Podcast about travel writing

A while back I was interviewed for the Creative Penn website, an invaluable resource for aspiring and beginning authors.

It was an interesting chat and we covered plenty of ground, including,

“# Learning how to write by reading and just getting on with it
# Writing a diary on the road and then turning it into a book (and how his Mum typed them all up over the years!)
# On the inspiration of Steinbeck and Hemingway (and is Ayn Rand “Atlas Shrugged” life-changing?)
# Loneliness vs. solitude in the life of a traveller and writer.
# How honest writing can really connect with your audience. Travel writing is not just about beautiful scenery.
# The use of fictional techniques in ‘truthful’ non-fiction writing
# Alastair’s publishing journey
# Being an evangelist for self-publishing and print-on-demand
# “Setting small targets to achieve outrageous goals”: How to write a book as well as cycling round the world!
# Make a bold statement of your goal – and then take the small steps to get there.
# On giving books away for free in an attempt to drive print book sales
# Internet book marketing is critical if you are self-publishing. Interesting, regularly updated blog and social networking are top tips.
# Your internet following will grow over time – it is not a ‘get rich quick’ solution but you will get there!
# Making a living with speaking and how books help that career.”

Plenty of different topics to mull over!
Listen to the podcast here.

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Have you read Alastair’s books? Also available for Kindle, iPad and children.

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1. Riding to Write. Or Writing to Ride?
2. No fridge required. The travails of the modern travel writer
3. Travellers’ Tales Festival: writing in the ‘blogosphere’
4. How to become an author