’s not as much as people think. When you’re buying a camera, you’re buying a few things:
- Durability
- Weather sealing
- Performance in low light
- Possibly image stabilization
- Possibly shutter speed
What a lot of people don’t realize is that a lot of the creative affects you see in an amazing photograph are coming from the lens and not the camera body.
“People spend the bulk of their research on the camera body but shoot with a crappy lens. But you should really do more research on the lens.”
Lori’s recommendations for camera equipment differ from those you’ll find in a Google search. Her recommendations will be…
- Light in weight
- Easy to navigate through the viewfinder
- Efficient with respect to battery usage—she doesn’t want to lug around tons of extra batteries
- Designed with the ISO and aperture settings on the outside of the camera instead of hidden in a menu somewhere
- A brand with a great line of lenses
And, it won’t cost anywhere near the $8,000 a professional photographer would spend on a camera.
Listen in to hear which brands Lori loves—and those she doesn’t. You’ll also get her tips for what matters most…an investment in your skills or an investment in equipment.
To check out Lori’s photography equipment recommendations go to https://www.greatescapepublishing.com/how-to-buy-the-right-camera/.
For information on how to sell your photos, visit www.greatescapepublishing.com/start/photography.
Great Escape Radio Episode #62: Creating Unique Tours
“Some people want it to happen, some wish it would happen, others make it happen.” – Michael Jordan
Host, Jody Maberry and Great Escape Publishing Director, Lori Allen talk about her upcoming travel to Tanzania, the marketing purpose behind the trip and how you too can arrange trips to the places you most want to explore in the world.
Lori shares her personal African proverb…
“There are those who return to Tanzania and those who have never been.”
She’s been several times with photography expeditions, but this time she’ll be returning to Tanzania to film marketing videos for Great Escape Publishing programs.
“We offer a course on how to create travel videos. The course illustrates how easy it is and how little equipment is needed to produce quality videos.”
Video is big in the travel world and also in the marketing world.
“We’ve noticed our video promotions outperform text advertising with still images at a rate of about 2 to 1 and sometimes more.”
So, she’s off to Tanzania to film some promotional videos.
One of those videos will focus on a program GEP has had around for a few years that’s coming back into the limelight—Leading Tours for Fun and Profit.
“We’re bringing back the course on how to create travel tours,” explains Lori. “People are looking for interesting ways to see the world. They’re tired of bus tours and ordinary tourist travel.”
Tours can be created around anything you’re interested in: cooking, photography, television shows…whatever theme you choose.
“We have one member who leads tours to Christmas Markets in Prague, Budapest and Vienna.”
Lori shares some exciting news about tours she will be organizing for kids to visit Tanzania and interact with local children.
Listen in to learn more about all the options out there for creating unique themed tours—and making a profit along the way.
And if you prefer to see the world from behind your camera, Lori shares insight into how to pre-plan videos before your trip: videos you sell as marketing campaigns for tourism boards, hotels and more.
You’ll find an introduction to the tour program at www.greatescapepublishing.com/start/tours and when the video from Africa is ready, a link will be added for you to see.
If you’re more interested in video and prefer to be behind the camera you’ll find more information on getting started at www.greatescapepublishing.com/start/video
Great Escape Radio Episode #61: Practice Makes Perfect
“For the things we have to learn before we can do them, we learn by doing them.” - Aristotle
Great Escape Radio host, Jody Maberry and Great Escape Publishing Director, Lori Allen discuss overcoming the obstacles to get started with photography or travel writing, practicing your craft, knowing when to quit and learning how to figure out the things you most want to do.
People often talk to Jody about getting into podcasts. Their first comment is typically “I’m not very good behind the microphone.”
Jody’s response is always the same….
“Of course you’re not. You haven’t done it yet.”
Jody’s been doing podcasts for several years now and he’s gotten good at it.
“The guy you hear in the first few episodes is not the same guy you hear today.”
The same is true for photography, travel writing, leading tours or whatever endeavor you pursue.
Lori discusses the initial stumbling blocks…
“The technical stuff is often the first stumbling block and you do have to figure that out,” she explains. “But getting the right camera is not going to automatically make you a great photographer.”
“The trick to being successful is always more time—more practice.”
Listen in to understand why the old adage “practice makes perfect” applies to everything in life—including photography and travel writing.
Lori and Jody also discuss the importance of realizing when it’s time to give something up—yes, winners do quit sometimes.
As Lori says…
“Success always looks like a winding road. Follow it, embrace the detours, and keep going. Eventually, you’ll find the success you’ve been looking for.”
For more information on getting started in travel writing go to www.greatescapepublishing.com/start/travelwriting or, if photography is what you’re interested in go to www.greatescapepublishing.com/start/photography.
Great Escape Radio Episode 60: Overcoming Your Fears
“Pushing past our fears makes amazing experiences happen.” – Lori Allen
To keep up with everything Great Escape Publishing has to offer, sign up for the newsletter at https://www.greatescapepublishing.com/subscribe/?src=podcast and receive a free report on five ways you can get paid to travel.
Great Escape Host, Jody Maberry and Great Escape Publishing Director, Lori Allen talk about Lori’s recent travels, what surprised her and what she learned.
Lori recently returned from a very special trip with her 7-year old daughter, Charlie. They traveled to the Southwest including the Grand Canyon, Sedona and to Arches National Park as part of a kid-friendly group tour.
“Being outdoors all day, driving through landscapes that constantly change, having gorgeous weather and quality one-on-one time together was very special.”
It wasn’t Lori’s usual mode of travel, however…
“Group tours are usually something I won’t do, I prefer to be in control of my time. But this was a kid-friendly tour and since I wasn’t familiar with the landscapes in the area, I wanted to be sure the hikes were kid appropriate.”
Lori had been to the Grand Canyon twice before and she knew it was spectacular. But what really blew her away was the beauty of Arches National Park in Moab, Utah.
“The colors, the light, everything was breathtaking.”
There were several times throughout her visit in the park that she had to remind herself she was still in the USA.
“Arches reminded me of Namibia and I kept thinking about how I go all that way—sometimes 26 hours of flying—to get to see these magnificent things when just a 4-hour plane ride away is Arches!”
Lori loved it so much that she’s planning a Great Escape Publishing Photography Expedition to the area in 2018.
Listen in to hear more about her “kid in a candy store” experience. Lori also shares what she learned from this unique trip. And, she talks about the fears we sometimes have to overcome to travel or to pursue our dreams of becoming a travel writer or photographer.
To keep up with everything Great Escape Publishing has to offer, sign up for the newsletter at https://www.greatescapepublishing.com/subscribe/?src=podcast and receive a free report on five ways you can get paid to travel.
Great Escape Radio Episode 59: Life management
“If you don’t take the time to plan the life you want, you’ll be stuck living a life you don’t want.” – Lee Cockerell
Great Escape Radio host, Jody Maberry and Great Escape Publishing Director, Lori Allen interview Lee Cockerell, former Executive Vice President of Operations for Walt Disney World on this episode.
Lee led a team of 40,000 cast members and was responsible for operations of 20 resort hotels, four theme parks, two water parks, a shopping and entertainment center—the list goes on. He knows a thing or two about time management. In fact, he wrote the book on it: Time Management Magic.
Lori felt it was important to have Lee on the show because Great Escape Publishing members often struggle with this.
“In my calls with members, time management was a recurring thing,” she explains. “And it wasn’t just about managing tasks, members often said they didn’t have time to recognize or grab their dreams.”
Lee ran Disney World which means he was a dreamer but also a doer and he shares with us the keys to managing all aspects of our lives.
“It’s really about life management,” says Lee. “How do you keep your life under control—all parts of it?”
Good managers keep things under control and it’s the same with our lives. Lee discusses several key points…
***Time management
***Detail management
***Being reliable
***Being credible
He notes…
“We often spend more time fretting about things we don’t want to do than it would take to actually do them.”
Time management isn’t just about business: it’s about family, health, dreams…all parts of our lives.
Listen in for Lee’s thoughts on managing all aspects of your life.
And if you want to take his time management course, Great Escape Publishing has partnered with Lee to offer the course at a discounted rate.
For Lee’s podcast “Creating Disney Magic” and more information on his books, visit his website at www.leecockerell.com. To access Lee’s time management course at the discounted rate for Great Escape Publishing members visit: www.greatescapepublishing.com/start/time-magic.
And if you’re interested in learning more about Great Escape Publishing’s programs, you’ll get details about their photography program here: www.greatescapepublishing.com/start/photography or their travel writing program here: www.greatescapepublishing.com/start/travelwriting.
Great Escape Radio Episode 58: But are you stuck?
“We keep moving forward, opening new doors, and doing new things, because we're curious and curiosity keeps leading us down new paths.” - Walt Disney
Great Escape Radio Host, Jody Maberry and Great Escape Publishing Director, Lori Allen, bring Allegra Stein back to the podcast to discuss why people feel stuck and how we can get past that feeling. (Listen to her previous podcast here: https://www.greatescapepublishing.com/great-escape-radio-episode-57-feeling-stuck/.)
Inspired by Shenee Howard's 100 People Project, Lori has embarked on a challenge to call 100 people. She's reaching out to Great Escape Publishing experts, success stories, beginners, people who've inspired her on Facebook and people she's traveled with. In those calls, she’s discovered that many people feel stuck for a variety of reasons: lack of time, lack of cash, lack of focus.
Distractions are real and we all experience them. Lori can relate to the lack of time and focus. She admits it’s a constant struggle for her to manage her time efficiently.
“I’ll admit I have a time management problem,” Lori shares. “I was working way too much and when I had my kids that had to change.”
Lori works hard to keep her priorities first and to avoid distractions which for her include Trip Advisor, Facebook, and the news.
Allegra addresses the feeling of being stuck and how getting on top of our distractions can move us forward.
Allegra shares an interesting metaphor…
“It’s like a person who wants to climb a mountain. Picture that person running around at base camp collecting all of the stuff needed to climb: the right backpack, good sleeping bag, breaking in the right shoes and hiring a coach for training. But are they really getting prepared or are they just avoiding getting started on the climb? It’s when we turn our backs on that stuff and start climbing the mountain that we experience real growth.”
Writers and photographers do the same thing. Ask yourself these questions:
***What are you avoiding?
***What’s the tiniest thing you can do to get started doing this thing you’re avoiding?
Lori reads some of the stories that have come in from people who feel stuck for a variety of reasons: recent divorce, illness, distractions and cash flow issues.
Allegra shares her thoughts and some possible actions that might help each of these situations. She also shares insight on reframing our current circumstances to help us move forward with our current goals. Listen in and see how you can learn to stop blaming distractions and take control.
For more information on Great Escape Publishing programs, visit www.greatescapepublishing.com. You can learn more about travel writing at www.greatescapepublishing.com/start/travelwriting and more about photography at www.greatescapepublishing.com/start/photography.
Great Escape Radio Episode 57: Feeling Stuck?
"Let your dreams outgrow the shoes of your expectations." - Ryunosuke Satoro
On this episode, Great Escape Radio host, Jody Maberry and Great Escape Publishing Director, Lori Allen revisit Lori's quest to make 100 calls and introduce us to Allegra Stein.
Inspired by Shenee Howard's 100 People Project, Lori has embarked on a challenge to call 100 people. She's reaching out to Great Escape Publishing experts, success stories, beginners, people who've inspired her on Facebook and people she's traveled with.
Life coach Allegra Stein was just one of those calls.
"Allegra is a relocation coach, but that's not all she's about. She's about reinvention, realizing your dreams and helping people get there," Lori shares.
Listen in for Allegra’s inspiring discussion with Lori and Jody about her work.
You'll learn about these interesting concepts…
***Campfire Coaching
***Overcoming "Internal Stuckness"
***Adopting the spirit of curiosity
***Dealing with thought tornadoes
As Allegra says, "Things are never as we expect them to be. But think of all the doors that open when you realize things can go in so many different directions."
For more information on Great Escape Publishing programs, visit www.greatescapepublishing.com
Great Escape Radio Episode 56: Overcoming Your Fear
"There is no illusion greater than fear." - Lao Tzu
Great Escape Radio host, Jody Maberry and Great Escape Publishing Director, Lori Allen venture into an interesting discussion about our fears. What should we really fear? And why do we fear things that are not likely to happen?
It's something we all do.
We can visualize the destruction from an earthquake, the horror of a terrorist attack, the fiery images of a plane crash… and that's what we fear.
But, as Lori points out, we're more likely to experience health issues like heart disease, cancer and other physically limiting ailments than any of these visual destructions.
Yet, we still eat those donuts and neglect applying sunscreen when we're spending time outside.
It's an interesting, thought-provoking discussion that will inspire you to rethink your fears.
It will also inspire you to seize the moments you have in life right now and use the opportunities available to you to live the life you've always dreamed of while you can.
For more on Great Escape Publishing programs that can help you find a way to seize the day and begin living your dreams, visit: www.greatescapepublishing.com/start/travelwriting and/or www.greatescapepublishing.com/start/photography.
Great Escape Radio Episode #55 - The Unconventional Photographer
“Dream it. Create it. Live it.” – Charlie Bulla
For more information on how you can get started selling your photos, visit: www.greatescapepublishing.com/start/photography.
Great Escape Radio host, Jody Maberry and Great Escape Publishing Director, Lori Allen introduce us to Charlie Bulla.
“Charlie is an interesting guy,” says Lori. “He was a professional photographer with a wedding and portrait photography business but realized he just wasn’t inspired. So, he went back to photography school.”
Charlie discovered Great Escape Publishing in his search to do something creative—he wanted to be who he is and create art with his photography. He certainly didn’t want to go back to doing weddings or anything that felt formal or rehearsed.
Charlie’s path has led him to video and here’s what he had to say about that…
“I never intended to get into videography – but just 2 hours after being introduced to it in photography school I was hooked. It changed my life. Now I love telling stories with video.”
Charlie also shares stories about his unconventional life…
“I have itchy feet. I get an idea, start thinking about it and the passion grows from there. Before I know it, the idea is underway.”
That’s how he ended up living in a 20-year-old motorhome with his old Subaru hooked to the back of it, rambling up and down the Oregon coast. For Charlie, it’s not about the money. It’s about living life on his own terms.
Charlie is passionate about the outdoors and the beauty it brings for his photography…
“If I can get to the middle of nowhere, that’s about as good as it gets for me.”
Listen in for Charlie’s story, his advice on following your dreams, and the importance of remaining open-minded.
Charlie also shares his newest dream—living full time on a sailboat—and how that will impact his photography career.
For more information on how you can get started selling your photos, visit: www.greatescapepublishing.com/start/photography.
"I am so excited, our success stories today are so much bigger and better than they've ever been in the past!" - Lori Allen
To sign up for Great Escape Publishing’s free eletter, The Right Way to Travel, visit: http://www.greatescapepublishing.com/subscribe/.
Great Escape Radio Host, Jody Maberry and Great Escape Publishing Director, Lori Allen discuss Lori's latest challenge to herself - calling 100 people.
Inspired by Shenee Howard's 100 People Project, Lori has embarked on a challenge to call 100 people. She's reaching out to Great Escape Publishing experts, success stories, beginners, people who've inspired her on Facebook and people she's traveled with.
"After hearing Shenee Howard speak at Pioneer Nation, I thought this would be a great project for me," says Lori. "I want to find out what is working for the people I reach out to, what isn't working, what their successes are and what they struggle with."
Lori's about halfway through her project and loving it.
"It's been a real eye-opening experience for me and I'm noticing trends."
From experts to beginners, people seem to be struggling with finding focus.
"It's a common thread with the people I've spoken with but not necessarily in a negative way," explains Lori. "People have thrown a lot of stuff at the wall to see what sticks and now they're trying to find what they need to focus on most."
The feelings about needing to focus are varied…
***Some are excited about narrowing down their focus
***Some are frustrated and overwhelmed
***Some are learning that what they thought would work for them won't and something they never thought about seems to be working
Another trend is the focus on multiple streams of income. Veterans realize the benefit that comes from having multiple things to focus on while beginners tend to feel overwhelmed.
Lori's conversations with everyone have given her fresh insight into what travel writers and photographers really need. As a result, she has been able to tailor the Great Escape Publishing programs and events to those specific trends, concerns and challenges for Great Escape Publishing members.
And more ideas are coming in…
Listen in to hear more about her discoveries and plans. To sign up for Great Escape Publishing’s Workshop Alert list and hear about all future domestic workshops and international expeditions, you can go to: http://www.greatescapepublishing.com/menu/?type=event.
And to sign up for their free eletter, The Right Way to Travel, visit: http://www.greatescapepublishing.com/subscribe/.
Great Escape Radio Episode 53: Focus on Skill First
“We keep moving forward, opening new doors and doing new things because we’re curious and curiosity keeps leading us down new paths.” – Walt Disney
For more information on how you can get started selling your photos, visit: www.greatescapepublishing.com/start/photography.
Great Escape Radio Host, Jody Maberry and Great Escape Publishing Director, Lori Allen introduce us to Sarah Ehlen.
“Sarah is the poster child for what happens when you focus on the skill first and learn what to do with it second,” says Lori.
Sarah learned photography first as a hobby and now she’s exploring how she can use her photography skills to make an income.
She has plenty of options…
***Stock Photography
***Magazines
***Fine Art
And, as a former park ranger living near Glacier National Park, Sarah has plenty of amazing places to take photos.
A lot of us can relate to Sarah’s story….
***She knows she doesn’t want a 9 to 5 job
***She knows she doesn’t want to sit in traffic
***She knows she DOES want variety and creativity in her life
Sound familiar?
Sarah shares her story with us…
Which came first, photography or a career as a park ranger?
“Photography came into my life before I was a park ranger,” says Sarah. “I actually got a paper route when I was about 12 or 13 just so I could afford to buy my first camera.”
Sarah continued taking photos after she became a park ranger. Her love of photography and being outdoors exploring nature go hand in hand.
“Photography has so many specialties—especially with digital—so, there’s always a new way to keep learning and pushing the craft.”
Although Sarah’s initial foray into photography wasn’t motivated by making money, she’s discovering there are several ways she can transition her passion into an income.
Listen in to see how she breaks down all the big projects into smaller tasks, sets goals and works out her plans that are certain to lead her down the path to success.
For more information on how you can get started selling your photos, visit: www.greatescapepublishing.com/start/photography.
Great Escape Radio Episode #52: Take it from an expert
"Look in the mirror… THAT's your competition." – Unknown
To learn more about getting started as a travel writer, you can sign up for a special video presentation at: www.greatescapepublishing.com/start/travelwriting.
Great Escape Radio host, Jody Maberry, and Great Escape Publishing Director, Lori Allen, introduce us to Margot Bigg.
"One of the things that make our travel writing and photography courses at Great Escape Publishing different is that our programs are written by experts," says Lori.
Margot is one of those experts. She was sitting behind an editor's desk when Lori found her and already an expert in the field of travel writing.
"The advantage to working with experts is that they are grounded. They can look back at their career and offer the foundation that you can only get when you've come over the hump of fear and self-doubt."
Margot has an impressive resume as an editor and writer. She has written for numerous publications around the world and has written guide books for Moon and Fodors.
Here's how she got her start…
"When I first started, I was working in an editorial role in India in the non-profit corporate sector. I reached out to a magazine called Time Out which had just started a new magazine in Dehli asking if the editor worked with freelancers. The editor asked me to write a sample review of a local restaurant which they ended up publishing. From that point, I started freelancing for them and ultimately became the Deputy Editor at the publication."
After a year in that position, Margot decided to go back to freelance writing so that she could cast a wider net.
Margot shares her insights on what it takes to be a successful travel writer in today's market including…
***What kind of attitude you need to succeed
***Why reading and studying the work of other writers you admire is important
***Why practice is key
***How to combine things you like to increase your writing opportunities
***How learning a foreign language can help you become a better writer
Margot also talks to us about the importance of competing against yourself instead of other writers who may be in a completely different place than you.
"To move forward, challenge yourself and compete against your own personal best."
Margot is leading the Great Escape Publishing Travel Writing Expedition to Costa Rica in July.
"We will be immersing ourselves in the Costa Rican culture and teaching writers about the travel writing process."
Margot will also be assisting writers with one on one sessions.
To sign up for the Costa Rica expedition, go here: http://www.greatescapepublishing.com/event/2017-costa-rica-travel-writing-expedition/.
Or to learn more about getting started as a travel writer, you can sign up for a special video presentation at: www.greatescapepublishing.com/start/travelwriting.
Great Escape Radio Episode 51: It’s about emotions
“One moment the world is as it is. The next, it is something entirely different. Something it has never been before.” – Anne Rice, Pandora
If you’d like to get started with travel writing, visit: www.greatescapepublishing.com/start/travelwriting.
Great Escape Radio host, Jody Maberry and Great Escape Publishing Director, Lori Allen bring Theresa St. John back to the show to talk about the intangibles she experiences in her travel writing career through writing and photography and how they change her perspective. You can listen to our first podcast with her here.
Lori re-introduces us to Theresa…
“I always say I love our guests, and I do. Theresa is exceptionally kind and caring and I think that helps her be a really good travel writer. People open up to her. It’s easy to talk to Theresa, so it’s not that big of a surprise to me that she gets these really great stories.”
Since Theresa was last on the show, she’s been traveling, writing and taking lots of photos. She’s traveled to Paris, New Orleans, Boston, New Hampshire and to several areas of New York. And she’s currently planning another trip to Ireland.
As Theresa says…
“I’ve been busy taking pictures and telling stories, it’s what I do!”
On a previous episode of Great Escape Radio, Lori Allen talked about the intangible elements of writing and photography—the way travel writers and photographers see the world when looking for great photos or great stories rather than seeing it as a tourist.
It’s about emotions: joy, sadness, happiness, anger.
Theresa agrees…
“When I’m working on a story, I want to be the one to take the photos. I want to be able to convey the emotions a particular scene evoked in me at that moment.”
She also shares tips for seeing things from a different perspective…
“Sometimes I give myself an assignment to go out and just take photos of things that are blue. Or, maybe I’ll just change my direction. Instead of going right for my routine bike ride, I’ll go left.”
Changing perspective changes the story.
Listen in as Theresa’s talks more about her experiences in travel writing and photography and how she finds great stories.
For more information on how you can get started with travel writing, visit: www.greatescapepublishing.com/start/travelwriting
Or to learn more about joining the Travel Writers’ Café, a community of new and experienced travel writers that will help you further your travel writing career, go here: www.greatescapepublishing.com/start/cafe
Great Escape Radio Episode #50: One step at a time
"A journey of a thousand miles must begin with a single step." - Lao Tzu
If you’d like to get started with travel writing, visit: www.greatescapepublishing.com/start/travelwriting.
Great Escape Radio host, Jody Maberry and Great Escape Publishing Director, Lori Allen introduce Gwyn Goodrow.
“Gwyn is a great example of what can happen when you put one right step in front of the last right step,” says Lori.
Gwyn turned a vacation to Northern Alabama into multiple published travel articles… one step at a time.
Gwyn talks with Jody about how she got her start.
“I’ve always enjoyed traveling and I keep journals of all of my trips.”
Those journals have now been transformed into published articles.
“I attended the Ultimate Travel Writer’s Workshop in New Orleans last year. Listening to the experts and those who have been successful at travel writing, I was able to establish a system.”
That system has helped Gwyn turn her travel journals into travel articles—and she has done all of this while working a full-time corporate job.
From her one week vacation in Northern Alabama and the surrounding Tennessee Valley, Gwyn has had eight articles published. And she has surpassed her goal of pitching three stories a month. As of this broadcast, Gwyn has had 21 articles published.
“I’ll admit it is challenging to stay organized and moving forward while working a full-time corporate job,” says Gwyn. “But, I follow the daffodil principle—one step at a time, day after day.”
What’s next for Gwyn?
She’s attending the Ultimate Photography Workshop in San Diego with Great Escape Publishing next month. She’ll be using her time in San Diego to work on more travel articles while she’s polishing up her photography skills.
If you’d like to get started with travel writing, visit: www.greatescapepublishing.com/start/travelwriting.
Great Escape Radio Episode #49: The 6-Figure Travel Writer
"The beauty of being a travel writer is really looking at the world differently and showing other people how to do that." - Gabi Logan
For more about how you can get started with travel writing today, visit: www.greatescapepublishing.com/start/travelwriting.
Great Escape Radio host, Jody Maberry talks with special guest, Gabi Logan about her success in travel writing.
Gabi has been a full-time travel writer for almost 7 years.
Before starting her travel-writing career, Gabi was working on a degree in foreign language in Italy where she attended an Italian university. She needed a way to make an income while she was studying, so she began travel writing… sharing stories of places she visited in Italy.
Her ultimate plan was to get her PHD and become an Italian professor.
"As I started travel writing, I realized that everything I wanted to do as a professor I could do as a travel writer" says Gabi.
So she switched her focus to travel writing full-time.
Gabi shares the truth about her income as a travel writer…
"I'm big on transparency and unfortunately with many travel writers, talking about money is like the ghost in the room. Most travel writers either have a sense that they're not doing very well or that everyone else knows something they don't know.
"In the first year, I only made between $17,000 to $20,000, but over the years it started doubling until I got to the point to where I was making 6 figures."
Gabi is the author of "The 6 Figure Travel Writing Road Map," where she provides readers with the keys to take their travel writing dreams to a level where they're not just working for the perks, but also for the income.
In this episode of Great Escape Radio, Gabi shares some of her tips, tricks and experiences that helped her obtain status as a six-figure travel writer. She also gives us a glimpse into a typical day in her life as a full-time travel writer.
To learn more about how you can get started with travel writing today, visit: www.greatescapepublishing.com/start/.
Great Escape Radio Episode 48 – The Unlikely Travel Writer
"I'm always excited by the unlikely, never by ordinary things." - David Hockney
To find out more about how you can get started with travel writing visit: www.greatescapepublishing.com/start/travelwriting.
Great Escape Radio host, Jody Maberry, and Great Escape Publishing Director, Lori Allen, introduce us to travel writer, Kurt Jacobson.
"Kurt calls himself the unlikely travel writer," says Lori. "He didn't go to school for writing, wasn't scholarly, and never considered himself to be a good writer."
But Kurt's not the only one… in fact, he's like a lot of the Great Escape Publishing members.
Lori explains…
"There was a time when we sought out travel journalist for travel recommendations, but now we're getting those recommendations from our neighbors, best friends, siblings, kids, and parents. Opinions come from everywhere."
We don't need a trained journalist to tell us where to go, so it makes sense that travel writers come from all kinds of unlikely places and backgrounds.
As Lori says…
"Kurt is pretty much the 'poster child' of who can be a travel writer today."
Kurt shares his story with Jody…
"I grew up in the shadow of literary greatness in my household: my mother was a librarian, my father was a psychologist, and my brother was an A student. All were very well-spoken and well-read."
Kurt says he was an underachiever… he never even finished the 11th grade.
Living with the stigma for decades of not being properly educated, Kurt never thought he would be a travel writer.
"My brother used to tell me I should write a book about my escapades from the years I was living in Alaska. My response was always 'yea, right' - I never thought I could write because of my lack of education."
Instead, Kurt became a chef. And after being away from the culinary world for a while, he decided to start a food blog.
He goes on to share his story of how that led to travel and ultimately led him to the Great Escape Publishing Ultimate Travel Writer's Workshop in Denver, Colorado.
And that changed everything…
Today Kurt has over 80 articles published with another 25 or more in the works.
Listen in to hear what motivated him to get serious about his writing and why he's decided to focus on local destinations despite having traveled extensively all over the world.
To find out more about how you can get started with travel writing visit: www.greatescapepublishing.com/start/travelwriting.
Great Escape Radio Episode #47 – Quote this
“I take rejection as someone blowing a bugle in my ear to wake me up and get going, rather than retreat.” – Sylvester Stallone
For more information on the Ultimate Money-Making Photography Workshop, visit: http://www.thephotographerslife.com/phw/sd/podcast/
Great Escape Radio host, Jody Maberry talks with Great Escape Publishing Director, Lori Allen.
This episode of Great Escape Radio is different—it’s all about inspiration.
While Lori was cleaning up the paperwork in her office she had an idea…
“I am always finding little quotes or stories to inspire me. I will put these on a post-it note and keep it on my computer screen or close by for inspiration or just to keep me on track,” Lori explains.
When she was cleaning up her office, she found tons of those inspirational post-it notes and in this episode, she shares many of them with us.
Here’s just a few…
On being yourself -
“Be yourself, everyone else is already taken” – Oscar Wilde
For the procrastinator -
“The secret of getting ahead is just getting started.” – Mark Twain
To reel in the compulsive shopper -
“Have nothing in your house that you do not know to be useful or believe to be beautiful.” - William Morris
Lori shares how the quotes she discovered in her office have helped her deal with problems that arise whether at home or at work.
She also shares the story of Sylvester Stallone who was rejected over 1500 times before his legendary success with the movie, Rocky.
Listen in for more inspiration and ideas to keep you on track with your goals. And for your next action, Lori would love to meet you.
“If you are interested in travel or photography and seeing the world in a unique way, consider joining us at one of Great Escape Publishing’s live events.”
The next live event is the Ultimate Photography Workshop in San Diego and it is open to all skill levels. For more information visit http://www.thephotographerslife.com/phw/sd/podcast/
Great Escape Radio Episode 46 – Telling Stories Through Photos
“Tell me the facts and I’ll learn. Tell me the truth and I’ll believe. But tell me a story and it will live in my heart forever.” – Native American Proverb
Subscribing to Great Escape Publishing’s newsletter, The Right Way to Travel, is a great way to get ideas and tips for your photography and travel writing. Sign up for free at: http://www.greatescapepublishing.com/subscribe/?src=podcast.
Great Escape Radio host, Jody Mayberry talks with Great Escape Publishing photographer, Bonnie Caton, about telling stories through photos.
Stories are one of our most ancient forms of communication and Bonnie shares with us how stories can be told from photos…
“Photos can just be pretty: photos of flowers or sunsets. But when you see a photo with a story embedded in it, the photo draws you in. You’re intrigued and try to figure out what is happening in the photo.”
Bonnie works with new photographers at Great Escape Publishing all the time and she shares how a photographer can move from just snapping photos to creating stories in their photos.
“When people are first starting to take photos, they typically take photos of lots of stuff. That’s fine, it’s part of the experimenting process. But when you think about the story behind the photo, you create better photos.”
Bonnie’s main photography income has come from client photos: headshots, weddings, and family portraits. By getting to know the people before she takes the photos, she captures their personalities in the photos… tells their stories.
And the same is true for photos of places…
Bonnie’s practice of telling stories through her photos has led her to travel writing. Listen in and see how the photos she has taken have given her a flurry of story ideas that she can pitch to travel magazines.
Subscribing to Great Escape Publishing’s newsletter, The Right Way to Travel, is another great way to get ideas and tips for your photography and travel writing. You can sign up for free at: http://www.greatescapepublishing.com/subscribe/?src=podcast.
Great Escape Radio Episode 45: Pay it forward
“Jed Vaughn is not afraid of sharing his secrets of success and to me, that’s a tell tell sign of a good man!” –Lori Allen
To find out more about how you can get started with travel writing visit: www.greatescapepublishing.com/start/travelwriting.
Great Escape Radio Host, Jody Maberry and Great Escape Publishing Director, Lori Allen, introduce Jed Vaughn.
“Jed Vaughn is one of my favorite travel writers,” says Lori. “He is so good at paying it forward—constantly helping others follow in his successful footsteps.”
After attending the Ultimate Travel Writer’s Workshop in San Diego in 2014, Jed set out to become a travel writer with a focus on getting published in print magazines. Today he’s diversified into online as well.
Jed talks about writing locally and how you can find great stories right in your own backyard. He also emphasizes the importance of research before traveling to a new destination and why you should try to find unique angles for your stories.
“Research is the bottom line. As you research, something might spark your interest based on your personal passion or interests.”
Jed also offers his advice for pitching story ideas and securing assignments before you take your trip. And the advantages of having those assignments in hand before you travel.
As for how Jed got started…
“I started with a home study course but never really put anything together. After attending the Great Escape Publishing Ultimate Travel Writer’s Workshop in San Diego, I began to think I might be able to do this thing.”
Jed values the connections he made at that workshop and highlights how a support system can really help propel your writing career.
To find out more about how you can get started with travel writing visit: www.greatescapepublishing.com/start/travelwriting.
Great Escape Publishing Radio Episode #44: Share your dreams
“Don’t keep secrets or dreams to yourself. Put them out there and share your experiences.” – Jessica Irwin
For more information on the next Ultimate Photography Workshop, this April 7-9 in San Diego, CA, go to: http://www.thephotographerslife.com/phw/sd/podcast/.
Great Escape Publishing Radio host, Jody Maberry and Great Escape Publishing Director, Lori Allen introduce us to Jessica Irwin, a young woman with a passion.
Jessica was mentioned in the last podcast by international humanitarian filmmaker, Joe Sindorf. You can listen to that episode here: http://traffic.libsyn.com/greatescapepublishing/Ep_43_-_Joe_Sindorf.mp3.
Jessica introduced herself to Joe at the Great Escape Publishing Ultimate Photography Workshop in Palm Springs, California last year. Joe has since taken her under his wing to coach her toward her dream of being a humanitarian photographer.
Jessica has always been a traveler and loved taking photos of the people and places she visits. During a career change crisis several years ago, Jessica reevaluated her path and realized that her heart was with photography.
“I began searching for photography courses online and that’s how I discovered Great Escape Publishing.”
Jessica attended the photography workshop in Palm Springs to learn how to turn photography into an income. What she found was even more valuable.
Having always had a passion for doing work that makes an impact, when Jessica met Joe and learned more about his work, she knew that was what she was destined to do. She realized she could focus on women’s issues around the world.
“Cultural barriers around the world often make it impossible for a male photographer to meet with women and children. As a woman, I can meet women and children and highlight those aspects of a culture.”
Jessica shares her story of discovery and what she has been able to do since the workshop to further her dream. She also provides advice to others who have the secret desire to follow their dreams.
As Lori Allen always says, “There are many intangible benefits of travel writing and photography including the opportunity to touch and change people all over the world just by sharing your dreams.”
For more information on the next Ultimate Photography Workshop, this April 7-9 in San Diego, CA, go to: http://www.thephotographerslife.com/phw/sd/podcast/.
Great Escape Radio Episode 43: Creating great stories
"I don't shoot parties. I create films that move people and compel them to take action for causes that really matter." - Joe Sindorf
And if you want to learn more from Joe you can meet him in person at the Ultimate Photography Workshop this April in San Diego. For more information, go to: http://www.thephotographerslife.com/phw/sd/podcast/.
Great Escape Radio host, Jody Maberry, and Lori Allen, Director of Great Escape Publishing, introduce us to Joe Sindorf, an international humanitarian filmmaker.
"Joe's life is an epic story, yet he's so humble."
Joe is an international humanitarian filmmaker who has worked in more than seventy-five countries around the world. He goes into the places where people are suffering: victims of tornados, tsunamis, social injustices and other tragedies.
His still photographs have been published in National Geographic Traveler, Outside, American Photo, World and Professional Photographer among others. His video work has won international film festivals, the NATAS Emmy Award, the George Foster Peabody Award (commonly referred to as the Pulitzer Prize for Television) and others.
In this episode, Joe discusses his work and shares some of his experiences around the world. He also emphasizes the importance of connecting with the people he films and being respectful of the various cultures he encounters.
He shares the keys to creating great stories with words, photographs and video from his niche as a humanitarian and offers tips to anyone interested in this type of unconventional work.
If you aren't able to travel the world right now like Joe, he assures you there is plenty of diversity and causes to get behind in the USA…
"If you're going to pick a country to photograph and you want a lot of diversity, you can't pick a better country than the USA," says Joe.
Listen in for more of Joe's experience and his tips for those just starting out in photography and travel writing.
And if you want to learn more from Joe you can meet him in person at the Ultimate Photography Workshop this April in San Diego. For more information, go to: http://www.thephotographerslife.com/phw/sd/podcast/.
Great Escape Radio Episode #42: Starting local
“Mom, you love to travel and you’re the queen of questions, I think you should be a travel writer.”
For more information on how you can get started with travel writing, visit: www.greatescapepublishing.com/start/travelwriting.
Great Escape Publishing Radio host, Jody Maberry, talks with travel writer, Connie Pearson on starting local.
Travel writing is actually Connie’s fourth career. She was a piano performance major, music teacher, missionary in Ecuador and now, a travel writer.
Connie’s son is actually the one who inspired her to get started; he saw an article about travel writing and shared it with her. Being naturally curious, Connie did a little research and discovered Great Escape Publishing.
“I signed up for the Ultimate Travel Writer’s Workshop in Denver, Colorado, hopped on a plane and made the leap.”
Since attending the workshop, Connie has had 65 published articles in 13 different publications—the sky is the limit and she has all kinds of plans for the future.
Starting out, Connie didn’t have an unlimited travel budget so she took the advice she learned in the workshop and started local.
Connie lives in North Alabama and initially had no idea what she could find to write about. But it turns out there are a lot of interesting places and things in North Alabama—and not a lot of competition.
“I’ve found some amazing things in North Alabama. In fact, 22 of my articles have been within 2 hours of my house.”
Connie shares her discovery of true southern gems like the Rattlesnake Saloon and the Coon Dog Cemetery.
She also shares a moving story about Tom’s Wall – a tribute to a fascinating Native American woman.
Listen in for Connie’s story and her tips for starting local.
For more information on how you can get started with travel writing, visit: www.greatescapepublishing.com/start/travelwriting.
Great Escape Radio – Episode #41: Build something you love
“Humans are meant to build things. When we stop building, we lose who we are; we lose our sense of purpose.” – Lori Allen
For more information on how you can get started on the road to a new kind of work visit: www.greatescapepublishing.com/start/blog.
Great Escape Radio host, Jody Maberry is joined by Great Escape Publishing Director, Lori Allen, to talk about work.
We often hear people say they don’t want to work anymore. They hate their jobs, they’re done.
Often people spend their time counting the days until they no longer have to work.
But Lori has the opportunity to spend time with people who are finished with their careers—either through retirement or by making the decision to change direction.
She shares her thoughts with us…
“I don’t think it’s that people don’t want to work, it’s that the work they are doing makes them feel stuck. They are working to carry out someone else’s dream, finishing someone else’s mission in life.
Maybe they are stuck in meaningless meetings with people they don’t like. Or maybe they are just working at a job to make ends meet. It’s not that all work is bad, it’s just about finding work that you enjoy.”
Lori believes humans are meant to build things. When we stop building, we lose who we are; we lose our sense of purpose.
Think of work in the sense of building something and then you won’t mind working.
In the 1960s Game of Life by Milton Bradley, players collect life cards… go to college, get married, have children… and in the end, the player with the most money wins.
Lori doesn’t believe the winner is the one with the most money, rather it’s the one with the most experiences.
And the Game of Life has players stop when they retire and wait for other players to catch up.
Lori doesn’t believe that’s the way to live either.
“Stop thinking about retirement as you have no moves left; think of it as you have a lot of moves left.”
Many of the people who attend Great Escape Publishing’s events and expeditions are retirees who are making new moves, continuing to work by building something they enjoy through travel writing and photography.
And it’s not just retirees…
People are making the decision to start down the road to a new life, new work long before retirement age.
Lori shares the success stories of some past Great Escape Publishing attendees—people who have made the choice to build something they love through travel writing, blogging and photography.
A good place to start is with travel blogging. For more information on how you can get started on the road to a new kind of work, visit: www.greatescapepublishing.com/start/blog.
Great Escape Radio: Episode #40: Stand out in 2017
"People will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel." -Maya Angelou
For more about how you can get started with travel writing today, visit: www.greatescapepublishing.com/travelwriting.
This week on Great Escape Radio, host Jody Maberry and Great Escape Publishing Director, Lori Allen, discuss trends for 2017.
Lori shares her thoughts on what will help people to stand out in 2017...
"I have a hunch that the two things what will make someone standout in 2017 are politeness and respect. I don't think it's going to be quality of work, years of practice, what camera you use, how good of a travel writer you are, or how many places you can afford to visit. People are going to work more with people they respect and who are polite and easy to work with."
2016 was a rough year in many respects with a polarizing election in the USA and a general disregard for the opinions and convictions of others.
"With this election that just passed, so many people are ranting and raving on social media…it's almost become the norm to trample all over someone's opinions. And I think editors are going to prefer to work with people who are respectful."
In the past, editors sought out well-known writers and photographers… people who had made a name for themselves. They weren't just buying that person's work but also the name for their publications.
But the trends have changed and now people are getting their travel ideas from online blogs and often previously unknown writers.
"Social media sites are bringing business to photographers and writers. Editors look up travel writers on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter to see how many followers they have and also to see if that person is a good face for their publication."
Respect matters.
Jody and Lori discuss examples of other cultures and lifestyles and what we can learn from those. It's an inspiring discussion to lead us into the new year.
To keep up with the latest trends and for inspiration from people who are traveling and enjoying life as they build something they care about, sign up for the Great Escape Publishing newsletter at: www.greatescapepublishing.com/subscribe.
For more about how you can get started with travel writing today, visit: www.greatescapepublishing.com/travelwriting.
Great Escape Radio: Episode #39: The Magic of Travel Photography
"Photography encourages you to stop and ask questions and think about things."--Lori Allen
For more information on how you can get started selling your travel photos, go to www.greatescapepublishing.com/start/photography.
Great Escape Publishing Director, Lori Allen, joins host Jody Maberry to talk about travel photography and how it’s more than just a way to document a trip.
Lori says, "On the surface photography is an opportunity to document and memorialize experiences but I also think photography is about options…about giving you more choices than you would have without a camera.
Anytime you throw a camera around your neck, you have a purpose, you have a different reason to be where you are. I can spend hours looking at just bugs, leaves or light coming through the trees."
Cameras give you an excuse to get up every day and REALLY see things.
"Take a location like the Eiffel Tower, you can photograph just the tower, or you can stay in one spot for hours and photograph it with a family walking by, or a musician playing an accordion, or maybe tourists taking selfies.
The point is, you can spend an entire day in one spot and get a view of the world as it happens around that location."
Photography gives you purpose, gives you a memory, and gives you something beautiful to hang on your wall… but it also helps you see more than you normally would, and it often leads to interesting discussions.
Listen in as Lori and Jody tell stories about the photos they’ve taken.
For more information on how you can get started selling your travel photos, go to www.greatescapepublishing.com/start/photography.
Great Escape Radio: Episode 38: Find something to build
“Travel writing and photography help memorialize chunks of your life.” –Lori Allen
For more information on how you can get started with travel writing, visit: www.greatescapepublishing.com/start/travelwriting.
Great Escape Radio host, Jody Maberry is joined by Great Escape Publishing Director, Lori Allen, to talk about life…
Is life too short? Or is it something that’s long and requires a long term plan?
Sometimes it’s ok to live as if life is short: packing in everything you want to do and say before it’s too late.
But we’re living longer and longer, so having a long term plan for your life is a good idea.
Lori believes people are meant to build things…
“As human beings, we’re meant to build things, to have a purpose in our lives. If we lose sight of the long term plan, we lose sight of the purpose in our lives.”
Jody shares the story of a friend who—when her last child left home—stated she felt like she had been fired from her job.
It happens to people when they become an empty nester, retire or lose a spouse.
“When you’ve had one purpose for 20 or 30 years or more, a change like this can turn your life upside down,” Lori says.
When life changes… change directions: Find something to build.
Building something like a travel writing or photography career can give your life a long term purpose and help you memorialize time.
Subscribing to the Great Escape Publishing newsletter is the first step in learning what types of programs you can utilize to help you build a long term life plan—something you can be proud of. You can sign up at www.greatescapepublishing.com.
Lori recommends starting with the travel writing program. You can learn more about what it takes to get started at www.greatescapepublishing.com/start/travelwriting.
Great Escape Radio Episode #37: The triple threat traveler
“When your work combines your passions it doesn’t really feel like work.” - Sophie Parmantier
If you’re interested in creating and selling simple travel videos, visit www.greatescapepublishing.com/start/video for more details and tips on how to get started.
This week host Jody Maberry talks with Sophie Parmantier who has found a way to fund her travels and make money through travel videos.
Lori Allen, Director of Great Escape Publishing, introduces us to Sophie…
“In acting there’s something called a triple threat: someone who can sing, dance and act. That’s how I feel about Sophie. She started as a travel writer getting paid to visit places around the world and write about them. Then she fell in love with video. Now she is bartering her way around the world with little clips about the hotel where she’s staying, or things she’s visiting along the way.”
Sophie shares a few tips for marketing the videos to companies and using the travel videos to complement her travel writing career.
“One important tip is to be inventive, find a good angle for the video and be original,” says Sophie.
Companies are using short 1 minute clips on social media to help market their destinations. And it’s easy to turn those 1 minute clips into $100.
As Lori explains…
“Attention spans are short. Consumers are getting much of their information, news and travel ideas from social media sites. It’s an ideal time to get started making these little videos and begin bartering your way around the world and making money.”
You’ll need very little to get started: a tripod and a microphone. Those things along with your cell phone camera will get you up and running.
If you’re interested in creating and selling simple travel videos, visit www.greatescapepublishing.com/start/video for more details and tips on how to get started.
Great Escape Radio Episode 36: Drop in Camera Sales= More Photo Sales for You
“If you’re with Great Escape Publishing, you have a really easy pathway… since we give you all the steps between learning how to use that camera… to actually selling your photos… with fewer people to worry about, who are trying to be photographers these days.” – Bonnie Caton
For more information on how you can get started with photography, go to www.greatescapepublishing.com/start/photography.
On this episode, Host Jody Mayberry and Breakfast Stock Club Creator, Bonnie Canon, talk about the drop in camera sales over the last few years and how that can be a great thing for anyone who wants to sell their photos.
Bonnie explains that when cameras first started going digital in the late 90s, people jumped at the chance to get one. But in recent years, with the creation of smart phones, a lot of people no longer feel that they need one. It’s easy to take photos on a phone now and share them online with others via social media.
And with less people buying digital cameras, that means there’s less competition for photographers who want to sell high-quality images… especially those with cameras that have the video function, as video is becoming more and more in demand, and can earn you a significantly higher pay out than a still photo.
If people can set themselves apart by taking saleable photos and videos with their digital cameras, then they’ll no doubt find success in the current photo market.
If you’re interested in selling your photos, you can get started with these resources:
-Great Escape Publishing’s free eletter, The Right Way to Travel
-The Breakfast Stock Club
-Turn Your Pictures into Cash Program
And if you’ve already started taking photos, and want to find out how to give them that extra boost to make them saleable, you can learn about our Monthly Photo Critiques program here: www.greatescapepublishing.com/start/review.
Great Escape Publishing Episode 35 - Camera Buying Tips
For more information on the different markets where you can sell your photos and how much you can expect to make, visit www.greatescapepublishing.com/start/photography
“There’s a difference between good photographs and saleable photographs. At Great Escape Publishing, we focus on saleable photographs.” – Lori Allen
On this episode, host Jody Mayberry and Great Escape Publishing Director, Lori Allen, talk about the best cameras to buy if you want to get started with photography.
Lori explains what you need to get started…
“At Great Escape Publishing we talk about taking photos that you can sell. We’re not talking about you becoming a full-time photographer where you’ll be watching an amazing landscape for 300 days until you get that one perfect image you’re going to hang on your wall and hopefully win some kind of prize.
It’s about selling simple, everyday images: things like travel photos, photos of your home, family photos, headshots, baby pictures, and food.”
There’s a difference in what you need for taking saleable photos and it depends on what you plan to use the photos for: fine art, magazines, stock photography, etc. They all want something different and what matters is how you process the images you take.
“The biggest mistake people make when they buy a camera is to go to a place like Costco or Best Buy to buy what’s on sale. It’s not that there’s anything wrong with Costco or Best Buy, it’s just that the salesperson typically wants to sell you a kit—and you’re better off just buying the camera body and then getting your lens at another place and time,” says Lori.
Just like there’s no car that’s right for everyone, there’s no camera that’s right for every single person.
Some key things to consider in choosing a camera…
***It has to be a camera you will take with you—not too heavy, bulky, or so expensive that you’re worried about it getting damaged or stolen
***It has to have a good enough sensor
***It’s the lens that really makes the difference
“The lens is a better investment than the camera in your photography.”
How can you find the right camera?
Listen in to learn more about the cameras and lenses Lori recommends and her tips for purchasing them for less.
And for more information on the different markets where you can sell your photos and how much you can expect to make in each, visit www.greatescapepublishing.com/start/photography
Great Escape Radio Episode #34 - Introduction to Travel Videos
“The market for travel videos is wide open right now – don’t miss this opportunity.” Lori Allen
For more information on how to get started creating travel videos, visit www.greatescapepublishing.com/start/video/
As a follow up to Melanie Wood’s success story from podcast 33, host Jody Mayberry and Great Escape Publishing Director, Lori Allen, take a deeper look at the process of creating travel videos.
“Most people think travel videos require a long learning curve and a lot of expensive equipment, but that’s just not the case,” explains Lori.
Although the travel video market seems new, it’s been around for a while. And with the video capability of smart phones, it’s easy to get started taking videos.
Here are some opportunities that are available…
“Companies are using videos for promotion on their websites. These companies can be anything from a hotel promoting its amenities to a destination promoting an activity like zip lining in Costa Rica or a safari in Africa.”
Opportunity is great. Demand is great. And, it doesn’t require as much training or equipment as you would think.
Lori also discusses the crossover between travel photography and travel videography…
“A great example of using both photography and videography is a story about Bonnie Caton. While traveling in Thailand watching the festival of lights, Bonnie was taking photos of the release of thousands of lanterns into the dark sky. She also videotaped the event bringing the emotion of the moment into focus.”
Lori shares tips on getting started – where and how to build your portfolio and grow from there.
For more information on how to get started creating travel videos, visit www.greatescapepublishing.com/start/video/
Great Escape Radio Episode #33 – Get Paid to Create Travel Videos
“Just do it!” – Nike and Melanie Wood
For more information on how to get started creating travel videos, visit www.greatescapepublishing.com/start/video/
Great Escape Radio host, Jody Mayberry, talks with Melanie Wood about her success in creating travel videos and a few mishaps along the way in this week’s podcast.
It started with a choice.
Melanie had attended several Great Escape Publishing workshops and was considering going to a Great Escape Publishing photography workshop in Portland, Oregon. At the same time, she also had the opportunity to go on a photography expedition to Peru.
“I wasn’t sure if I should choose the workshop, the trip to Peru or choose neither and save money,” says Melanie.
It turns out, Melanie didn’t have to choose after all.
A friend of hers, Vera, who leads tours to various destinations presented her with an offer that would make everything work.
Vera asked Melanie to go on a trip to Peru and do travel videos for her.
As part of the deal she offered to knock $2,000 off the price of the trip, cover her in country airfare and cover any meals not included in the tour package. In exchange, Melanie would create testimonial videos on the trip.
To prepare for the trip, Melanie signed up for the Ultimate Money-Making Photography workshop, added an extra day for the videography class –, and then used what she learned to create videos on the trip to Peru.
“My first thought was ‘who was I to be taking travel videos for this company’,” says Melanie. “The previous videos were so professional; I wasn’t sure I could do it.”
Despite her doubts, she prepared herself and just did it.
For more information on how to get started creating travel videos, visit www.greatescapepublishing.com/start/video/
Great Escape Radio Episode #32 – The First Step to Success
“Tools, skills, determination and courage come second – the decision comes first.” – Lori Allen
On this episode host Jody Mayberry speaks with Great Escape Publishing Director, Lori Allen about the most important things when learning anything new or accomplishing any goal.
Lori has just returned from the Ultimate Travel Writing Workshop in New Orleans where she was inspired by the attendees and their enthusiasm. She offers this insight…
“I’ve always had this idea that we need a combination of skills, tools and determination to achieve our goals. But before all of those things happen there has to be a decision.”
Lori shares the story of her young daughter who – despite never haven taken swimming lessons – made the decision to learn to swim one day. She kept at it until she actually swam across the pool without any tools, skills or lessons – she did it just because she had decided that she was going to learn to swim that day.
The experience with her young daughter reminded Lori that tools, skills, determination, and courage come second – the decision comes first.
Great Escape Publishing workshops provide the tools and skills necessary to reach your goals. Making the decision to attend a workshop is acting on your decision to become a writer or photographer and that’s what makes the difference.
It's not always the best writers, the people who travel the most, or the people who seek out adventure who find the most success. None of those things are actually as important as deciding that you are going to be a writer and then just doing it. Skills and tools come later. You just need to get ready and make the decision to start.
To figure out what programs and skills would work for you, go to www.greatescapepublishing.com look up travel writing, photography, micro-gigs, import/export or blogging. Check out all the programs and see which one calls to you – then you’ll know which direction to go.
Great Escape Radio Episode #31: Trends Matter in Travel Writing
This week is the last installment of a three-part series where we hear from the editors’ panel at the Ultimate Travel Writers Workshop in New Orleans.
Great Escape Publishing Director, Lori Allen, introduces us to the reason trends matter in travel writing…
“There are certainly always stories that will sell on places like Paris, Hawaii and now, Costa Rica. But if you pitch one of these, your story might end up on the shelf for a later publication date – which means you’ll be waiting for your paycheck.”
Trending articles help you in several ways…
***get more bylines
***get faster bylines
***get paid faster
These three points are crucial for freelancers.
Lori also points out that travel writing requires two different skills…
***The ability to write the travel article
***The ability to sell that article
“The first story takes the longest to finish. It takes more time for research, writing and it takes more time to get it published,” says Lori.
From there the stories get incrementally easier and faster.
Getting feedback from editors is key for new writers which is why Great Escape features an editors’ panel at every Ultimate Travel Writers’ Workshop.
To get more background on the editors that were on hand at the 2016 Ultimate Travel Writer’s Workshop in New Orleans, you can listen into the first part of this series in episode #29.
On this episode, they share their thoughts on what travel editors are looking for today…
***more digital content
***social media engagement
***experiential and culinary travel
Listen in to hear more details on current trends.
Lori also gives us a sneak peek into next year’s Ultimate Travel Writer’s Workshop. To put your name on the hotlist for that, go to: http://www.greatescapepublishing.com/event/the-2017-ultimate-travel-writers-workshop/.
If you don’t want to wait for the live conference, you can see if you have what it takes to be a travel writer today here: http://www.greatescapepublishing.com/start/travelwriting/.
Great Escape Radio Episode 30: Travel Editor’s Pet Peeves
“A large part of success is just not screwing it up!” – Lori Allen
This week in part two of a three-part series with the editors’ panel from the recent Ultimate Travel Writers’ Workshop in New Orleans, host Jody Mayberry and Great Escape Publishing Director, Lori Allen, pose the question: What are some of your pet peeves in working with freelancers?
Lori explains…
“It’s really just about following the rules. As a travel writer, you’re not just competing against other writers who write travel articles. You’re also competing against other freelancers who are sending editors the wrong stuff in the wrong way and the wrong format. About 80% of freelancers don’t follow the rules…and that gives you an advantage if you just don’t screw it up!”
A highlight at the Ultimate Travel Writers’ Workshop each year is the editors’ panel. A group of editors from a variety of publications are on hand to discuss what they need from freelancers and what they don’t like.
For more background on the editors that were in New Orleans this year, listen in to our previous podcast episode.
When it comes to this year’s panel, it’s the little things that make a big difference…
***Like addressing an editor as a Mr., even when their website photo clearly shows she is a female…
***Or freelancers who get a great assignment and then miss the deadline…
The list goes on.
In fact, this portion of the editors’ panel almost becomes an editors’ therapy session as they vent their frustrations!
Jennifer Stevens, Editor-in-Chief for International Living and the architect of the Ultimate Travel Writer’s Program for GEP, is the panel moderator. And, as an editor, she can’t help but chime in too…
“What drives me crazy is assigning a story to a writer and then receiving a horribly written article. And I can’t send it back or trash it because I NEED the piece for the magazine. I end up rewriting it to make it a nice article. The writer gets paid, gets a byline and then goes on to submit queries to other editors using the piece I rewrote as a writing sample. I feel bad because some very nice overworked editor is going to get screwed!”
Listen in for more freelance writing blunders and how you can avoid making the same mistakes.
And to get more information on what it takes to be a travel writer, go to www.greatescapepublishing.com/start/travelwriting.
You can also put your name on the hotlist for next year’s Ultimate Travel Writer’s Workshop here. We’ll announce details next Spring.
Tune in next week for part three of our series on the editors’ panel.
Great Escape Radio Episode #29: What Makes a Great Story
“What makes a great story is what it takes to sell that story. The end goal is to give that story life.” – Lori Allen
This week on Great Escape Radio, Lori Allen introduces us to the Editors’ Panel from the 2016 Ultimate Travel Writers Workshop in New Orleans in the first of a three-part series.
“Our travel writing workshops are so much fun. I’ve just returned from New Orleans where we were located right on Bourbon Street. It was a great location, a great event with great people and amazing food. All of our workshops are fun but being in New Orleans just kicked it up a notch. There are stories on every corner in New Orleans, “ says Lori.
One thing that sets Great Escape Publishing’s travel writing workshops apart from other writing events is the editor’s panel.
GEP programs are written and approved by editors every year. Consulting editors means the programs stay up to date with the current trends in travel writing.
“Years ago long travel narratives were the norm in travel writing. Today it’s the USA Today style – one page that you can clip out and take with you. Service pieces are in demand: round-ups or 36 hours in a destination are popular styles.”
Lori brings in editors each year for an Editors’ Panel at the Ultimate Travel Writer’s Workshop. Hearing first hand from the editors about what sells is the most valuable feature of the workshop aside from sitting down and working on articles with the experts.
This year’s panel was no exception. Meet the editors…
***Morgan Packard, an award-winning editor, has been the managing editor for 14 years with New Orleans Magazine.
***Ian Aldrich, editor of Yankee Magazine who started as a freelancer and is now the Deputy Editor.
***Tracey Minkin grew up reading Ian’s magazine and is now the travel editor at Coastal Living, a publication featuring upscale travel.
***Misty Milioto, Editor in Chief at New Orleans Living, has been an editor and writer for 16+ years who worked her way up from blogging.
Listen in to get their opinion on “what makes for a great story from an editor’s point of view” with specific examples from their publications.
For more information on how you can get started with travel writing, go to www.greatescapepublishing.com/start/travelwriting and sign up for a special video presentation. You’ll find stories about former Great Escape travel writing workshop attendees who are now living the travel writer’s life and loving it.
You can also put your name on the hotlist for next year’s Ultimate Travel Writer’s Workshop here. We’ll announce details next Spring.
And be sure to subscribe to Great Escape Radio in iTunes here to catch the next two episodes with more insights from this New Orleans editors’ panel.
Great Escape Publishing Radio – Episode #28: Great Escape Publishing Events!
“Sitting on the red sand dunes in Namibia and watching the sun come up, it almost feels like you shouldn’t be allowed to see something so beautiful – it’s that amazing.” - Lori Allen
To learn more about the workshops and expeditions offered by Great Escape Publishing go to http://www.greatescapepublishing.com/menu/?type=event and check out the events listed.
Host, Jody Mayberry, talks with Great Escape Publishing Director, Lori Allen, about the amazing live events Great Escape Publishing offers.
“There’s a difference between education and training,” explains Lori. “Education is what you get when you read a book. Training is what you get when you are actively doing whatever it is you’re learning and someone is there to provide feedback.”
The home study programs offered by Great Escape Publishing will give you the education you need to get started in travel writing or photography. But the live workshops and expeditions will give you the training you need to excel.
With feedback you learn faster, differently and your skill improves immensely.
GEP offers a number of live events each year. Some are in the USA and others are in exotic international destinations. And there’s a difference between the workshops offered and the expeditions.
Lori explains…
“Workshops are exactly what they sound like. We get a hotel conference room, bring a group of instructors in and a large group of participants and we hunker down and work on stuff. Typically, there will be three days of listening to presentations and on one of those days the participants will go out into the field to either take photos or to find a story to write – depending on whether it’s a photography or travel writing workshop. And we give them feedback in small groups to improve their skills.”
Expeditions are exactly what they sound like, too…
“On an expedition, we get in a jeep or on a train and we go someplace. We’re in the field the vast majority of the day: waking up at sunrise for the perfect photos or finding the right time of day to capture the light in a particular destinations. Expeditions are smaller, usually about 9 participants or possibly up to 16 for places like Tanzania where we’ll rent out an entire camp.”
Traveling with a GEP expedition means experiencing things like the Yi Peng Festival of Lanterns in Thailand, or the Hot Air Balloon Festival in New Mexico.
When you travel with Great Escape Publishing on an expedition you can expect these things…
***Fun
***Time to play
***Learning or improving your skills
***Expect to be amazed
As Lori says…
“The world is covered with these amazing and beautiful places and events and experiences and if you go with your camera, it feels like you’re playing.”
Great Escape Publishing expeditions are different than typical photo safaris for several reasons…
***Beginners are welcome
***It’s not a tour, you will actually experience unique events
***You’ll learn how to sell the photos you take
To learn more about the workshops and expeditions offered by Great Escape Publishing go to http://www.greatescapepublishing.com/menu/?type=event and check out the events listed.
TIP: These events sell out quickly. It’s best to add your name to the workshop alert list on that page to get upcoming event announcements.
Great Escape Radio Episode #27 – Getting Started with Stock Photography
“We live in this culture where we’re told we have to get in line, follow the rules and get a safe job. But if you are an artist on the inside, you have to push past the naysayers and overcome those road blocks to find success.” – Bonnie Caton
Host Jody Maberry talks with Breakfast Stock Club Creator, Bonnie Caton in this episode.
Bonnie previously joined Jody on Great Escape Radio to introduce listeners to stock photography. You can listen to that episode and get more details on stock here.
This week she gives us a few more reasons about why stock photography is such a great place to start selling your photos and highlights some current saleable stock trends online…
She also shares her theory of the underdog and why she started the Breakfast Stock Club –
“We go through life in this culture where we idolize people like Bill Gates, Steve Jobs – the innovators, the doers who go out and take risks. But in our daily lives when we tell people we’re going to become a writer, photographer or lead tours, people question us. There’s a lot of negativity to overcome.”
Great Escape Publishing is all about the underdog – taking beginners and teaching them how to make a living as a writer or photographer without following the old rules that required years of experience or a formal education.
Bonnie started the Breakfast Stock Club several years ago as a way to log her stock photography progress and let other members know what was working and selling for her. The first goal was to help members make $20 in stock photo sales every week -- enough to pay for a nice breakfast out. Hence the name -- The Breakfast Stock Club. And more than a few members have earned those breakfast meal tickets (and more) since it began.
There’s also a premium version of the Breakfast Stock Club, for people who really want to ramp up their stock success. Members get an exclusive “Roadmap” guide written by a professional stock photographer on a popular stock topic each month, which is accompanied by a photo challenge. At the end of each challenge, they get photo reviews and photo editing lessons online to improve their shots.
They also get access to an online library of all the previous months’ Roadmap guides – currently at over 60- and loads of bonus guides and learning materials.
It’s approachable for beginners as well as experienced photographers and because it’s all online, can be accessed easily anywhere there’s a computer with an internet connection.
If you’re interested in joining in on the fun, you can get a sneak peek at everything membership includes during a special Breakfast Stock Club Open House here: http://www.thephotographerslife.com/bsc/pod/.
Great Escape Radio Episode 26: Introduction to Microgigs
“It’s crazy, ridiculous and fun all at the same time, but it works because people like weird.” - Lori Allen
For more about how you can get started earning an income by offering your own microgigs, visit: www.greatescapepublishing.com/start/microgigs.
Director of Great Escape Publishing, Lori Allen, talks about the idea of “micro-entrepreneurship” and completing small jobs or “microgigs” on this episode.
Microgigs have been around for at least 5 years and have been featured on the Today Show, ABC, CNN and Forbes. Great Escape Publishing developed its Microgig Riches program about two or three years ago to help people take advantage of this hot trend.
Lori explains more…
“Many of our Great Escape Publishing programs are romantic. It’s romantic to travel the world and get paid to write about your experiences. It’s romantic to get paid for your photos and see them on a billboard, or in a magazine. But often people don’t have the money to get started – or possibly need to see a little cash in their accounts sooner rather than later. That’s where Microgig Riches comes in.”
Basically, a microgig is a small job that you can do in 30 minutes or less.
Sometimes the microgig will be something practical like making phone calls to remind someone to take their medicine.
But often, the microgig will be something fun, quirky, or maybe even ridiculous. Things like…
***Calling and pretending you’re President Obama
***Handwriting letters from Santa Claus
***Calling to sing to someone’s cat
And there’s the outlandish microgigs like the one Lori recently saw where an overweight shirtless man will send his photo to your mother and tell her he’s your fiancé.
Seriously, a microgig can be anything!
Microgigs are things you can do in the time it takes your coffee to brew in the morning. They are ideal for someone who wants to earn extra money in very little time and with very little – even zero – set up cost.
Lori has hired people to do microgigs for her numerous times. Things like…
***Making coloring pages from a photo of her daughter for a birthday party
***Hiring a woman who has a guinea pig to spell out the company logo in lettuce and then have the guinea pig eat the logo
There are tricks to getting started and in the Great Escape Publishing Microgig Riches program you’ll learn how to start by offering microgigs at $5 and build to $10, $25 or even $50 per service performed, how to build a reputation in the microgig world and much more.
For more about how you can get started earning an income by offering your own microgigs, visit: www.greatescapepublishing.com/start/microgigs.
Great Escape Radio Episode #25: Securing that press trip!
“This travel writing life of mine has snowballed into an amazing adventure. I’m living it and even I can’t believe how amazing it is sometimes.” – Terri Marshall
For more about how you can get started with travel writing today, visit: www.greatescapepublishing.com/travelwriting.
This week on Great Escape Radio, host Jody Mayberry talks with travel writer, Terri Marshall, about how to secure FAM, or press trips.
Great Escape Publishing Director, Lori Allen introduces us to Terri…
“First of all let me say I love Terri. She is a genuine nice person. I love that she loves adventure and she’s up for anything. Terri has done everything from harvesting cacao in Belize to driving a reindeer sleigh in Norway. She’s taken her kids and even her grandkids on some of her press trips.”
Terri explains what a FAM trip is…
“FAM stands for familiarization which basically means that a public relations firm or tourism representative will organize a trip for travel writers and bloggers that showcases their destination. Sometimes these are group trips and other times they are individual trips.”
While the common perception is that you have to have a lot of articles published and be a well-known travel writer to get invited on a press trip, Terri says that is changing.
“Today FAM trips are often comprised of a blend of traditional journalists, bloggers and social media influencers.”
Terri shares how she landed her first FAM trip locally, with just two articles published and offers some tips for securing FAM trip invitations…
“It’s really about networking and building a reputation within the travel writing industry as someone who is serious about writing. You typically start with complimentary meals or passes to attractions and build from there.”
When Terri started out she had a full-time career as a tax accountant and could only accept FAM trips on weekends or when she had vacation time. Now that she’s writing full-time and has years of experience, she can be more selective about which trips she accepts and often has press trips designed specifically for her in locations all over the world.
Terri’s best tip for continuing to receive FAM trip invitations…
“Remember you are not on vacation. You are on the trip to cover a destination. Take notes, photos and always behave professionally.”
Press play for more about Terri’s experiences on this week’s episode of Great Escape Radio.
For more about how you can get started with travel writing today, visit: www.greatescapepublishing.com/travelwriting.
Great Escape Radio Podcast #24: Times have changed
“All of your struggles are not forever, they’re just for now.” Lori Allen
If you’d like to learn more about Great Escape Publishing’s programs, Lori suggests starting with the travel writing program. You can find more information and a video to see if travel writing is right for you here: www.greatescapepublishing.com/start/travelwriting.
This week host, Jody Mayberry and Great Escape Publishing Director, Lori Allen, talk more about last episode’s interview with Jeff Kontur and the concept of figuring out what works for you.
Lori shares with us more about the DC Social Summit where she met Jeff Kontur…
“The idea behind the DC Area Social was to invite people in the area to come in and meet us and learn about our events and products and then to have drinks and socialize. We’ve found that our most successful members are the ones who have formed networks with other writers and photographers.”
Since Great Escape Publishing began, Lori has noted trends that come and go.
In the past…
- Travel writers and photographers were separate
- It wasn’t acceptable for you to pursue your passion – you were expected to have a real job
- Great Escape Publishing workshops gave attendees access to the professional and inside info from editors
Today…
- Travel writers are taking photos and photographers are writing about travel
- Now, it is acceptable to follow your passions instead of having a “real job”
- Great Escape Publishing workshops still give attendees access to the professionals and inside info from the editors, but there is a new trend – an added benefit: networking among the attendees
“Networking is HUGE now. We noticed this trend starting after the 2011 travel workshop in Chicago when a group of women set up a Facebook group to stay connected with other attendees for encouragement, inspiration and to share ideas. Patti Morrow and Terri Marshall were in that initial group and look at them now, they’ve got hundreds of bylines. Patti quit her job as a lobbyist, Terri quit her job as a tax accountant and they are both writing full-time.”
In Podcast #23, Jeff Kontur talked about his “Italian pasta concept of experimentation,” which involves throwing a bunch of stuff at the wall and seeing what sticks. For him, most everything has stuck…
Lori’s take on that –
“It’s a real testament to the times that we’re in right now. Previously we didn’t have all these opportunities, you had to pick something. But that’s changing and evolving over time. Now, you can try all kinds of things and then decide what works for you.”
Most importantly…
- Follow your heart
- Follow what is the most fun for you to do
- Or go forward with all of your options and allow yourself to be multifaceted
- If something doesn’t work, just go back to something else.
If you’d like to learn more about Great Escape Publishing’s programs, Lori suggests starting with the travel writing program. You can find more information and a video to see if travel writing is right for you here: www.greatescapepublishing.com/start/travelwriting.
Great Escape Radio - Podcast #23: Winners quit all the time
“Winners quit all the time, but they quit without fanfare. Winners are quick to realize what isn’t working for them and to move on to something else.” – Jeff Kontur
If you’d like to learn more about Great Escape Publishing’s programs, Lori suggests starting with the travel writing program. You can find more information and a video to see if travel writing is for you here: www.greatescapepublishing.com/start/travelwriting.
This week, host Jody Mayberry interviews Great Escape Publishing member, Jeff Kontur about his experience with GEP and their programs.
GEP Director, Lori Allen introduces us to Jeff…
“I first met Jeff at our DC Social Summit. This is an event we created to bring people together in the Washington DC area to help them get to know us and create networks with other writers and photographers in the DC area.”
GEP members with the greatest success tend to be the ones who have formed networks with other writers and photographers. It provides a support system for encouragement and sharing ideas.
Even though this was Jeff’s first live event, he had already tried several of GEP’s programs-- Leading Tours for Fun and Profit, Breakfast Stock Club, Photography and Travel Writing—and has had some success with all of them
Jeff calls it his “Italian pasta concept of experimentation,” which involves throwing a bunch of stuff at the wall and seeing what sticks. For him, most everything has stuck…
He’s led two tours in the last year and had some success selling his photos to a variety of markets, but he’s recently realized that travel writing is where he’d like to focus his time.
He’s already had 17 articles published over 8 years and taken two press trips that were comped to Canada’s Bay of Fundy and Trinidad and Tobago, while just dabbling with writing on the side.
But doing this interview has prompted him to step up his game. He says, “I’m excited to find out what will happen now that I’ve decided to take this seriously.”
He offers this insight…
“I think that in American culture we were all brought up with the idea that winners never quit. But it’s not true. Winners quit all the time. But they quit without fanfare. Winners will try something and see right away and see that it isn’t for them.”
Because he is a bit of a dabbler, he approaches things somewhat casually, so it takes him a while to let go of things that aren’t worth his time, but he’s ready to zero in on writing now because it’s what he loves.
His advice to others…
“Zero in on the things you love and that you can feel passionate about. Even if something is working, be prepared to let it go in favor of something that works better.”
When a lot of things work, you’re forced to narrow it down.
If you’d like to learn more about Great Escape Publishing’s programs, Lori suggests starting with the travel writing program. You can find more information and a video to see if travel writing is for you here: www.greatescapepublishing.com/start/travelwriting.
Great Escape Radio - Podcast #22: The Tapestry of Success
“Life is like a tapestry, on one side it’s beautiful and seamless and perfectly woven together. But when you flip it over it’s a jumble of strings. “- Metaphor inspired by Corrie Ten Boom
For more information about how you can get started with travel writing, visit: www.greatescapepublishing.com/start/travelwriting.
Jody Mayberry, host of Great Escape Radio, sits down with Lori Allen, Director of Great Escape Publishing, to talk about what’s really involved in finding success with travel writing, photography or any new venture.
Lori tells the story of the funeral for a friend’s grandmother…
“This lady was extraordinary. She was well-known and loved by her community. Her family loved her…she had lived a truly extraordinary life. In describing her the preacher said, ‘Life is like a tapestry, on one side it’s beautiful and seamless and perfectly woven together. But when you flip it over it’s a jumble of strings’ – I love that metaphor because it is true about all successful people.
Celebrities look fabulous walking down the red carpet – but we don’t see the work the hair stylist, make-up artists and designers put into bringing that look together. The same is true of Great Escape Publishing workshop instructors and success stories.
It’s like an iceberg… what we see is about 20 percent of what’s there, it’s the other 80 percent underneath the water that really matters.”
People see the beautiful tapestry that someone has done and they want to take a short cut to get that tapestry for themselves. And while there is no substitute for hard work, you can work smarter, especially when getting started with travel writing or photography…
You can…
…Get feedback from a professional who is doing what you want to do
…Follow the path of a professional in your chosen field
Lori says, “There’s no need to reinvent the wheel. You don’t have to learn your camera and how to take better pictures all by yourself. There are classes and professionals who can help you.”
And it’s always important to remember these points from past episodes…
***Happiness is found in the process of being creative – something proven in studies based on the happiness attributed to various levels of income – it’s not all about the money.
***The process of learning to create photos, write stories, and even traveling to destinations to gain perspective is what makes the journey special.
***Putting one foot in front of the other is the key to becoming successful
***It’s the journey from the start to the end that creates happiness.
“Often when people look at all the things we have to offer at Great Escape Publishing and on other websites, it’s overwhelming. It’s important to remember that life is a bundle of strings. Just getting started is the key – it doesn’t matter where you end up, just do SOMETHING!”
You can start creating your own tapestry today with travel writing, by visiting this link: www.greatescapepublishing.com/start/travelwriting. There you’ll find a video about Great Escape Publishing’s most successful members, how they got started and how you can model their success.
Great Escape Radio – Podcast #21: What Keeps People from Accomplishing Big Things?
“One thing you have to realize is there is no such thing as failure. Failures are just road signs that lead you to more successes”. – Oprah Winfrey
For more information on getting started with travel writing, go to www.greatescapepublishing.com/start/travelwriting and for information on getting started with photography, go to www.greatescapepublishing.com/start/photography.
In this week’s episode, Lori Allen, Director of Great Escape Publishing, talks with Great Escape Radio host, Jody Mayberry, about what keeps people from accomplishing big things in travel writing, photography, and in life.
Lori says, “We buy into this dream of becoming a travel writer or seeing our photos on a billboard or a magazine and it is that dream that helps you reach the end goal. The idea of that dream governs all of your actions.”
Great Escape Publishing’s programs provide the steps to becoming a travel writer or photographer but sometimes there are things that hold people back from getting started…
…Fears
…Responsibilities
…Monetary decisions
…Personal challenges
“Sometimes the step is right in front of you, but you may be confused as to how to accomplish it,” explains Lori.
Lori suggest these steps for achieving goals…
…When you open the door and it’s the wrong door, listen to your gut and know it isn’t a failure – it’s a road sign.
…Success isn’t achieved in setting a goal, it is achieved in the ability to put one step on top of the next and when you hit a road sign, turn in the other direction and keep going.
…You know what is possible for you because you’ve done it – build on that to reach your goals.
Successful author and speaker, Tony Robbins says the secret to success is finding someone who is doing what you want to do and follow their lead.
Great Escape Publishing has so many success stories and so many road maps…somewhere in there is your step.
And as Lori says…
“Don’t get so wrapped up in taking the steps that you forget to enjoy the world of travel writing and photography. Get out there, make mistakes, get messy, try new wine, meet new friends, have fun with it.”
For more information on getting started with travel writing, go to www.greatescapepublishing.com/start/travelwriting and for information on getting started with photography, go to www.greatescapepublishing.com/start/photography.
Great Escape Radio – Episode 20
Photography and Travel Writing Go Hand in Hand
“Publishing a story about the tree in my front yard is proof that you can find a story anywhere.” – Amy Muschik
For more advice on how you can get started with photography, visit: www.greatescapepublishing.com/start/photography.
And for more advice on how you can get started with travel writing, visit: www.greatescapepublishing.com/travelwriting.
On this episode, we meet Great Escape Publishing member, Amy Muschik, who is both a travel writer and photographer.
Director Lori Allen explains, “When we started our travel writing and photography programs several years ago… most writers weren’t photographers. Things are new and different today. Travel writers are photographers and photographers are travel writers. Amy is both – an excellent photographer and a travel writer. She sells her photos to stock agencies, magazines and has even had success by entering photo contests.”
Amy discusses how she has found success with travel writing and photography by starting locally. One of her favorite articles that she’s written was about a tree in her own front yard… and the first photo contest she ever won was with a picture of her dogs at home.
She believes starting locally is especially helpful because you have less competition and you are more familiar with the subjects you are photographing and writing about.
When you’re getting started with photography, Amy offers this advice…
***Get your camera out there – take it with you everywhere you go. Then study the photos you take to see what you did well and what you could do better.
***Go through magazines and see what photos you like – keep track of the trends then go out and put your own spin on it
And of taking photos for your travel articles, she says, “When you are writing a travel article it’s important to get the right photos so that you can build a scrapbook around your story. Take your overview shot, but also take plenty of detailed shots – that will complete your scrapbook.”
For more advice on how you can get started with photography, visit: www.greatescapepublishing.com/start/photography.
And for more advice on how you can get started with travel writing, visit: www.greatescapepublishing.com/travelwriting.
Great Escape Radio Episode 19: From Lobbyist to Travel Writer
“At the end of their lives, people don’t regret the things they’ve done, they regret the things they haven’t done.” – Patti Morrow
For more about how you can get started with travel writing today, visit: www.greatescapepublishing.com/travelwriting.
In this episode we meet Great Escape Publishing member turned successful travel writer, Patti Morrow.
Patti attended the Ultimate Travel Writer’s Workshop in Chicago back in 2011. She loves to travel and initially was looking for a way to fund her travels. What she found was a new career.
GEP Director Lori Allen says, “Patti is a former lobbyist turned travel writer. She’s one of my Facebook friends and I love watching her news feed about all the places she goes and the things she does.
Patti freelances for several publications but she also has a blog – Luggage and Lipstick. Don’t let the name fool you – it’s a great blog for women AND for men. Patti’s travels and adventures are inspiring to everyone.”
Patti shares her story about her transition from lobbyist to fulltime travel writer and all of the amazing places she been in the last five years because of it.
She says she will travel anyway she can, but one of her favorite ways to travel is solo. She has written the book Girls Go Solo to share safety tips for other women who want to travel alone too.
Some of those tips are…
***Keep your wits about you and be aware of your surroundings
***Always use the deadbolt locks in your hotel room
***Dress like the locals
***Take along a matchbook or something from the hotel so that you have the hotel name with you
***Take along a fake wedding band to ward off unwelcome advances
Patti enjoys all of her travel writing but she really likes writing for her Luggage and Lipstick blog – it’s a place where she can show more of her personality.
“I’m a girly girl that likes to wear makeup and dress up – but I’m also an adrenaline junkie. My blog lets me express that about my personality – it’s fun!”
Patti offers this advice for anyone thinking about getting into travel writing…
“If you have an inclination to get into travel writing, I highly recommend attending a Great Escape Publishing Workshop. The instructors will give you all the tools you need to get started. Once you have all the tools, get out there and get started. Start where you live, start small and set goals. And like Nike says… Just Do It!”
For more inspiration from travel writers like Patti, subscribe to Great Escape Radio on iTunes here. In episode 17, you’ll hear John Betchel’s entertaining story about how he got started with travel writing and in episode 18, Noreen Kompanik shares her secrets to success. Please share that link with others who might enjoy this resource too!
For more about how you can get started with travel writing today, visit: www.greatescapepublishing.com/travelwriting.
Podcast #18: The Journey to 100 Bylines
“We have a big beautiful world out there. If you can, go experience it. If you can’t, live it through my stories.” – Noreen Kompanik
For more information on how you can find success with travel writing, like Noreen, check out the Travel Writer's Café, here: www.greatescapepublishing.com/start/cafe.
On this week’s episode, you’ll hear from Great Escape Publishing travel writing success story – Noreen Kompanik, and how she’s had more than 100 articles published in less than two years.
Noreen attended the Ultimate Travel Writer’s Workshop in San Diego in 2014. She is a career nurse and was looking for something to transition into when she retires. She went as the guest of a friend who talked her into attending. She knew on day one that she had found something she could transition into as a second career. She knew the instructors were talking to her. The opportunity to be able to travel and write stories about that travel was something that just spoke to her.
She followed the 10-day success plan given to the attendees at the live workshop. It worked for her and she got her first article published. Then she just kept repeating that success plan. Today – in less than two years – she has had over 125 articles published.
She shares some advice for writers just starting out…
***Start by taking a travel-writing course. The experts have done the work for you of laying out a road map to success. Follow it and you will have success.
***Start local. No one knows your hometown better than you. Pick up magazines at the doctor’s office, find local publications, reach out to the editors and pitch story ideas. Share stories about what you like to do, your favorite restaurants, etc. Starting local makes it easier to transition.
Because Noreen has had such great success in such a short amount of time, she wants to pay it forward. She’s heading up a new and exciting program for Great Escape Publishing – the Travel Writer's Café- to help others follow in her footsteps.
“I’m very excited to be launching this new program with Great Escape Publishing. Travel Writer's Café is designed as a community for beginning writers where experienced writers and editors will take members along on a journey, give them a roadmap and then issue a challenge.”
Great Escape Publishing Director, Lori Allen shares more information on the new Travel Writer's Café…
“The Travel Writer's Café will give members a community in which they can learn from other successful writers. We’ll give them a roadmap and help them navigate from ground zero to getting 100 bylines.
Past workshop attendees who have had more than 100 bylines like Noreen, Theresa St. John, Patti Morrow and Terri Marshall, will be opening up their businesses, and sharing what has worked for them.
Both Patti and Terri started travel writing while they had a full-time career. And both have now transitioned to being full-time travel writers.
We’ll also bring editors into the fold to show members how to find stories. And we’ll teach them how to work smarter not harder on their path to 100 bylines.”
For more information on the Travel Writer's Café, you can visit: www.greatescapepublishing.com/start/cafe.
Please note: The above link will be open until the end of August. For anyone listening after August, sign up for the Great Escape Publishing newsletter here to watch for the next opening for members.
Podcast #17: Starting locally with travel writing
“Good things happen if you just get out of bed.” – John Bechtel
For more about how you can get started with travel writing today, visit: www.greatescapepublishing.com/travelwriting.
On this week’s episode, you’ll hear from Great Escape Publishing travel writing success story – John Bechtel, and how he got started writing locally.
John attended the Ultimate Travel Writer’s Workshop in San Diego in 2014. And in just one year, he was asked to come back and speak on the success panel at the 2015 annual event in Denver.
“John says he lives in ‘Nowhere’s Ville’ and he questioned the concept taught at the travel writer’s workshop of starting local,” Great Escape Publishing Director Lori Allen says. “Local for John is Minot, North Dakota and he couldn’t imagine finding anything to write about locally.”
So he set out to test the theory… and it worked.
We hear a funny, entertaining and enlightening clip from John speaking to the attendees at the 2015 Ultimate Travel Writer’s Workshop in Denver about the first few articles he got published.
He shares a few tips for new writers to remember…
…Sometimes people will ask to preview my articles before they are published. I tell them if they want editorial control that is paid advertising and it will cost them about $1200. They usually go away.
…Deadlines are good for you. They make you get things done.
…You can start with posting your articles on Facebook, but eventually you need to put them on a website so that editors can see your work.
…Don’t be afraid, print those business cards that show you are a writer. You can always burn them later.
John is just one example of the many success stories that have come from GEP’s programs.
For more about how you can get started with travel writing today, visit: www.greatescapepublishing.com/travelwriting.
GEP Podcast #16
“We travel not to escape life, but for life not to escape us.” – Anonymous
For more about how you can get started with travel writing today, visit: www.greatescapepublishing.com/travelwriting.
Great Escape Radio Episode 16: The Benefits of Travel
In this episode, Great Escape Publishing Director, Lori Allen highlights the benefits of travel.
She says, “I learn more about myself when I’m in travel situations than I do in practically any other time in my life. I meet new people, see new things, try new foods, and find more time to read.”
Travel is a great way to make time slow down.
Travel can be challenging, but it offers many benefits…
…Handling the challenges of travel help you find yourself and grow as a person
…Traveling brings more experiences into your life
The programs offered by Great Escape Publishing teach people how to experience a destination in a completely different way than a typical tourist. Everything taught in the GEP programs comes from people who are living, working and having a lot of experience in those fields as travel writers or photographers. Lori is a conduit for those professionals.
“When you’re documenting your travels as a travel writer or a photographer you’ll discover things and have moments where you will feel lucky to be alive and blessed to be in your own skin,” explains Lori. “You’ll know what a place smells like, you’ll taste the air – that doesn’t really happen when you travel as a typical tourist. You appreciate a destination so much more.”
For more about how you can get started with travel writing today, visit: www.greatescapepublishing.com/travelwriting.
GEP Podcast #15
“Planes are meant to fly – people are meant to build things.” – Lori Allen
For more about how you can get started with travel writing today, visit: www.greatescapepublishing.com/travelwriting.
Great Escape Radio Episode 15: It’s all about the journey
This week on Great Escape Radio our host, Jody Mayberry, chats with Great Escape Director, Lori Allen, about following through on our ideas. And Lori brings up an important lesson she learned while studying for her pilot’s license…
“I had this great idea to become a pilot, but the truth is I was a little scared of the plane…” Lori explains. “But my instructor always said planes are meant to fly. They aren’t meant to sit on the ground or taxi around the airport – they are built to fly.”
And Lori believes the same is true of people…
She says, “Planes are meant to fly and people are meant to build things.”
And she sees this often in the people she works with through Great Escape Publishing. Many come to GEP as they begin retirement. They’ve spent a lifetime building a career and once that is gone they are often looking for something else to build.
Building something doesn’t mean you have to start a second career working long hours as an accountant, plumber or any of the traditional jobs. It often means building something creative – like a second career as a photographer or travel writer.
But it is important to also remember that what you start out thinking you want to do can change direction – it is the journey that offers the challenge.
Lori offers these tips for the journey to mastery…
…Start with an idea
…Take one step toward your goal
…Every single day take one more step toward your goal
…If your direction changes, go with it
“Getting started is the hardest part, but it is important to keep moving forward. And it’s also important to expect turns along the way that could lead you in another direction.”
Lori has seen this with people who come to Great Escape Publishing thinking they want to be a travel writer, but then they decide it’s really photography that they love…and vice versa.
“Putting one foot in front of the other allows you to deviate from your original plan and follow the detours that lead you to your destination.”
While Lori never got that pilot’s license, she has no regrets. She put one foot in front of the other and that led her to Great Escape Publishing where she is building programs that inspire others.
Lori’s advice to someone looking for a place to get started…
“Start with travel writing. You can start where you live, you don’t need any special equipment and anyone can do it.”
For more about how you can get started with travel writing today, visit: www.greatescapepublishing.com/travelwriting.
GEP Podcast #14
“Opening up Great Escape Publishing’s Importing Fortunes program is like opening up the entire world of products that a person could sell to anybody and everybody.” – Jeff Carley
For more on how you can get started with import/export today, visit: www.greatescapepublishing.com/start/importingfortunes.
GEP Radio Podcast #14: Finding success with import/export
In last week’s episode, you were introduced to the idea of import/export as a way to earn spare income for a travel fund or to create an income replacement all together.
On this week’s episode, you’ll hear from reader and import/export success story, Jeff Carley, who makes $12,000 monthly and nets around $9,000 a month selling products in four online stores.
He’ll explain how he found Great Escape Publishing, how he went about picking products and setting his stores up, and how he’s achieving great success working just 3-4 hours a week.
Jeff says, “I spent six years looking for a way to make money online from home before I found the GEP program – I’d been through the meat grinder. But the Importing Fortunes program was different. It provided real business applications, no push button miracle things. It all comes down to buying a product for a lower price and figuring out ways to sell it for a higher price.”
If import/export interests you, listen in as Jeff explains how to figure out what to sell and who to sell it to by immersing yourself in a particular niche.
As Jeff says…
“The world is almost limitless on what you can do once you understand what niche you want to get into and how to market that niche.”
For more on how you can get started with import/export today, visit: www.greatescapepublishing.com/start/importingfortunes.
GEP Podcast #13
“Great Escape Publishing is really about confidence, prestige, power, conquering the world and being the best person you can be.” – Lori Allen
For more on how you can get started with import/export today, visit: www.greatescapepublishing.com/start/importingfortunes.
Great Escape Radio Episode #13: Introduction to Import/Export
While the majority of Great Escape Publishing’s programs are focused around travel writing and photography… there are several other get-paid-to-travel opportunities they highlight as well. And in this episode you’ll learn all about import/export.
If you’re after spare income for a travel fund or you need an income replacement all together so you can live anywhere and come and go as you please, import/export may be the perfect opportunity for you.
But what is import/export?
Picture this scenario: Surely you’ve been somewhere and forgotten something. Maybe you’re about to fly somewhere and realize you’ve forgotten your iPhone charger. You pop into an airport store and pay $25 or more for something you know can be made in China for 50 cents. That’s basically what importing is all about. You hook up with manufacturers, import the goods directly from them at cost and sell them for less than the commercial stores. And, you pocket the difference.
With the help of the internet, finding suppliers today is easy. And now with companies like Amazon, most of the work is done for you.
Amazon has a giant warehouse and you can take advantage of that by setting up an Amazon store. They import the products for you, ship them to your buyers and send you a check.
One of GEP’s greatest import/export success stories is Jeff Carley. Jeff has about four Amazon stores and makes on average, an upwards of $12,000 a month, with a profit of about $9,000 each month. And once Jeff has a product store set up, he only spends about 4 to 5 hours a week overseeing his import business.
$12,000 a month is nothing to sneeze at! And in addition to the money and freedom it allows, import/export is a lot of fun.
It’s a great opportunity because it’s like a second career without all the work! It’s the feeling of building something… creating something… owning something, without the responsibility of hiring a staff, keeping inventory, or maintaining an office.
The pay-outs, like in Jeff’s case are nice, too.
If you want to try it – start a small import/export business from your kitchen table with a $50-$500 investment and the potential to make $12,000 a month like Jeff, listen to this episode for more details on how to get started.
For more on how you can get started with import/export today, visit: www.greatescapepublishing.com/start/importingfortunes.
GEP Podcast #12
“Talking behind the scenes isn’t the secret to success – doing something is.” -- Lori Allen
For more on how you can get started with photography today, visit: http://www.greatescapepublishing.com/start/photography.
Great Escape Radio Episode #12: The Secret to Photography Success
In this episode, Lori Allen gives her thoughts on fabulous photographer and Great Escape Publishing workshop instructor, Bonnie Caton.
“It would be hard to find a better photography teacher than Bonnie,” says Lori. “She has only been doing photography for about five years or so, but she’s always been a good at teaching – and just keeps getting better.”
Attendees at the Great Escape photography workshops love Bonnie because she understands what it is like to be a beginner, to feel intimidated by a camera and what to photograph.
As Lori points out, “Everything she learned has come from the Great Escape Publishing instructors and programs. Bonnie is still growing and is excellent at taking others along with her – down the travel photography path.”
In a clip from Bonnie’s presentation at Great Escape Publishing’s annual Ultimate Photography Workshop this past spring, you’ll learn about her journey from scaredy cat procrastinator to successful photographer.
It took her several years to really start selling her photos, but once she threw herself into it, she was off and running.
Bonnie recalls, “As friends began noticing my photography they started asking me to take photos. They wanted headshots, family photos and other shots. Then a friend’s mother contacted me to do photos for a big event. She wanted headshots, group shots, action shots and a number of other photos. I accepted the assignment, hung up the phone and thought ‘holy crap’ what am I going to do!”
But that gig was successful, despite her fears, and it led to more gigs, which led to even more gigs.
In 2014, she almost made it to her goal of $10k in photography revenue. And with some more hard work in 2015, she surpassed a goal of $12k in photography revenue.
Here are some things Bonnie did to keep her photography business growing as she was starting out:
***She registered her business and put up a website
***She started taking herself seriously
***She began introducing herself as a photographer (even though she had another job)
***She created a calendar and put a monetary goal at the top
***She began tracking her progress
In the last couple years, her initial ideas about the kind of photography business she wanted have changed. She’s now found a niche she really likes.
“I started out thinking I wanted to do something really deep – like family documentaries. But it turns out that I really like taking headshots. I love making people feel good about how they look – it’s become my thing.”
Bonnie is just one more story about the success that comes from pushing past the fear and being open to new paths when they come your way.
For more on how you can get started with photography today, visit: http://www.greatescapepublishing.com/start/photography.
Podcast #11
“I knew I wanted to do something creative.” –Cheryl Bigman
For more on how you can get started with photography today, visit: http://www.greatescapepublishing.com/start/photography.
Great Escape Radio Episode #11: Reinvent yourself with photography
Cheryl Bigman was going through a transition when she found Great Escape Publishing. She was going through a divorce, her daughter was growing up and she was ready to reinvent herself.
And as long as she was reinventing herself, she wanted a career change too. She was tired of standard desk jobs – she wanted to do something creative.
Then she saw an ad for the Great Escape Publishing Photography Workshop in Paris and decided to check it out.
At the Great Escape Publishing Photography Workshops, attendees get the chance to learn how to take great photos, they practice every day to learn what they’re doing right or wrong and there is always someone to help you with your camera and give you feed back.
Cheryl signed up for the workshop, hopped on a plane to Paris and changed her life.
You can hear about her photographic journey on this episode of Great Escape Radio…
You’ll learn that today she has a very successful photography business, specializing in portraits. Her top tips for doing portrait photos are…
...Take photos that make you feel something
…Don’t just photograph the posed shots, keep your camera in hand and shoot the candid moments – that’s where the emotions come through
…When photographing events, look around the room and capture emotions in the group
If you think you want to try a career in photography, Cheryl offers this advice…
- Find your passion… the thing you love to shoot.
- Figure out how much money you need or want to make.
- Find a mentor in your niche.
- Do. It.
For more on how you can get started with photography today, visit: http://www.greatescapepublishing.com/start/photography.
GEP Podcast #10
"The world is out there waiting for you…just go grab it." - Theresa St. John
For more about how you can get started with travel writing today, visit: www.greatescapepublishing.com/travelwriting.
Great Escape Radio Podcast #10: Travel writing and photography can change your life
Today on Great Escape Radio, Lori Allen introduces us to Theresa St. John…a true success story in both travel writing and photography.
Like many people, Theresa made it to her 50s without really knowing her true talent. Her sisters had each found their niche, but she just couldn't quite figure out hers.
Then she attended the 2013 Great Escape Publishing Ultimate Travel Writing Workshop in Boston, Massachusetts. During the workshop, the instructors gave the attendees instructions on ways to find stories and sell them to editors. As part of the class, everyone was sent out into the city to look for a story.
Theresa headed out into the Boston neighborhoods in search of a good story idea. She's a big fan of coffee, so she made a stop at a local coffee shop. By asking a few questions she uncovered a story. She made some notes, took a few photos, then wrote an article.
Teresa pitched the article to an editor.
The editor responded: "I like what you wrote and I want to publish it."
That fueled Theresa to get started.
Next, she attended a photography workshop to learn to take better photos. And the combination of travel writing and photography have changed Theresa's life.
You can hear her full story on this episode of Great Escape Radio.
Her tips for getting started with travel writing are…
***Take the Great Escape Publishing workshops to get the tools you need - it's easier than figuring everything out by yourself.
***Do a Google search for your hometown to find local publications where you can pitch your story ideas.
***Contact your local Chamber of Commerce and/or your local tourism board and offer to write about local attractions.
***Use the bylines you earn locally to pitch to publications outside your area.
***Write to places you're visiting and get passes for attractions then pitch those story ideas to publications.
Theresa has also been successful in stock photography and currently has about 10,500 photos on stock photography sites.
She has this to say about her new life as a travel writer and photographer…
"It's all about quality of life. If all you do is go to work and go home day in and day out, there's no quality of life. Travel writing and photography has opened up the world to me. I truly feel like the world is my oyster."
Theresa credits Great Escape Publishing with giving her a way to reconnect with her childhood hobbies of photography and writing and she really believes you can do it too.
"Everyone has a story. Follow your heart and your dreams. If I can do this at 57, you can too. Put in the work and you can make it happen."
For more about how you can get started with travel writing today, visit: www.greatescapepublishing.com/travelwriting.
GEP Podcast #9
“When life threw me a curve ball, it was photography to the rescue.” –Kristin Bentz
For more on how you can get started with photography today, visit: http://www.greatescapepublishing.com/start/photography.
Great Escape Radio Episode #9: Photography to the Rescue
Today on Great Escape Radio Lori Allen introduces us to Kristen Bentz – a high-energy, creative and dynamic cruise line travel consultant turned photographer.
Kristen attended a Great Escape Publishing photography workshop in 2012. Like most of the other amateur photographers at the event, she enjoyed taking vacation photos but knew very little about photography – or even her own camera. She wanted to learn how to take better photos and how to sell them.
“Kristen was super-charged after the photography workshop,” says Lori. “Things snowballed really quickly for her.“
Here’s Kristen’s story…
“Not long after attending the photography workshop in 2012, life threw me a curve ball. In order to care for someone very special to me, I had to quit my retail job – and that eliminated my income.”
Kristen needed a source of income that would allow her the time to care for her loved one. And she needed it fast.
“My husband and I were living in Tucson, Arizona and we would go out into the desert at night to look for snakes and watch lightning storms. It sounds crazy, but it was the photos of lightning that started my photography business,” explains Kristen.
For Kristen, a Christmas party at her home with co-workers turned into an aha moment…
“A friend attending my party had disappeared down my hallway. He emerged holding one of my lightning photos that I had framed and asked ‘Can I buy this?’ – to which I said YES! And that was my aha moment!”
Using the skills she learned at the Great Escape Publishing photography workshop Kristen began selling her photos of lightning storms as fine art.
“My unique niche as a storm chasing photographer helped me break into photography insanely fast,” says Kristen. “For me it was photography to the rescue.”
For a while, photography was her sole income – and she survived.
Today Kristen is doing very well with her photography business. In fact, using photography to supplement her income during her difficult life experience has given her the confidence to make many life changes…including a recent move to Alaska where she has been photographing the Northern Lights.
“Fine art photography has been my bread and butter. And by fine art, I mean any kind of print that you would want to hang on your walls at home, in a hotel room, or at any other business. I love it because I set my own prices, I’m 100% my own boss.”
Her advice to you…
**** Get your art out there
****Tell people your story
****Showcase your work at local arts and craft fairs to build momentum then transition to online sales
For more on how you can get started with photography today, visit: http://www.greatescapepublishing.com/start/photography.
GEP Podcast #8
"All success is built on failure. So go fail - screw it up!" -Wayne Hoover
For more on how you can get started with photography today, visit: http://www.greatescapepublishing.com/start/photography.
Great Escape Radio Episode 8: So Many Roads to Photography Success
Great Escape Publishing member, Wayne Hoover didn't set out to become a photographer. In fact, he originally wanted to try travel writing, but a GEP one-day photography workshop set a new career in motion for him.
And in the last year, he’s had so much success with his photography business that he returned to a recent Great Escape Publishing photo workshop to present his story on their success panel.
As Wayne says…
"Remember when you were in kindergarten and they gave you crayons and told you to start coloring. Color anything you want, they said…there's no right or wrong. You were thrilled. But then as you got older they gave you an algebra book, told you to grow up and get prepared to climb the ladder of success. But then when you get to be about 40 or 50, you realize that ladder is on the wrong wall. Someone comes in and says they are replacing you with a 20-something worker - who is cheaper. And you start trying to find a way to get your crayons back."
Wayne’s story is motivational for anyone hoping to move away from a 9-5 desk job and start earning an income doing something they love.
Wayne and his wife own an interior design business. His wife was frustrated with trying to find quality artwork to complete her interior design projects. So, when a client requested to have his family's life story photographed on a 22 foot wall in his home. Wayne accepted the challenge.
He photographed the spot where the client had proposed to his wife, the church they were married in, their son's birth, his high school and many other places of nostalgia. He put the photos on a 2x3 canvas and sold it for $2500. And the rest is history…
You can hear more about Wayne's story in this week's broadcast…
For more on how you can get started with photography today, visit: http://www.greatescapepublishing.com/start/photography.
GEP Podcast #7
“If you have a dream, you can spend a lifetime studying, planning, and getting ready for it. What you should be doing is getting started.” -- Drew Houston
For more about how you can get started with photography today, visit: www.greatescapepublishing.com/start/photography.
Great Escape Radio Episode #7: Stock Photography
Bonnie Caton joins Great Escape Radio in this episode to talk about breaking into stock photography. Bonnie sells many of her photos through online stock photo agencies like Shutterstock and iStock. She also owns a photography business in Portland where she focuses on professional headshots.
One of the things she enjoys about selling photos through stock agencies is that it provides a monthly income with very little effort. It’s also an excellent way to subsidize travel.
Here are some basic tips for getting started in stock photography:
- Look into stock agencies and choose a few you want to work with.
- Sign up as a member at each.
- Start uploading your photos to those agencies. (You can sell those same photos through each of the different agencies.)
- Add titles and key words so people can find your photos. For photos of Rome, you might use Italy, Rome, Travel, and UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- Hit submit and continue this process as you take more photos.
Once your submit your images to an agency, it’s out of your hands – people all over the world can buy the use of that photo and you get a percentage of the sale from the agency. The bigger your portfolio, the more income you’re likely to earn.
Some photos sell better than others. To figure out what types of photos sell best, check out an agency like istockphoto.com. In the search bar, type in something you like to photograph and see what kinds of photos within that theme sell on that agency.
Bonnie explains, “The biggest thing that is going to make the photos sell is usefulness. People searching for photos through stock agencies are usually people creating reports, ads, marketing campaigns, blogs or newsletters and even magazines. Figure out what is useful to them and that will help you figure out what photos will sell.”
Great Escape Publishing offers all kinds of workshops and programs to help you get started. The live workshops are the most expensive, but offer the most opportunities. But if you can’t afford a workshop right off the bat, join Bonnie with her weekly Breakfast Stock Club newsletter for tips on getting started in stock photography.
Another great overview for getting stated in photography is the Turn Your Pictures Into Cash program. This home study program offers an overview of several photography markets, information on techniques, choosing the right camera, tips for taking photos of people, landscapes, etc., and details on how to break into various markets.
The best advice Bonnie has for you? Just do it.
“You’re going to be nervous when you start out, everyone is. Just start anyway. You will get rejected but don’t worry about it. The longer you wait, the more income you lose. You’ll never know if you don’t try!”
For more about how you can get started with photography today, visit: www.greatescapepublishing.com/start/photography.
GEP Podcast #6
“There’s winning and there’s learning, but there is no losing.”
For more about how you can get started with photography today, visit: www.greatescapepublishing.com/start/photography.
Great Escape Radio Episode 6: Introduction to travel photography
When you’re first getting started with photography, it’s important to remember this theme: “There’s winning and there’s learning, but there is no losing.”
At Great Escape Publishing’s photography workshops, Director Lori Allen notes that beginner photographers often become discouraged when presented with the fabulous photos taken by the professional instructors. But they shouldn’t. The only way to become a great photographer is to take pictures. You don’t lose when you take a bad photo – you learn.
And while the journey from beginner to expert photographer may be a long one –that’s part of what makes it fun. And Great Escape Publishing likes to focus on the fun in their workshops and programs.
In fact, most of their pro instructors didn’t start as career photographers. Photography started as a hobby for them and later transitioned to a career. Or they were travelers who happen to sell their photos and make a living at it. They are just people who like to take pictures and have found a way to sell those pictures.
What makes Great Escape Publishing’s programs stand out from the rest is that they not only teach beginners how to take better photos, but they also show them where to sell them- and there are thousands of places to do so.
Traditional stock photography, micro stock agencies, newspapers, online and print magazines, tourism boards, hotels, resorts, chambers of commerce – the list goes on and on. You can even sell your photos as fine art!
As Lori notes, “We are a visual society today. We are putting up more photos in our homes so there’s a huge opportunity to take photos in your local community and sell those photos as fine art. If someone has never been to Paris, they might not want a photo of the Eiffel Tower in their home. But they will put up a photo of places that mean something to them.”
Take photos in your own backyard and within 5 to 10 miles of your house. Find a unique way to capture your town – not just landmarks. Think local: the bagel shop where you get your breakfast, the high school baseball field, a back road only the locals know – the possibilities are endless.
“In my hometown all the locals take the back roads to the airport to avoid traffic delays. Along that road there’s a guy who has goats – lots of them. Goats are in the trees, on top of old cars…everywhere. Someone took a photo of that – it’s brilliant, it’s exactly what people want to buy. It sums up every airport run I have ever done. I want that photo on my wall,” explains Lori.
Here are Lori’s tips for getting started:
- First, get a camera and practice taking photos of anything – your backyard, your kitchen, everywhere you go.
- List the places you want to photograph. Then take those photos in every season and in all types of weather: rain, sunshine, snow, fall. Build a portfolio..
- Learn how to edit your photos using a photo editing software like Lightroom.
- Next it’s about printing – the way you print your photos is important. Choose the right print shop because the paper and quality of the ink matters.
- Approach local businesses about displaying your photos to assist with sales.
All of these might seem overwhelming, but Great Escape Publishing has done the footwork for you. Follow the link below for a free report with more helpful advice on how you can get started selling your photos today.
For more about how you can get started with photography today, visit: www.greatescapepublishing.com/start/photography.
GEP Podcast #5
"There are no shortcuts to any place worth going." -- Beverly Sills
Great Escape Radio Episode 5: The Pros, Cons and Etiquette of Free Travel Perks
One of the things that attracts people to travel writing is the idea of traveling for free or for less than what an ordinary tourist would pay. But before you accept a free hotel stay, free tickets to a museum, free tour, or even a free trip, it is important to know the rules and etiquette that go along with these perks.
Destinations roll out the red carpet for travel writers. Why? They need to sell the traveling public on their destination or brand. A destination can buy ad space in a big travel magazine for a price of anywhere from $5,000 to $20,000. Or, they can have a travel writer come to the destination, experience it first-hand, and then write an article for publication in that travel magazine, online and possibly several other places.
Bringing the writer in often costs much less than that ad space. And let’s face it, we all trust articles over ads.
Before you step onto that red carpet and take in all those free travel perks, you need to be aware of the pros and cons. Some publications don’t like for writers to accept free trips and often see a free trip as a non-legitimate experience. They believe the way that you write about your experience could be swayed by what you get for free. Most newspapers don’t like free trips and won’t accept articles from writers who have received free stuff. Travel magazines, online websites, and blogs are more open to accepting articles from a writer who has received free travel perks, but may ask you to disclose free travel.
The vast majority of travel writers don’t get their entire trip comped. Some do, but most get free hotels, free tours, or free experiences like zip-lining, surfing lesson, meals, etc. Maybe you paid for your flight, but some of the other aspects of the trip are free.
Great Escape Publishing Director, Lori Allen offers these tips for managing the pros, cons and etiquette of free trips:
- When you do get stuff for free you have to be careful about where you place your articles about those things
- Always come through with your end of the bargain. Some new writers are lured by the free stuff, but they don’t write articles. If you don’t fulfill that end of the bargain, it looks bad on you and on the whole travel writing industry and it couple put you in a bad place from the start.
- If you are new to travel writing, the best place to get started is to line up assignments before you leave. Use specific query letter guidelines, pitch your idea to an editor, then travel and write about the trip.
- Do you research ahead of time. This keeps you from asking random questions. If you have pitched a story to a coffee magazine about a small coffee grower in Costa Rica, then you can focus your questions to fit the profile you are writing.
- If you are traveling on a group press trip with other writers, always be respectful and on time. You don’t want to be THAT guy – the one that makes the group late to every appointment. You really don’t ever want to be THAT guy.
Traveling as a travel writer is much different than traveling as a tourist. Travel writers and photographers immerse themselves into the culture of a place – soaking up every sound, sight, smell and feeling. It is truly a unique and wonderful way to travel.
Past attendees of Great Escape Publishing workshops are using what they have learned to travel the world and experience unique perspectives on the places they visit. And they are seeing their articles in magazines. And, yes, often they travel for free…but they always deliver quality articles to be certain each destination gets its money’s worth for that red carpet treatment.
For more about how you can get started with travel writing today, visit: www.greatescapepublishing.com/travelwriting.
GEP Podcast #4
"If you don't have time to do it right, when will you have the time to do it over?" -- John Wooden
Great Escape Radio Episode 4: Insight into Query Letters
What is a query letter? It is the e-mail you send to pitch your story ideas to an editor – and, it is one of the most important parts of travel writing.
When you pitch your ideas, there’s a big pool of freelancers out there who you are competing with, but there are very few of them who do query letters correctly. People who follow the advice of Great Escape Publishing’s programs land in that very small percentage of people who do it right.
Kyle Wagner started as a food critic and later moved into travel writing. Eventually she became the travel editor for the Denver Post where she spent over 10 years. Today she is freelancing and loving life. Here are Kyle’s dos and don’ts about query letters from an editor’s point of view:
- Editors get a lot of queries so the subject line is important. You want to grab the editor’s attention right away or your query won’t be read.
- After a great subject line, the first couple of lines are key. Give them a sense of what you want to write about.
- Know the publication and the types of destinations it covers. For example, at the Denver Post Kyle often received pitches for stories about Maine, but she rarely published anything about Maine. It was not easy to get there from Denver and most of their readers would never go. Instead they focused on places like Mexico and Hawaii – both had direct flights from Denver.
- Check the publication’s archives – has the destination been published recently? Most publications wait a year after a story so it’s key to check and see what has been published recently.
- Writer’s submission guidelines are written by the editors to help freelancers figure out what they are looking for. They are usually specific with details like how many words and how to send the story. Many publications post them online. If they don’t post them, e-mail and ask for them. Follow the guidelines.
- Keep the story as the focus and don’t be too familiar – editors aren’t looking for drinking buddies. They are looking for good stories that are well-written.
- Use e-mail – no one will ever open snail mail.
- Don’t list the famous people that you know – editors don’t need to know who you know and they really don’t care.
- Don’t turn the query into a resume listing everything you have ever published and where. Yes, you may need to provide a link to previously published clips or information about yourself at the end of the query, but don’t start out with a resume.
- Don’t send more than two ideas in one query. Focus on your best idea. Where is the story?
- Don’t forget to use spell check – if you can’t get through a query without using good grammatical skills and without misspelling words how can you write an article?
- Don’t send large files of high res photos – if they want more, they will ask.
There are a lot of bad query letters out there and you don’t want to be part of the “bad query” files. The biggest thing you can do is to follow the writer’s guidelines. It doesn’t matter what anyone else says and it doesn’t matter what anyone else is doing. What matters is what the publication has said to you about how they want to be approached. Stick with what your targeted publication wants.
In a pool of 200, five people are going to do it right and have a unique idea. You want to be part of that five.
For more about how you can get started with travel writing today, visit: www.greatescapepublishing.com/travelwriting.
“It’s the job of editors to edit but it isn’t the job of editors to find the nice tight little story you were supposed to fashion in the midst of the encyclopedia you produced.”
If you love the thought of being a travel writer but feel intimidated about coming up with ideas for travel articles, author of The Ultimate Travel Writer’s Program and International Living Executive Editor, Jennifer Stevens has some sage advice to help you along the way to your life as a travel writer.
When Great Escape Publishing first started talking about travel writing 15 or 16 years ago, there were only a few big travel magazines. Those magazines had plenty of writers on staff that they would send on assignments to find stories.
Today however, those big travel magazines have significantly reduced staffs and are using freelancers to find write the travel stories they need. Of course big magazines like Conde Nast, Travel & Leisure, and National Geographic get thousands of people trying to sell them articles. (As a travel writer you are competing against all types of writers.) So the key to breaking into travel writing is to focus on smaller publications and come up with a unique angle for a destination.
A destination like Paris is never going to get old and content is always going to be needed. But finding a new angle or unique idea to write about Paris is necessary to get your articles published. Don’t let the idea of structuring the article intimidate you. An editor will work with you to edit and restructure an article if the story idea is unique enough. But if it has been run in the past, forget it.
Jennifer Stevens has been an editor for years, but she wasn’t always in that position. She was a freelancer for over a decade and is the master at finding unique ideas. Here are some of her tips for coming up with ideas to get your stories published:
- The best ideas aren’t only specific, they are also unique. You know it’s unique when you should be reading about it before you go.
- Do your research for the publication you are targeting. You may have a great idea, but if the magazine already covered it a few months ago, they aren’t going to buy it.
- Read widely. Search for other stories about your destination and write counter to the traditional view of a place.
- Narrow your ideas down to an angle that fits a specific publication. For example, “10 Best Dog Friendly Patios” might work for Modern Dog magazine. But if you are pitching a story about the same destination to Sunset magazine which has a broader scope, you might focus on local finds, restaurants with locally produced foods, etc. One trip can be for 10 different readers, break it down.
- When in doubt, make your idea narrower. That’s the key. Instead of an article about food in a destination, think about eating a special kind of food – like eating vegan.
- The audience is key. Who is going to read this article? If you are thinking about an idea for a gardening magazine, find out what someone who loves gardening reads and focus on those publications.
As Colman Andrews, the former editor-in-chief for Saveur magazine once said, “It’s the job of editors to edit but it isn’t the job of editors to find the nice tight little story you were supposed to fashion in the midst of the encyclopedia you produced.”
That’s the travel writer’s job.
For more about how you can get started with travel writing today, visit: www.greatescapepublishing.com/travelwriting.
“If you hear someone say ‘I would never go there’ and you think ‘challenge accepted’, you might already be a travel writer.”
Great Escape Publishing produces a number of programs to help people get paid to travel, including travel writing, photography, leading tours for fun and profit, language programs, and creating an import/export business. But it all started with travel writing...
Over the last 16 years their flagship travel writing course, The Ultimate Travel Writer’s Program has evolved to keep up with current trends, and continues to give ordinary people the opportunity to create a new life filled with unique travel experiences and perks.
So who is a travel writer? Jennifer Stevens, the architect behind the Great Escape’s travel writing program and Executive Editor for International Living magazine, offers this, “If you hear someone say ‘I would never go there’ and you think ‘challenge accepted’, you might already be a travel writer.”
Travel writing isn’t for everyone, but it is for those who are naturally curious - those who would rather travel the road not taken. If the idea of seeing the world through a tour bus window makes you just a little bit crazy, then you will understand why the Great Escape Publishing’s travel writing program is a gem.
Director, Lori Allen joins us to share more about this dynamic program. Over the years, Lori has personally met numerous people who have used the tools and techniques provided in this program to become successful travel writers who are experiencing the world in a way the average tourist can’t even imagine.
Travel writers have access to the inaccessible. Museum previews, back-stage tours, access to top chefs, and red carpet treatment are just a few of the perks afforded to quality travel writers. Lori shares her insights and Jennifer Stevens expands on the ways to achieve this type of travel lifestyle. If you love to travel like a “non-tourist” and get paid to share your experiences with others, Great Escape Publishing is your ticket to this type of lifestyle.
For more about how you can get started with travel writing today, visit: www.greatescapepublishing.com/travelwriting.
For more about how you can get started with travel writing today, visit: www.greatescapepublishing.com/travelwriting.
Great Escape Publishing’s philosophy is simple: to show you how to enjoy a life of travel, adventure, creativity, and freedom – and earn a good living. Whether it’s diving on the Great Barrier Reef, shopping in an open-air market in Ecuador, or exploring the culture and romance of Paris, you can earn paychecks and perks for sharing your experiences. And they want to show you how.
Starting as a group of “untourists” making their way around the world in search of more unconventional ways to travel… today, members are import/exporters, travel writers, bloggers and photographers. They don’t have degrees in business and journalism, and haven’t spent years in photo school. They’re just everyday folks who like to travel, and pay for it by following their passions: importing one-of-a-kind treasures, selling stories and photos to magazines, newspapers and websites across the globe.
If you’re ready to take that first step toward financial independence, whether it’s to boost your retirement income or create a whole new livelihood that can provide the income and freedom you need to live anywhere, travel anytime, and enjoy life to the fullest, Great Escape Publishing has something for you.
Director, Lori Allen discusses the company’s early years, the demographic it serves, and why Great Escape Publishing can offer anyone an opportunity for a better life in this first episode.
Since travel writing is at the heart of the company, and continues to be the most popular opportunity for new members, Lori will share ways to tap into that market and begin traveling in a way that most people never experience.
If additional earnings, increased flexibility, and lots of adventure interest you, you’ll want to listen in!
For more about how you can get started with travel writing today, visit: www.greatescapepublishing.com/travelwriting.